How Good Are Thai Fighters At Their Muay Thai techniques?

Resounding YES according to one of the studies done by Myers (2013).

What is the effectiveness of techniques?

There are several basic attack or defense technique details that Myers (2013) categorized in his studies in order to differentiate the effectiveness of elite UK and Thai athletes’ techniques.

1.the distancing prior to delivery

2. if the technique was delivered on balance or not

3.  the speed of technique

4. the result of the technique; 

5. its effect

6. if the fighter returned to a balanced stance

7. if the technique was followed immediately by another technique

Attacking Techniques Employed

Graph: Attacking techniques and associated quality indicators:

Source: Myer, et al., (2013). Techniques used by elite Thai and UK Muay Thai fighters

From Myer (2013) study, kicking techniques were the most frequently employed form of attack, with round kicks to the body and neck being the most common kick used by fighters. Punching attacks were the second most frequently used. The teep technique was the third most commonly used technique across groups. In Muay Thai, the use of kneeing techniques is considered important but it was surprising that knee strikes were the least frequently used of all striking techniques.

Defensive Techniques Employed

Graph: Defensive techniques and associated quality indicators:

Source: Myer, et al., (2013). Techniques used by elite Thai and UK Muay Thai fighters

His studies showed that Thai fighters had a better distance in attacking and defending, and were more effective and more balanced. However, UK athletes, despite being professional fighters, were less skilled at using techniques at an appropriate distance and maintaining their balance after an attack or defense.

Balancing

Graph: Balancing & Distancing techniques associated quality indicators:

In designing a training programme for my athlete, it is crucial to emphasize on balancing training right after each execution of a particular technique so that there will be a powerful effect on the opponent. For example, using the third most popular attacking technique: Teeps kicking, requires good balance before and after delivery. For that, athletes are encouraged to practice and employ teep techniques more frequently given their overall efficacy. (Myers, 2013). Lastly, accuracy of the distance in delivering any attacks  need to be emphasized too.

Note: Please refer to Myer (2013) original journal article for more exact & accurate representation of data. The above graph data is just a reference from the original source.