Also called Straight knee, Clinch knee, Khao
The straight knee drives the knee forward and up into the opponent's body, powered by thrusting the hips. It is the main weapon of the Muay Thai clinch, where the opponent's head is held, and a strong answer to an opponent who rushes in. Repeated knees to the body drain stamina quickly.
Satori's coaches are filming every technique, full speed and slow motion from two angles. Until it's up, the diagram shows the movement step by step.
How to do it
- 1Control the head or arms, or step in behind a punch, to close the distance.
- 2Rise onto the ball of the standing foot.
- 3Drive the hips forward as the knee comes up, pointing the knee at the target.
- 4Point the toes down, and in the clinch pull the opponent onto the knee.
- 5Lean back slightly for balance, then return the foot to stance.
- Lifting the knee without pushing the hips, so the strike has no weight.
- Leaning forward over the knee and losing posture.
- Staying flat on the supporting foot, which shortens the strike and slows recovery.
Safety: Knee the pad or belly protector only, never an unprotected partner, and keep knees off the head in all partner drills.
Drills
Your partner holds a belly pad or kick shield; take a light plum and deliver alternating straight knees for 30 seconds, then switch.
Legends known for it
1989–2012We teach it in Striking. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.
