Muay Thai Knee Strike Mistake In Self Defense

[SagaraSouske]

Great advice. I was wondering though would a kick to the groin work in this situation?

[IMBW89]

This video is flawed from the ground up. Your idea of what a clinch is in Muay Thai or MMA is completely wrong. You control the head, not the upper body, and your technique for throwing a knee is weak and short ranged where as a Muay Thai knee has distance and power to it generated by pushing the hips forward. It is not off balance when you actually know how to do it, and your toe stepping will not be a more effective option.

[MuayThaiViking]

i would much rather clinch with someone who attacks me and use knees/elbows, than try to strike with him. there will always be the risk of a lucky punch. especially if its dark

when clinching, you get a strong hold on his neck. they can try to punch you, but they wont even be able to hit you in the head. meanwhile, you are the one pushing their head down to your knee again and again

[MuayThaiViking]

in this example, you (the one who has trained muay thai) has the weakest hold on the attacker. that makes no sense. as a trained fighter, you should be able to get the best hold very fast (where your arms are on the inside, not the opposite). when you get the best hold, especially against some untrained attacker, you will also have a lot more control

try clinching with someone who hasnt done it before. you got total control unlike in this video.

[Unethrorpe]

Yeah, if you don't know how to throw a knee, you'll off-balance yourself. It's about timing and knowing when your opponent CAN'T throw you off balance in the current instant in time. The foot stomp is really valid, but it has problems too. There's a place and time for each, and it's something a real fighter learns to evaluate instantaneously and act upon. If the knee had no validity, it wouldn't be taught.

[khmerchuong]

The bad «Thai» clinching technique displayed tremendously diminishes the value added of this video

[ZachTommyGunThompson]

Ok umm if your arms are on the inside of his than you should gain control of his head with a Thai clinch and than utilize your knees.

[mmamsz]

I've never had a problem throwing the knee.Ever.In a crowded area or the ring.The person in camo lets his opponent start in the dominant position, he's standing erect while the guy in black has him pushed back while crouched.All he has to do is move forward and upright while throwing the knee to the gut or xyphoid.Grabbing the thin t-shirt is not securing a clinch.It would work on a gi or a jacket,but the t-shirt will tear or stretch.Yes,foot stomps are effective vs those in tennis shoes.

[sambomuaythai]

So you're going to turn into them, bladed, so that you're open for a single leg or a hip throw? How a bout a little dirty boxing then a knee strike. It just seems a little awkward to turn into an opponent aiming for such a very low percentage attack.

Just seems awkward to me.

[cqctraining]

@sambomuaythai - I don't like "boxing" - dirty or otherwise. Street fights are fast and furious (when done right) and not the same as going toe-to-toe in a boxing match or muay thai. Knee strikes work great...and I do use them, but only if I have full control in a close quarters combat clinch and we're not in a grappling match. That can lead to loss of balance as noted in the video. Knee strikes have their place...but there are times that they're also a mistake.  Thanks for commenting.

[sambomuaythai]

@cqctraining You sir, are utterly clueless. I'm sorry, but you are not qualified to teach anything. I'm no expert, but I can clearly see you are not either. And your utter disregard for 'boxing' and truly ignorant statement about 'fast and furious' street fights demonstrate your lack of actual experience at 'street fighting'.

Don't waste peoples time with this nonsense.

[sambomuaythai]

@sambomuaythai And while I'm on the subject, post your bona-fides. You claim to be a combat vet and a participant in training 'elite' infantry units. So, post your bona-fides, list your units, dates of service, and contact info for unit commanders you served under.

I tried to find your bio and you have nothing to verify your claims of 'elite' training.

[animeisart1]

@sambomuaythai

Bullshido. but I knew that when he pitched his "self defense" DVD.

[SeiferOptics]

@cqctraining If you've been in Bar Fights enough times to teach CQC on youtube , how come you've not been to jail for assault and battery?

[JAQ4]

@YaLiekdags most so called muay thai or mma even self defence classes or schools dont really know the proper way to clinch or knee, its called clinch for a reason, you grab the top of the head clinch forearms to neck, drive elbows foward & have a duck stance, I teach my student this & it never fails, it is almost impossible to break free with out catching a knee to the face or body followed by an elbow on the way out. I teach the muay thai clinch & knee as a self defence technique.

[funkman70]

The first person I ever seen do that foot stomp in mma is marco ruas.

[womblewandering]

@funkman70

Or tom cruise in COCKTAIL. Check out :)

[voodoochild2138]

I know many martial arts, including Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Usually when I watch videos of this kind on Youtube, it's to correct mistakes many people make. But your videos are both accurate in their depiction of a street fight, and how to respond to these situations. Very well done.

[15m3weightloss]

That knee strike is sick. I'll make sure to avoid that mistake.

