Issue 162

December 2017

Quickly block and counter a body blow with a spinning back-kick.

Rafael Cordeiro Head coach at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California, teaches you masterful Muay Thai with Fernando Bettega

1: From an orthodox stance, Fernando switches his feet to throw a power left kick to Rafael’s body.

2: Because Fernando didn’t set up his strike, Rafael has time to react and cross-block with his left shin.

3: Instead of resetting his stance, Rafael pivots on his standing leg and continues to move his left leg across his body.

4: Rafael finishes turning and plants his left foot to the canvas so his body is facing away from Fernando.

5: Immediately as he lands, Rafael thrusts a back kick into Fernando’s midsection.

TOP TIPS:

FARANG

It might seem obvious, but you’re more likely to land the strike if you look where you’re kicking.

THAI

Raise your knee and kick back, rather than rotating like a hook or crescent kick.

KRU

Unless you’re trying a technique like this, try to check left kicks with your rear leg to put yourself in a stronger position to counter.