Muay Thai - Knee Bomb

This video shows the muay thai knee bomb, which is a straight knee strike where you break into your opponent's defense from the distance. In Thai, the muay thai knee bomb is called Khao Yao (เข่ายาว). This video was created in cooperation with Muay Thai Santai. Find more detailed muay thai instructions at muay thai main.

Execution

Start from the muay thai fighting stance and make sure you don't stand too close to your target. The knee bomb is a knee strike from the distance.
Then make at least one big step with your lead leg and strike out with your back leg.
Kick with your back knee. Fully bend your knee so that your opponent can't hook his arm under your thigh. Also make sure you keep your hands up. Knee strikes are often countered with sharp elbows to the face. One hand usually goes for the opponents neck, but in the case of the knee bomb, you can keep both hands up if needed.
Push your hips forward shortly before your knee touches your opponent (see straight knee strike lesson).
Then pull your knee back and plant your kicking leg behind your standing leg. Never let the kicking leg fall at the end. You should be able to go back to the muay thai fighting stance after every technique.

Advice

Always kick with the back leg. There is not enough power in front leg knee strikes.
You can hop forward when you do a knee bomb, but don't jump up.
Instead of keeping your guard up, you can also extend your arms towards your opponent in order to block his vision.
Practice the muay thai knee bomb on a heavy bag or with a training partner (kick pads).

Performance

In this Video: Kru Phon & Tim - Muay Thai Santai
Team: Muay Thai Santai Fighting Team
Coach: Kru Phon
Taped by: Mavi

Suggestions

Advice

The videos are supposed to be a help for the animated instructions. Check out the animated lessons first and then go to the video section.