[ThaiRain]

A common mistake is to attempt knee strikes in a clinch when you have had no real training in Muay Thai. A well trained Thai boxer will have no issue taking a superior clinch position and kneeing (on one leg). What we know is that positioning and weighting is how to protect ourselves from being thrown around.

[cqctraining]

@YaLiekdags - Yes, you're right, and this is optimal as we discuss in other videos. It's always best to own the inside of the clinch.

[retributionization]

Good point. Foot stomps kill. 

[The0extra0guy]

You probobly already know this but if you grab the back of the neck (kind of a muay thai clinch) and pull down as you unleash a powerful kick with your shin off your rear leg, you can seriously pop some grapes lol

[cqctraining]

@The0extra0guy - OUCH! Very true! LOL

[vcj13]

I am 6.6 toll and its just really amazing to me that smaller people really

think that I have allot more atvantages in a fight then they have.

[cqctraining]

@vcj13 - Size is intimidating VCJ13 and we're pre-programmed in our brains to assume that a bigger, stronger attacker has an advantage in a real street fight. In reality, they do (you do). Strength and size will always be a benefit.

However, many bigger guys get overconfident with their size and are used to smaller guys backing down. Practicing real self defense techniques builds confidence and determination that one can overwhelm a larger attacker.

Thanks for commenting! Always welcome!

[fightingfrenchman]

people should remember K.I.S.S. before anything else!might sound drastic but disable rather than hurt. adrenalne is a great buffer to pain on both sides. a 300 pound coked up maniac or even a 100 pounder PROBABLY WON'TFEEL IT.fancy shit won't cut cut it.take their sight;breath away @ break bones like the top oftheir foot..the c.n.s. reacts to trauma NOT PAIN.your advice is what i beleive works.we all have toaccept violence but not fear it.i appreciate how you see what works @ what don't thanks.

[JKT6]

@vcj13 taller people have an advtange, but that does not mean that taller guys will always win a fight

[DamienZshadow]

@JKT6 Agreed. Being taller works great for me so long as I keep my distance. The second my shorter opponent is too close is when I'm at a disadvantage and I jam my strikes and have a lower sense of gravity then him allowing for me to be more likely to be taken down.

[koking10]

@vcj13

the fact that you have to mention that you are 6.5 ft on the internet immediately makes me think that you are a one of those big awkward goofs. Don't you know that outside of basketball, being 6.5 makes you pretty much shit at most activities that require coordination. if i had to choose a battle a ragin 6 footer and some long limbed person like yourself....i would pick you all day. i always look at the "unusually tall" person as an easier fight especially once you get inside.

[kenokaasari]

I myself practice Systema, but these videos are like little bonuses that give me more viewpoints.

Because no martial arts is truly "perfect" (though because of my love for Systema I keep it as the highest) that is why I look through these videos to find more hints on how to take on an attacker if such a dreadful situation happened to cross my way.

Thank you for these videos, they give me more practical perspectives.

[cqctraining]

@kenokaasari - Thanks for sharing!

Vladimir Vasiliev and his wife are friends of mine and in our ISCQC network of instructors. I trained in a special short session with him last year and his ability to project force into a body from just a few inches away is amazing.

Systema is a very unique martial art and you'll get a lot out of it. Good luck with your training!

[HavePenisWillButtsex]

It's great to see MMA douches wet their panties in rage at your videos. You have some good techniques.

[cqctraining]

@HavePenisWillButtsex - Actually, I welcome comments that provide alternative views...but only if it's done respectfully. Usually it's just dorks who live in their parents' basement surfing for places to unleash their anger. Kung fu theater is their source of martial arts training.

Thanks for helping to keep the knuckleheads in their food chain classification HPWBS! LOL

Feel free to add any of your own views on any of the videos. Always welcome here!

~ Jeff

[rottedcorps]

Don't try a foot stomp unless you're wearing hard healed boot or shoes. The cushioned heal of casual or sport shoes steal all the power from the strike. If the environment is conducive, a sacrifice throw can work very nicely.

[cqctraining]

@rottedcorps - it's true that a cushioned sole will reduce the impact but less so if the strike is made with the heel of the foot. The real problem is in striking with the instep because your foot can absorb the impact by bending around the attacker's foot.

Of course, now we're getting into point-to-point targeting which I'm not a fan of in a real street fight because targets move. ;-)

In any case, good point "rottedcorps" and I like that you included an alternative.

Thanks for posting!

[Vader350Z]

Good video. The foot stomp is good for people who are not trained in Muay Thai. Less effort for maximum gain. Another thing to remember is the eyes. No matter how strong or good of a fighter someone may be, if you blind or injure their eyes they will probably not wish to continue. Head butt the chin with a stiff neck works well too.

