5 Advanced Muay Thai Techniques to Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Muay Thai, often referred to as the "Art of Eight Limbs," is a striking martial art that uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins to attack and defend. If you've mastered the basics and are looking to elevate your Muay Thai skills, there are advanced techniques that can help you stand out in both training and competition. At Element Martial Arts, we believe that with the right mindset and focused practice, you can take your Muay Thai game to the next level. Here are five advanced techniques that every experienced Muay Thai fighter should know 

1. Elbow Strikes (Sok) 

Elbow strikes are one of the most devastating tools in Muay Thai. While most fighters start by learning basic elbow strikes like the horizontal and diagonal elbow, advanced techniques go beyond these simple moves to incorporate more dynamic angles and setups. 

Why It's Effective: 

The elbow is a powerful weapon because it is short-range but can cause significant damage. Advanced elbow techniques, like the flying elbow and spinning elbow, are designed to surprise your opponent and break their defence. The ability to control distance and use elbows in close-quarters combat is essential in Muay Thai. 

How to Master It: 

Focus on precision and timing. Rather than relying on brute force, advanced elbow strikes should be delivered with speed and sharpness. Practice setting up your elbows after clinching or when your opponent tries to push you back. Incorporating feints can also make your elbow strikes more unpredictable. 

2. The Teep (Front Kick) 

The teep, or front kick, is often underestimated by beginners, but it’s a powerful tool that can control distance, off-balance your opponent, and set up other strikes. Advanced teep techniques involve a more fluid application, using the kick to not only create space but also to pressure your opponent into a defensive position. 

Why It's Effective: 

The teep can be a great weapon for both offense and defense. It can stop an aggressive opponent in their tracks or push them backward to set up your next move. Advanced fighters use the teep to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm, making them hesitant to come forward. 

How to Master It: 

Work on delivering a clean and swift teep, focusing on timing and distance control. Incorporate it into your combinations to create openings for other strikes, such as kicks or knees. Advanced practitioners use the teep to set up their opponent for a clinch or to bait them into an aggressive attack that can be countered. 

3. Knee Strikes (Khao) 

Knee strikes are a key feature in Muay Thai, especially in the clinch. Advanced knee techniques focus on using the knee as both a direct offensive tool and a counter to your opponent’s attacks. Knees can be thrown in a variety of ways—whether in close quarters or from a distance with the right setup. 

Why It's Effective: 

The knee is one of the most versatile weapons in Muay Thai. It can be used for striking directly or to break an opponent's balance in the clinch. By controlling your opponent’s posture in the clinch and using knees to attack their ribs, thighs, and head, you can deliver significant damage. 

How to Master It: 

To improve your knee strikes, practice maintaining a strong posture in the clinch while controlling your opponent's head and body. Be sure to throw your knees with force, targeting soft areas such as the ribs or the stomach. Work on incorporating multiple knee strikes in quick succession to overwhelm your opponent. 

4. Elbow and Knee Combinations 

Combining elbow strikes with knee strikes is a deadly combo in advanced Muay Thai. When executed properly, these strikes can flow seamlessly, creating a non-stop offensive that is difficult for your opponent to defend. 

Why It's Effective: 

The beauty of this combination lies in the fact that the elbow and knee are both close-range weapons. By chaining these strikes together, you maximize your damage in the clinch while staying in a position where you’re hard to hit back. These combos are particularly useful when you're in tight with your opponent or when they're trying to clinch you. 

How to Master It: 

Practice using elbow and knee combinations in quick succession. When you throw an elbow, immediately transition to a knee. This can be practiced in shadow boxing, with pads, or in controlled sparring. The key is fluidity—don’t let your strikes become predictable. 

5. Clinch and Sweep 

The clinch is where Muay Thai shines, but advanced clinching techniques involve more than just holding your opponent in place. An advanced clinch not only controls your opponent but also sets them up for sweeps and throws, giving you the advantage in a tight situation. 

Why It's Effective: 

The clinch allows you to dominate your opponent's posture, making them vulnerable to strikes or sweeps. Sweeping your opponent while controlling their upper body puts you in a position to land more strikes or create space to escape. 

How to Master It: 

Focus on controlling your opponent’s head and arms, preventing them from escaping your clinch. From there, practice using sweeps to off-balance them and throw them to the ground. Being able to control your opponent in the clinch will give you the upper hand in most situations. 

Take Your Muay Thai Skills to the Next Level 

Mastering these advanced Muay Thai techniques requires dedication, practice, and a strong understanding of timing and distance. Each technique will help you gain an advantage over your opponent, both in training and in competition. At Element Martial Arts, we believe in helping fighters grow and refine their skills, no matter their level. 

Are you ready to take your Muay Thai skills to the next level? Book a trial class today and start mastering these advanced techniques or contact us to learn more about our Muay Thai programs.