The Art of Fighting

The Art of Fighting – Yod Ruerngsa, Khun Kao Charuad &  James Cartmell

Preface

First and Foremost. Techniques described in this book are meant to damage and even kill your opponent, though being properly executed are very damaging and some are potentially lethal. Practice and use them with caution - it's your and own responsibility.

Second. There are lots of gyms, schools and training camps where Muay Thai is taught. Cause Muay Thai is living art there are myriads of variations of how to call this or that technique, how to execute this or that strike or training drill. So if you find out that there are some differences between what you are taught and what you read in this book - don't worry. Use your common sense, try both ways, chose what suits you more. This book isn't meant to show the only way, it is meant to help to choose YOUR OWN WAY.

 Third. There are three authors of this book, but in order to make reading easier, all advices are given as from one author.

 Fourth. Many of you can ask why so few pictures and where are all these fancy diagrams and stepping patterns? This book lacks them on purpose. We found out that lots off beginners try to imitate what they see (in the gym or in the book) without understanding. And it becomes even worse if someone decides that he can do it after only reading about it. We want you, our reader, to benefit from this book. As so - try all you read in it at your gym, with your partner, ask your trainer about it, discuss it with your friends. In other words - try to fill, try to catch the essence of techniques and drills. Understanding technique is simple, correct execution is much more difficult - but that's the goal. And remember PRACTICE IS THE ONLY WAY.

Contents

 Preface ……………………………………………………………………………………..6

Chapter 1. History and Traditions of Muay Thai

Muay Thai Chronology……………………………………………………………………7

Thai Musical Instruments for Boxing……………………………………………………15

Beginner Initiation Ritual………………………………………………………………..18

Pre-fight Ritual…………………………………………………………………………..20

Wai Kru………………………………………………………………………………….23

Muay Thai Terminology…………………………………………………………………37

Chapter 1. Cherng Muay (Traditional Basics)

Cherng Mad 15 Cherng (15 punches)……………………………………………………44

Cherng Sok 24 Cherng (24 elbow strikes)……………………………………………….58

Cherng Khao 11 Cherng (11 knee strikes)……………………………………………….79

Cherng Thao 15 Cherng (15 kicks)………………………………………………………89

Chapter 2. Kon Muay Thai (Traditional Techniques)

Kae Mad 29 Kon……………………………………………………………………….115

Kae Thao 23 Kon………………………………………………………………………133

Kae Khao 3 Kon………………………………………………………………………..145

Kae Sok 4 Kon………………………………………………………………………….147

JuJom 23 Kon…………………………………………………………………………..149

Chapter 3. The Master Tricks and The Complimentary Tricks

15 Mae Mai……………………………………………………………………………..164

Control of Breath……………………………………………………………………….174

Stance and Footwork in Detail………………………………………………………….177

Defensive Head Movements……………………………………………………………180

Kicking When It Is Too Close To Kick………………………………………………...181

Going "Dirty"    ………………………………………………………………………….183

Muay Thai: Throws and Takedowns…………………………………………………...185

Clinch (Prumb)………………………………………………………………………….187

Chapter 3. Movements of Using Muay Thai Art

15 Look Mai…………………………………………………………………………….201

Basic Combinations…………………………………………………………………….212

More Combinations…………………………………………………………………….215

Chapter 4. Training Drills, Conditioning and etc.

Training Drills…………………………………………………………………………..216

Improving Punching Power…………………………………………………………….218

Favorite Drills…………………………………………………………………………..221

Medicine Ball Drills…………………………………………………………………….222

Neck Wrestling Drills…………………………………………………………………..224

Thai Pad Drills………………………………………………………………………….225

Build Explosiveness…………………………………………………………………….228

Kicking Speed…………………………………………………………………………..238

Training to Fight!.............................................................................................................240

How not to Flinch, Blink or Turn Away……………………………………………….243

Beginner Muay Thai Training Schedule………………………………………………..246

Conditioning the Shins………………………………………………………………….247

Common Muay Thai Injuries…………………………………………………………...250

Dealing with Psychological Problem of "Getting Hit"…………………………………252

Basic Technique in Meditation Practice………………………………………………..255

Chapter 5. Hand Wrapping

Muay Thai Hand Wrapping…………………………………………………………….256

Pro-Boxing Hand Wrapping……………………………………………………………260

Hand Wrapping for Heavy Bag Training……………………………………………….272