The Muay Thai round kick, or roundhouse kick, is a devastating blow capable of breaking an opponent's thigh or even his arm if he attempts to block it improperly. It features heavily in MMA fights and has led to the downfall of such luminaries as Chuck Liddell (vs Mauricio Rua at UFC 97) and Renzo Gracie (vs Matt Hughes at UFC 112), both of whom had their lead legs successively kicked apart by their opponent, hindering their movement and, in the case of Renzo Gracie, putting him on the floor.
The basic Muay Thai kick is delivered using the shin of the rear leg most often to the opponent's thigh, though it is equally effective when executed at a higher target. When used this way the technique makes maximum use of body torque to strike into and through the target. The round kick can also be delivered with the lead leg to the inner thigh of an opponent. In this case the technique is much shorter and uses less body mechanics and is therefore less powerful.
Take a look at Rob McCullough explaining some of the basic points of how to perform an effective technique.
Key Points of the Muay Thai Kick
* Direct the technique at the upper part of the opponent's thigh. If he is wearing fight shorts, aim for the bottom of the shorts.
* Strike the target with your shin bone.
* Drive your knee forward then turn at the end so your kicking leg and foot are parallel with the floor.
* Keep your chin down and the arm that is on the same side as your kicking leg extended forward into the opponent's face. The opposite arm is kept up to guard your head.
* The supporting foot has to pivot on the ball of the foot to allow for full body torque which is achieved by twisting your hips rapidly and fully. Bend the knee of the supporting leg.
* Your weight will transfer from the rear leg to the forward (supporting) leg.
* When going for the leg work on twisting your hip in such a way that the kick is delivered in a downward chopping motion.
* Once you have the basic technique down, focus on the set up. For example, throw a jab and follow with a round kick.
* Direct a lead Muay Thai kick to the inside of your opponent's thigh, connecting again with the shin bone.
* Push up with the rear (supporting) leg and pivot. This will allow your hip to pivot which will increase the power of your delivery.
* Don't lean back and don't drop your arms.
* When you are ready put together different combinations of punches and lead and rear round kicks.
