Yothasinthop ( The Snap - Thrust Kick)

This kick means the Horse-kick in English – the horse throws a quick violent kick and then moves quickly back. The thrust kick is seen as the most powerful kick as it is the longest and most powerful weapon in a fighter’s range. In the famous MuayThai manual written in the reign of Rama 111, this kick is given the most prominence. ( this manual can be seen in the National Library, Bangkok under section no.10/khor)

The strength of the kick is transferred through the ball of the foot or the instep. It can be pushed forwards, sideways or in the snap-thrust. The snap is thrown in a diagonal direction, by throwing the leg and twisting the hips at the same time so that the foot goes forwards to the chin, chest or the lower abdomen.

Practicing

The trainee should start in the guard position: and then practice the kick by throwing the leg and concentrating on the hip twist. The leg should stretch out in a straight line so that the power travels from the hip to the foot.

Defending

Defend by sidestepping and return a kick.
Sway out of reach and throw a kick at the support leg of your opponent.
Use your front hand to ward off the kick and punch.
Block the kick with your leg, move inside and knee.
Block and throw a roundhouse kick.

Khun Suek Tee Thuan

This is a very dangerous move, used to counter a punching attack by swaying out of reach and delivering a kick to the body or face. As your opponent delivers a straight punch, step to the right ( if the punch is coming from the left) , shifting your body weight onto the right foot and deliver a kick with the left leg to the body or face. Practice doing the kick with both legs until it becomes a reflex. The footwork, enabling you to move sideways then attack is the most vital part of the movement.