Muay Thai Cherng Khao 11 Cherng (the tricks of knees)
01/11 KUMPAN PUNG HOK : Straight knees
The boxer bends the right knee obliquely to the left side then twists to throw it to the opponent's abdomen or chest. This trick is used for attack, defense or escape.
To protect : twist the body while pressing the left elbow down to guard the rib.
To counter: throw the right foot to the opponent. If the boxer is a left handed fighter, reverse the description from Right to left.
Hanuman Thayarn (The flying knee)
- The flying knee, known in Thai as 'Hanuman Thayarn', is one of the most extreme techniques in the Muay Thai arsenal. It is similar to the straight knee but is performed in a forward leaping motion during which both feet are clearly lifted off the ground. The momentum of the leaping body is placed behind the knee, making it very powerful when striking the opponent. Used at the right moment, the flying knee can be a decisive weapon in a fight.
- The only difference between the straight knee and the flying knee is the leap forward. In the straight flying knee, power is derived from a leap upward. This move is easily performed in close range by jumping straight upward. The impact force of this move, however, is much less than that of the leaping forward flying knee.
- The most effective flying knee employs the rear leg rather than the knee of the front leg as using the rear leg enables the boxer to generate more power. It is best used when the opponent is off guard, in a tight spot, or pinned in a corner. For optimum results, the flying knee should be used when you are at least one step away from your opponent. This allows enough room for you to leap and perform the movement. If there are at least two or three steps between you and the other boxer, the flying knee can be broken up into two stages: the run and the leap. Target areas for the flying knee are the lower abdomen, the stomach, the solar plexus, the chin, and the face. A skillful boxer can even use the flying knee to counter his opponent's attack.
Directions for the flying knee[1]
From the right triangular stance the trainee should run a few steps,
provided there is enough room, and leap quickly forwards towards the
opponent. The left leg should be in front and the right leg in the rear,
and similarly with the fists. Push off the right foot and leap forward
and upward. While in flight, bend the right knee perpendicular to the
body with the left leg pointing straight down. Both arms should tightly
protect the chin, face, and stomach. The chin should be tucked closely
to the chest and shoulders. Throughout the move, the right knee must be
held taut and perpendicular to the body at all times.
Directions for the flying knee[2]
This move can be practiced on a sandbag. Trainees should practice by
leaping towards the sandbag. Halfway to the sandbag, they should raise
their right knees perpendicular to their bodies before impacting the
target. Bear in mind at all times that the target is the chin or the
chest of your opponent so your leap must be quite high off the ground.
To increase the impact force of the target, the body can be twisted
slightly at impact to give added momentum. When using the flying knee,
the elbow should be kept at a right angle to the body. It can be used
both as an added offensive weapon and as a defensive shield.Directions for the flying knee[3] Once the flying knee is mastered, it can be adapted with other movements and become more advanced. Following are some examples:
1. Kick first and follow up with the flying knee.
2. Avoid the opponent's kick and retaliate with the flying knee.
3. Step on the opponent's thigh and deliver the flying knee.
4. Push the opponent's arms upwards and follow up with the flying knee.
5. Push the opponent's arms downwards and follow up with the flying knee.
Defend against the flying knee
1. Turn away perpendicular from the oncoming flying knee.
2. Thrust kick your opponent before the impact of the flying knee.
3. Turn to the right or the left and kick your opponent.
4. As the opponent leaps towards you deliver a straight punch.