[cqctraining]

@Vader350Z - nice points Vader!

As seen in many of the comments below, I'm not a Muay Thai practitioner and those who are, are very quick to point out how my mechanics aren't in line with the Muay Thai knee strike they like to use. You've helped to clarify the intention of this video (as have they) that there is a simpler option that doesn't require tons of practice.

If you train for the Muay Thai knee strike you should use it. But there are other options as well for self defense.

~ Jeff

[cqctraining]

@kellum634 - that definitely makes it much harder for them to block a knee strike, you're right Kellum. Arm position isn't as important for a foot stomp, but if going for a knee strike, it can make a bigger difference.

Thanks for clarifying on this self defense technique!

Your comments are always welcome! ;-)

~ Jeff

[schufflerbot]

i like your videos, but disagree with this one for one reason: what youre calling a muay thai clinch is not a muay thai clinch. youre in a wrestlers clinch here and youre right - its not advantageous to attempt a knee strike from this position. a muay thai clinch, however, will ensure that your opponent is controlled and off balance when you throw your knee strike - thereby greatly increasing your chances of stopping the fight.

otherwise, great work! keep em coming!

[cqctraining]

@schufflerbot - Agree that this is not the best clinch and as stated, I don't practice Muay Thai. I definitely could have show that much better in this video (and maybe it would have squelched the MT snipers in the comments section ;-)

Thanks for the feedback schufflerbot! Your professional comments are always welcome even when they don't jive with my lessons!

~ Jeff

[childworshipsbuddha]

so i just read cqc's response to all the negative stuff. i have a question: does the poster of this video fight MMA, or train full contact sparring? if so, you would realize how silly the foot stomp is. i've allowed karate students to stomp my feet while standing still to prove this very point. i don't have magic Chi power, i can't throw hadoukens, just an average martial artist. sure it doesn't feel good, but it's not even coming close to stopping me in a fight.

[cqctraining]

@childworshipsbuddha - yes - train full contact and we'll just have to agree to disagree on foot stomps (which is fine). I've seen it work and although it's not a "first strike" target, you have to take what's open and IMHO, it's a better option in a clinch and many other scenarios.

It's a matter of basic human physiology. There's strong structure on top of the foot for protection but the outside top of foot is extremely vulnerable but as you state, harder to target because of position.

[childworshipsbuddha]

wow.. this is complete crap. this guy clearly has never trained muay thai. it's not even bad clinch technique.. it's a complete lack of technique. muay thai training involves setting up knee strikes with solid positions. but the worst thing is the UNSTOPPABLE FOOT STOMP!!!1. watch a UFC fight some time. those guys stomp each other's feet CONSTANTLY. it's harder than it looks to be on target, and broken bones in the feet fail to stop MMA fighters, much less a determined attacker. what crap.

[cqctraining]

Hey everyone...to sum up a bazillion comments all in one reply:

1. No I don't take Muay Thai but people use the term for the strike and there ARE faults with this. Many of you are more qualified in Muay Thai but the response is the same, which is...

2. Anyone who thinks that those tiny little bones at the top of your foot will NOT be crushed when you come down on them is seriously kidding yourself. Seriously!

3. All respectful disagreement and feedback is always welcome. Thanks everyone!

[balletman]

@cqctraining

Footstomps can be a very effective attack. There's no question about that. The big issue I see with the video isn't the striking technique being taught, it's the positioning. Both the knees and the footstomps shown in this video are both demonstrated from the same unbalanced posture. Get those hips back and the weight on top of your opponent and you'll see a big difference in the level of control you have striking from any kind of clinch.

Best of luck with your training!

[riopieboy]

I call BS

Stomping someone's foot will not shatter their feet bones...

It's a legal move in mma which you see rarely because it is so ineffective.

...and in mma they don't wear socks or shoes.

Take the words "muay thai" out of the title because you don't know shit about muay thai.

That was not a muay thai clinch.

You think they would worry about stomping feet in a Muay Thai fight?

Load of bullshido. Just throw some Chi energy at him haha or better yet... actually use the Muay Thai clinch.

[Defiant1901]

I lol at the guys who keep insisting that this guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Here are the facts: when trying to get a high knee strike from the clinch, you are unable to use your hips to drive the knee. This means you lose a lot of power, and your strike will cause superficial damage. A strike to the face is almost impossible, since your opponent will see it and defend. If you like, replace the foot strike with a kick to the groin o.0

[dinkthestink123]

if he actually even put him in a thai clinch then he wouldnt have a problem of the other dude having a hold of him.

[FireSpinnerAndy]

what a load of bollocks! That has got to be the worst clinch I have ever seen, and a foot stomp? the only reaction that'll get you is laughter. I feel sorry for anyone who takes this guy seriously.

