5 Ways Footwork Can Improve Your Muay Thai Game
On Friday, June 9, at ONE Fight Night 11: Eersel vs. Menshikov on Prime Video, two of the 10 matchups on the card will fall under Muay Thai’s dynamic striking rule set.
In the headliner at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, two-sport ONE World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel defends his ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title against dangerous promotional newcomer Dmitry Menshikov.
Earlier on the card, Amber “AK 47” Kitchen returns to the organization to welcome ONE newcomer Martine “The Italian Queen” Michieletto to the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division.
During these two fights, fans are guaranteed to see a variety of techniques from “the art of eight limbs” on full display. But these four athletes are sure to showcase another facet of Muay Thai that is often overlooked — footwork.
That said, let’s look at how footwork can improve your Muay Thai game.
Defense And Countering
It can be difficult to successfully strike a target that is moving, but having good footwork makes it even more challenging to be hit with a punch or kick.
Former ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Jackie Buntan has demonstrated this in numerous fights by using her strategic footwork to deftly evade blows before countering with shots of her own.
This has allowed the American strawweight star to stay light on her feet while remaining out of harm’s way. Buntan’s ability to read her opponents’ game plan and adjust her footwork accordingly has made her a formidable opponent in the Circle.
Control And Positioning
ONE Championship is home to some of the world’s best strikers, including ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
The Thai superstar is famous for his distinct footwork, which allows him to aggressively attack but effectively evade without absorbing too much damage.
Whatever your fighting style, having excellent footwork allows you to plan your attack and score effectively. Knowing the proper angles to move at and how to adjust to the movements of your opponent are essential skills for any martial artist.
Accuracy And Force
If there’s one fighter who knows something about precision and power, it’s former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama.
The Thai legend employs his footwork to put weight behind his strikes while remaining perfectly positioned to land his finishing blows effectively.
By stunning opponents with his lightning-fast but dynamic punches and kicks, Nong-O has demonstrated that being in the right place at the right time is a surefire way to entertain in the Circle.
Composure And Stability
Having good footwork enhances athletes’ balancing skills because it enables them to shift their feet quickly and precisely.
ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet Todd has repeatedly established her poise in the Circle with her quick footwork. In fact, “JT” can adjust her body to maintain balance and stability in a variety of circumstances.
The American superstar has proven that having well-rounded footwork allows her to anticipate and react to changes in the Circle, giving her the upper hand in fights.
Coordination And Athleticism
ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai has used his footwork to his advantage, picking up one victory after another.
The World Champion has demonstrated agility and coordination between his feet and the rest of his body, moving quickly and efficiently to end the majority of his bouts early.
Competitors with superior footwork are more aware of their body’s positioning within a given space, allowing them to increase their strength and speed, which in turn increases their chance of victory.
