What is a Muay Khao?

A Muay Khao (Muay knee) is a Muay Thai fighter who specializes in the use of knee techniques. A MUAI fighter who specializes in knee techniques, on the other hand, is called an elbow specialist (Muai Khao).

Origin of Muay Khao

Muay Khao comes from the south of Thailand (e.g. from Chaiya), where people traditionally climb a lot on palm trees and work in the water. Both are activities in which the knees are regularly bent, which led to a natural use of knee techniques (see also Muay Lumpinee). Muay Khao has influences from Indonesia and India.

Meaning of the term

What is repeatedly misunderstood by foreign athletes (see Muay Farang) is that the term Muay Khao is not a specific fighting style, but an attribute attributed to a fighter.

In earlier times, such terms were mainly used to advertise combat pairings to the betting public. At that time, the focus of the weather was less on the question of victory or defeat, but on whether and how, for example, a knee specialist (Muay Khao) would prevail against a fist specialist (Muay Mat). Bets were placed for or against the success of certain techniques. In the event of success, the fighters were rewarded with bonuses by the bettors.

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Recommended glossary entries

  1. Trick Technique (Gon Muai)
  2. Muay Khao Niao
  3. Fist (weapon)
  4. Foot (weapon)
  5. Knee specialist (Muai Khow)

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