In this video we cover the BASIC movements in Muay Thai, which is learning how to move: Forwards, backwards, left and right in the proper manner.
Anytime we move our feet, we call that ‘Footwork’.
Movement (and balance) is a key component to to all sports, and with Thai Boxing, it’s no different.
All offense and defense comes from being able to move quickly, while staying on-balance.
Attacking someone requires proper movement and footwork fundamentals.
All defense requires having good balance, which stems from sound movement and footwork fundamentals.
Proper footwork for boxing and Muay Thai is not like walking, where you’re probably used to putting one foot in front of the other.
Whichever direction you want to move, the foot closest to that direction will move first.
Furthermore, for the most part, there will never been an instance where you cross your legs, switch your stance, or have your feet parallel or touching each other.
Let’s have a look:
We start in our fight stance: feet shoulders-width apart, hands up, chin down. Moving forward means your lead foot moves forward and your back foot moves behind it.
Keeping your feet should width apart. Take small steps. And stay light on the balls of your feet.
• Repeat for moving backwards: Rear Leg, then Lead Leg
• Repeat for moving right: Right Leg, then Left Leg
• Repeat for moving left: Left Leg, then Right Leg
“Open, adjust, open, adjust”
Few things to keep in mind:
Never drop your guard while moving. Always try and keep your hands up and chin tucked as you learn to move between the different positions.
Also, this bears repeating: Avoid switching your stance, crossing your legs, widening your stance beyond the width of your shoulders, or narrowing your stance too tightly.
Fundamentally, all movement is this sport is rooted in this simple movement pattern.
Simple right? 🙂