Thai Kick Target Selection

The Thai kick targets soft tissue areas, typically the inner thigh or ribs. When executing higher kicks, the practitioner aims across the ribs and solar plexus to compromise the opponent's breathing. Target selection depends on the situation and desired effect.

Thai Kick Mechanics and Body Weight Transfer

Proper Thai kick execution requires smooth weight transfer through a complete pivot and hip rotation. The leg follows behind the hip extension, delivering force through the shin to the target. This fundamental technique builds the foundation for all kicking combinations.

Clinch-Range Kicking Applications

When an opponent secures a Muay Thai clinch grip, the practitioner can execute upward knee strikes or swinging kicks from this close range. Clinch kicking requires timing to exploit moments when the opponent's grip control is momentarily broken, allowing for explosive knee and shin techniques.

Side Kick Fundamentals and Setup

The side kick demands more complex mechanics than the Thai kick and requires careful progression to prevent injury. The practitioner chambers the leg by drawing the knee up and across the body before extending the heel toward the target. Hip rotation is essential to generate power and extend fully into the ribs or midsection.

Side Kick Chamber and Hip Rotation

The side kick begins with the knee elevated and drawn inward, requiring significant hip mobility and control. The hips must rotate explosively to align the heel with the target while maintaining balance. The practitioner must recover by retracting the leg quickly rather than dropping it to the ground.

Side Kick Execution and Balance Recovery

Once the side kick is delivered to the ribs, the practitioner must immediately retract the leg to prevent being taken down. The technique requires substantial repetition to achieve proper timing and balance maintenance. Executed correctly at range, the side kick generates tremendous force into the opponent's midsection.

Solar Plexus Kick from Forward Momentum

A high-impact variation targets the solar plexus by timing the opponent's forward movement. The practitioner uses the opponent's momentum combined with a chambered knee position and rotational torque to land the heel precisely. This technique is particularly effective when the opponent commits forward aggressively.

Solar Plexus Kick Mechanics

The solar plexus kick chambers with the knee elevated and rotates the hips to generate power without full leg extension. The technique relies on timing and positional accuracy rather than maximum reach. Repeated practice develops the precision needed to land consistently in this vital target area.

Street Fighting Techniques - How to Throw Knee & Side Kick - Muay Thai Kickboxing

MixedMartialArtsHQ.com
2 min read·8 key moments·PT6M49S video

Key Takeaways

  • Thai Kick Target Selection
  • Thai Kick Mechanics and Body Weight Transfer
  • Clinch-Range Kicking Applications
  • Side Kick Fundamentals and Setup

#1 Best Selling 'Success Conditioning Program' available now at http://www.mixedmartialartshq.com/mental-training/mental-training-tools/success-conditioning-program/ ---------------------------- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Daniel Gonzalez, demonstrates various techniques found effective in a stand up, street combat situation. Techniques are derived from years of studying with masters of muay thai kickboxing, boxing, and jeet kune do styles of martial arts. ---------------------------- #1 Best Selling 'Success Conditioning Program' available now at http://www.mixedmartialartshq.com/mental-training/mental-training-tools/success-conditioning-program/

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about double side kick?

This video covers thai kick target selection, thai kick mechanics and body weight transfer, clinch-range kicking applications. It provides detailed instruction from MixedMartialArtsHQ.com.

How long does it take to learn double side kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing double side kick?

A high-impact variation targets the solar plexus by timing the opponent's forward movement. The practitioner uses the opponent's momentum combined with a chambered knee position and rotational torque to land the heel precisely. This technique is particularly effective when the opponent commits forward aggressively.