Techniques Used by Elite Thai and UK Muay Thai Fighters: An Analysis and Simulation

Abstract

Background: Muay Thai is a combat sport growing in international popularity. Previous research has highlighted marked jurisdictional differences in the judging systems employed, but no studies have compared techniques used by fighters across geographic regions or have been on how these might be a function of the different judging systems employed. This paper aimed to address this issue by examining differences in technique selection and application between Thai and UK Muay Thai fighters using notational analysis. Method: The winners of thirty-two fights involving 16 Thai and 16 UK fighters were analysed. Three multilevel Poisson regression models were used to estimate differences in technique frequency and key performance indicators between Thai and UK fighters. Results: Thai fighters used more attacking and defensive techniques than UK fighters, particularly knees (p < 0.001), roundkicks to the body (p < 0.001), and push kicks (p < 0.001). Thai fighters also tended to catch an opponent's leg significantly more often than UK fighters (p < 0.001), but UK fighters were significantly more likely to use other defensive techniques. There were also statistically significant interactions between nationality and a range of quality indicators, including delivering techniques at an appropriate distance (p < 0.001), the effectiveness of techniques used (p < 0.001), and returning to a balanced stance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggested that Thai fighters using better distancing, were more effective and more balanced. The practical implications of findings and their implications for the sport and future research are discussed.

Postactivation Potentiation for Muay Thai Kicking Performance

“…Muay Thai is a combat sport that originated in Thailand, referred to as "the art of 8 limbs." Competitors can kick, punch, knee, elbow, and clinch their opponents (19,20,26). A Muay Thai bout can last up to 5 rounds of 3 minutes each but is sometimes shortened depending on the competitors' competence and experience.…”

“…The roundhouse kick can be an effective technique when actioned by a high hip angular velocity; Diniz et al (10) found that when comparing the roundhouse kick technique, used in other striking-based martial arts, with Muay Thai, the angular velocity of the hip is greater and can produce a higher impact, causing destructive damage to gain points or incapacitate an opponent. The Teep kick (front push kick) also has similar efficacy; being one of the most used techniques in Muay Thai for attacking and countering attacks from the opponent, showing benefits from increasing competitors kicking performance impact power (14,19,22). Vagner et al (27) identified the Teep kick to be highly effective in close quarter combat, and the need for increased destructive impact was key to successful performances.…”

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience

“…Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is a ‘cultural export’ and the most popular sport in Thailand. The sport has a great influence on the world of combat sports and commercial trends [ 29 ]. Thai boxing is termed an ‘eight-limb’ martial art, with practitioners using eight points of contact with the opponent (i.e., fists, elbows, knees, and feet).…”

“…Thai boxing is termed an ‘eight-limb’ martial art, with practitioners using eight points of contact with the opponent (i.e., fists, elbows, knees, and feet). Furthermore, it includes grappling techniques (involving takedowns and clinch) [ 1 , 29 ]. Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is the flagship ground fighting sport developed in Brazil.…”

Perfil da produção científica sobre o muay thai (1996 – 2018)

“…O boxe internacional tem sido o principal esporte de combate televisionado em exposição na mídia em todo o mundo (MYERS et al, 2013). No entanto, nos últimos anos, outros esportes de combate têm desafiado esse monopólio.…”