Within the world of Muay Thai, there are different styles of fighters, each with their own unique approach that can give them an advantage over their opponents.
Each style is exciting in its own way. Throughout my time training in Thailand, the different styles are really put on show when you're training Muay Thai at different gyms in Thailand.
Here are the 5 different styles of Muay Thai fighters:
1. MUAY FEMUR - Technical Fighter
A Muay Femur is known as a technical fighter, using their knowledge of the sport and training precise techniques in order to win fights.
Muay Femur fighters make great use of their footwork, timing and how they manage the distance between their opponent. The Muay Femur fight style often poses trouble for their opponents as they tend to be quite hard to hit.
2. Muay Tae - Kick Fighter
A Muay Tae fighter relies heavily on their kicks. With the roundhouse kick being one of the most devastating weapons in Muay Thai, a lot of the most dominant Muay Thai fighters have built their style around kicks.
3. Muay Mat - Aggressive Fighter
Known more for their heavy hands, Muay Mat fighters are always fun to watch. With devastating boxing and power that offer some of the most spectacular knockouts.
With a constant forward-moving style, often starting high with punches and ending their combinations with brutal low kicks.
The strategy behind any Muay Mat fighter is pretty simple, go for the knockout.
4. Muay Khao - Knee Fighter
Muay Khao fighters are knee fighters. Often taller and a much longer reach, they can throw knee strikes at distance without putting them at too much risk.
The Muay Khao fighter tends to be great linch fighters, being able to close the distance and clinch up with their fighters to throw knee strikes.
5. MUAY BOUK - Pressure Fighter
Muay Bouk fighters are probably your favourite to watch. Known for their aggression and pressure, they very rarely take a back step. All Muay Thai styles have their charm and are great to watch, but a Muay Bouk is often a fan favourite due to their high-octane energy and relentless style.
There's no specific weapon of choice for a Muay Bouk, just aggression, grit and non-stop pressure.
Muay Thai is a sport that offers a wide range of styles and techniques for fighters to use and that you can employ in your own training.
Whether you are a technical fighter, a power fighter, a counter fighter, a Muay Mat fighter, or a Muay Khao fighter, there is a style that can suit your strengths and help you win fights.
By understanding the different styles of Muay Thai fighter, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and its many nuances.
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