A Self Defense Mistake with the Muay Thai Knee Strike

There has been a recent surge in self defense training, largely because of how popular mixed martial arts has become. However, this self defense platform is mainly sports-based so there has been some confusion about the difference between self defense techniques, which are often used to save lives and the techniques used in mixed martial arts that are bound by rules.

One of the more common misconceptions is the Muay Thai knee strike mistake that is often made in the area of self defense. What I mean is that many people try to throw the mixed martial arts Muay Thai knee strike while they're locked up and still clinched with their attacker. Many people see this move on television when watching mixed martial arts and think it makes perfect sense. However, there is a problem. When a person is practicing self defense, they aren't fighting in a padded ring. They're facing an attacker that is intent on hurting or killing them. When you are attacked on the streets, you can be sure that your attacker wants to take you down and hurt you.

The main reason that using the Muay Thai knee strike is potentially a mistake, is that when you throw that knee strike you may become completely off balance. The only thing that's keeping you on your feet is your stability, and when you're in a real self defense situation you have to stay on your feet. Additionally, if you're locked up with the attacker, you're probably not in the best position to line up your knee properly. Rather than using the knee strike technique, you'd be better of working on gaining control and uinge a move that's more likely to inflict the damage needed to help you escape.

Instead of using a Muay Thai knee strike, a better strategy would be to target the top of the attacker's foot. The top of the foot has several small, vulnerable bones that are easy to break. Your attacker won't be looking for an attack to this location.

To pull off this self defense move, simply bring the heel of your foot down at the spot on top of your attacker's foot where his shoelaces are tied. Use every bit of force you have. This is going to crush those small bones and make him lift his foot as a natural reaction.

Now your attacker is standing on one leg, allowing you to move and manhandle him into a position that gives you the edge. For instance, twist the attacker into a follow up take-down, sending him to the ground. Rather than using the Muay Thai knee strike for self defense, another option would be to step behind and outside your opponent's only supporting leg, throw him over your hip, landing him on the ground.

Many people put a great deal of faith in the knee strike for self defense. However, mistakes are often made when trying to defend yourself and this is one of them. Avoid this common mistake and go for a target that is much more likely to give you a better offensive position.