Become Fighter
Beating the muay khao: Muay Thai guide
The knee fighter wants the clinch. Don't give it to them.
A muay khao fighter walks forward, grabs the neck and knees. They are strong in the clinch and fight to shorten the distance. If you stand square, they win.
The plan is to keep the range with teeps and low kicks, circle off their line and strike as they enter. When they get the plum, break early with a frame or a pivot.
Key points
- Keep the teep and the low kick active to stop their entry.
- Circle to the side that gives them the worst angle.
- Strike as they step in, then break the contact.
- Frame early if they grab your head.
- Don't trade in the clinch if they are stronger.
- Use the long guard to stop the plum.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Backing up in a line. Circle. A straight retreat sends you to the ropes.
- Trading in the clinch. Break early unless you are stronger there.
- Dropping the guard to kick. Keep the long guard up between strikes.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Style matchups module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Style matchups
- Beating the muay mat: Muay Thai guide
- Beating the muay femur: Muay Thai guide
- Fighting a southpaw: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.