Why Are Muay Thai Fighters So Short?

Many fighters in Muay Thai are naturally taller than their opponents. Their height allows them to land hard strikes while maintaining safe distance. In order to fight taller opponents, fighters with short height need to learn basic tactics.

First, determine the type of fighter your opponent is. Then, analyze the throws and strikes they throw. Once you know this, you can choose the right style of fighting.

Body movements

One of the primary reasons Muay Thai fighters are so short is because of their body movements. Head movements aren’t emphasized in this art, and head defense is not a common drill. In Muay Thai, the opponent will mix in kicks in addition to punches, which means that defending the head isn’t as important as it once was. If your opponent is a volume puncher, this may put you at a disadvantage.

Muay Thai trainers stress the importance of body conditioning and training. Though this style of fighting is highly physical and has a steep learning curve for beginners, the training regimens are designed to increase your stamina and fitness quickly. You can train for muay thai by incorporating combat sport conditioning staples such as medicine ball exercises and body weight resistance routines. The shorts also provide the necessary movement for Muay Thai fighters, which are frequently kneeling and carrying. A gi would hinder your body movements and make it harder to deliver kicks.

Leaning back

The lean back of a muay Thai fighter is formed from their combative posture and the range of their attacks. A forward moving knee with a spearing kick can discourage charging punchers or create a nice visual body shot from a long-range strike. In contrast, an upright knee with an angled strike is forward and close range. The latter is the preferred style for clinch-style and “dern” fights.

A good defense and a solid striker are the two most important elements of this martial art. Rafael Fiziev showed the proper way to lean back during a recent event in Phitsanulok, Thailand. Leaning back prevents kicks to the dome or knocking an opponent unconscious. Lean-back techniques have been used by Thai boxers for years. Phuket Top Team’s Rafael Fiziev demonstrates the technique.

Muay Thai fighters should not stand sideways like boxers. Their stance and foot placement are related to technique. Some martial arts movies and video games may exaggerate their stance by depicting fighters with their elbows extended out to the sides of their body. While this stance is acceptable, it is not recommended, as it could cause injuries. In addition, some fighters may not be tall enough to defend from head kicks.

To avoid leaning back, fighters must plant their feet firmly and maintain a slight knee bend. By staying in this position, they are close enough to evade their opponent’s punches without having to stray too far away from their target. But be careful not to overdo it; it will affect your balance and compromise your defense. If you lean back, your opponent’s counter-punch will have little power and little force.

Blocking

Many people may wonder why Muay Thai fighters are short. It is because of the style’s scoring system, which favors fighters who land more shots and inflict more damage. However, a short fighter may not score as many points as a taller or more aggressive fighter. The key is to remember that quality is more important than quantity. As such, casual fans often misinterpret the results of a fight.

The most effective way to block a low kick is to lift one leg to face the leg of the opponent, then raise it. The shin is raised and the kick is blocked. This method is not the best one for teeps. A good blocking technique is called the check. In muay thai, this technique is the most common form of kicking defense.

Fighting in the clinch

Because Muay Thai fights in the clinch, Muay Thai fighters tend to be short. In the clinch, the fighters have to keep their arms inside of the opponent’s. Their hands should be in a “cupping” position. This creates angles and opportunities for strikes. The elbow, knee, and foot strikes are common when fighting in the clinch.

The clinch position is dangerous and requires tremendous energy. While Muay Thai fighters are short, the range of their legs is significantly greater. It is also an area where they can lose badly. Many boxers, however, have tried to beat Muay Thai fighters by mixing the rules. Boxers are unable to answer kicks in this position. A fighter who can punch in the clinch will win the fight.

MMA fighters cannot sweep their opponent’s legs, or kick them out with their ankle, calf, or inside foot. They must clear their opponent’s leg before taking a second step. In addition, MMA fighters cannot kick a leg out of an opponent’s groin. To clear an opponent’s leg, a fighter must strike.

Compared to taller fighters, Muay Thai fighters are more effective at clinch fighting than they are in traditional striking. This is due to their longer reach, which allows them to lean on you, either defensively or offensively. Dieselnoi was 6’3′ tall and terrifying. Whether a fighter is tall or short, any percentage advantage is advantageous over time.

When fighting in the clinch, Muay Thai fighters use the clinch as an advantage in the ring. Clinching is the most effective way to parry an aggressive opponent. While it’s short, this method can end a fight in ten seconds or less. This position disrupts the opponent’s game and leaves many opportunities for punishment, including straight or diagonal knees to the head.

Training regimen

One of the most important aspects of a Muay Thai training regimen is developing endurance. Enough endurance to last three rounds of intense competition is essential if you want to win. Strength training will help you develop this essential physical trait. Aerobic exercises are great ways to increase your endurance. You can use both aerobic and anaerobic conditioning to increase your stamina and energy levels.

Performing sprints can help build a fighter’s anaerobic cardio system. Sprints can be combined with hills to strengthen leg muscles. In addition to this, sprints can exhaust the central nervous system and strengthen musculature. Muay Thai fighters generally perform 10 sets of 100-meter sprints once or twice a week. This workout is important for building strength and stamina.

If you’re short and have a shorter frame, you may benefit from a longer training regimen. Instead of practicing Thai pad sessions, consider sparring instead. Sparring with a partner requires joint effort and flexibility. You’ll want to get a partner who isn’t afraid to hit you in the face, and spar with light techniques. But remember that sparring is where the hard work and conditioning come into play. Sparring is where you learn a lot about yourself and your abilities.

For short muay thai fighter’s foot and ankle issues, consider a different approach to training. Rather than focusing on plyometric training, focus on enhancing SSC and addressing the typical foot and ankle issues associated with the sport. While the short leg will pull the heel cords, this technique is a good way to increase SSC. The technique also develops your ankle muscles.