Straight Knee (Khao Trung) — Overview

The straight knee in Muay Thai, called Khao Trung, is performed with three variations: no-grab, one-hand grab, and two-hand grab. The technique begins with a step and hip rotation to generate power before driving the knee upward.

Straight Knee — No-Grab Execution

From a fighting stance, the practitioner steps laterally while rotating the hips. The knee is driven straight upward with one arm pulling backward to enhance rotation. Both left and right sides are drilled with alternating steps and arm pulls.

Straight Knee — One-Hand Grab Variation

With one-hand grab control, the practitioner secures the opponent's head or collar while stepping. The knee is driven upward from the same hip-rotating base position, with the grabbing hand pulling to add force and control.

Straight Knee — Two-Hand Grab Variation

Using both hands to control the opponent's head, the practitioner steps and rotates the hips before driving the knee upward. The body leans slightly back while pulling the opponent downward into the ascending knee strike.

Oblique Knee (Khao Chiang) — 45-Degree Angle

The oblique knee angles the strike inward at approximately 45 degrees, differing from the straight-line path of Khao Trung. The stepping pattern and hip rotation remain consistent with the straight knee, but the knee trajectory cuts diagonally across the opponent's centerline.

Inside Knee (Khao Cut) — Inward Cutting Variation

Similar to the oblique knee, the inside knee (Khao Cut) angles inward but targets the opponent's midsection with a cutting motion. The step, rotation, and hip mechanics follow the same foundation as previous variations.

Push Knee (Khao Yet) — Side Direction

The side push knee, or Khao Yet, drives laterally rather than vertically. The practitioner steps and rotates to project the knee sideways, creating space or driving the opponent backward.

Curved Knee (Slap or Curve) — Close-Range Hook

At close range, the curved or slapping knee employs a hooking trajectory similar to a curved punch. The practitioner grabs the opponent's head while driving a curved knee strike, useful when distance collapses in clinch fighting.

Knee lesson

LANNAFIGHTING

Horizontal Knee

2 min read·8 key moments·PT8M59S video

Key Takeaways

•Straight Knee (Khao Trung) — Overview
•Straight Knee — No-Grab Execution
•Straight Knee — One-Hand Grab Variation
•Straight Knee — Two-Hand Grab Variation

#muaythai #muayboran #lannafighting

Related Techniques

Diagonal Knee

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about horizontal knee?

This video covers straight knee (khao trung) — overview, straight knee — no-grab execution, straight knee — one-hand grab variation. It provides detailed instruction from LANNAFIGHTING.

How long does it take to learn horizontal knee?

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 horizontal knee?

The side push knee, or Khao Yet, drives laterally rather than vertically. The practitioner steps and rotates to project the knee sideways, creating space or driving the opponent backward.