[jaeles1776]

Too bad your clinch wasn't a correct Thai clinch at all. From a strong Thai clinch knees work great and don't cause you to lose your balance.

[furiousmat]

there's just no way you're gonna "pulverise" your opponent's foot by hitting once on it if he has his shoes on.

[RAFAVLL]

this guy is gay

[KaelinSaint]

This reminds me of video's about smashing the rubber guard. Where the "instructor" shows how to easily get through rubber guard. Too bad it is improperly applied. Muay Thai clinch for a Muay Thai knee. Control the head you control the body. Simple concept that makes a good clinch and knees devastating. Just listen to Sandra Bullock and SING.

[MrFreeman420]

aren't you supposed to have your hands behind the neck, and your arms between theirs?

[DEFYtheTHOUGHTPOLICE]

I've never seen a foot stomp end a fight in MMA.

Seen plenty of Knees end fights though.

[Hector2028]

@DEFYtheTHOUGHTPOLICE lol. TKO in way of foot stomp.. i dont think i've seen any lately. I'll keep looking though.

[jonspec62]

I'm 5 feet 6 inches tall 125 lbs. Whenever I'm training and my partner grabs me with a Muay Thai clinch it takes forever for me to wrestle out. Yes, sometimes you can get knocked off balance by using a knee, but stomping on a guys foot usually just makes him angry, especially when he's bigger. If you don't want to be caught by an offbalancing technique, kick the shin first, then come up with a knee to the groin. Kneeing the right place also has an effect on how offbalanced you are on one leg.

[blackthinginurtree]

what if there whereing thick shoes?? lol the MT knee is sooo powerful when u clinch around the NECK not the shoulders and pull them down

[balletman]

@blackthinginurtree

Base of the skull- not the neck, and certainly not the shoulders. Much more leverage that way. If you want a good plum, one hand over the other around the base of the skull, forearms digging deeply under the jawbones, elbows pinching tightly together, elbows pulled tightly to your rib cage- hips back, weight down, opponent bearing your weight

This way, your opponent's posture is broken, and your center of gravity is too far back to be pushed over as shown in this video.

[JUPITERMARSVENUS]

grab the head not the shoulder or neck, I repeat grab/pull the head when you knee strike.

[cqctraining]

Keep in mind everyone that 99% of the time, you're not fighting an experienced, trained martial artist. It's true that, when practiced, a knee strike is devastating and even beginners can pull it off very well under the right circumstances.

This video is a reminder to go for a target that few people realize is much easier to pull off and actually even more effective.

Still love the feedback. Keep it coming!

[capnstanky]

We clinch you try your foot stomp I will clinch around your neck like a 200lb necktie and apply Muay Thai knees. Ok? 123....go.

Knees applied correctly in the Muay Thai clinch are DEVASTATING.

[Vigid]

What the fuck is he talking about, I used a knee strike in a street fight and it completely ruined my opponents world. What about the foot stomp? Its easy for opponent to move his foot away/back before you are able to stomp it. Now, Its harder for them to move their body back as your pulling them toward your knee. You obviously dont know anything about a MT Knee, because if you did you would know that to pull one off you lock your elbows to keep them in and pull them down hard as you knee.

[kingfbi]

@Vigid

LOl i agree. I do muay thai and i think mauy thai has proven its knees more than enough in mma and muay thai fights.

A foot stomp is nowhere near as devastating

[millec60]

you obviously know nothing about muay thai clinch or knees. with muay thai, you train how to knee while maintaining a strong balance on your feet.

[0713mas]

Spend all your time practicing foot stomps, never mind your Thai clinch.

Good strategy. L.O.L.

[mrfrogg91]

completely crushing the bones with one foot stomp I don't thinks so....

[MisterXion]

so many things wrong with this. This instructor has no concept of muay thai.

[Defiant1901]

@MisterXion he's teaching the most effective way to eliminate an opponent. Trying to use a powerful Muay Thai kneestrike from a clinch where neither side has control is not easy. Why waste time striking at the ribs (which is just about all you'll hit in that position) if you can take his posture and gain the upper hand?

[mikereis77]

I like the foot stomp idea, that's really great for a quick idea. Here's where you're not 100% correct about this. 1. your clinch isn't correct, you need to be controlling the neck and head of the person for a proper clinch. 2. if you pull the person into each strike through that control, they're too off balance to think about pushing you off. 3. you need to be going forward as your driving your knees into them to constantly take their ground.

[MrOliverBrown]

Or you could try resolving the issue by talking it through... Increase the peace.

[eriklares90]

usually the preferred method, most of these things are only meant to be used if there is absolutely no other way out.

[tvic92]

i dont think some one who just drank six beers and five shots want to really talk