Muay Thai Teep

When it comes to Muay Thai, there are a lot of different kick, punches, and combos that you can use. Of course, other martial arts have them too, but Muay Thai has a pretty wide range of things that you can use to effectively put your opponent to sleep.

This article will cover a very simple but important technique. It comes in handy in many different ways and offers you possibilities that you probably didn’t know it will.

This technique is The Muay Thai Teep.

Before we start this article that will help you add this technique to your arsenal, you must know what a true teep is.

What is a Muay Thai Teep?

Muay Thai teep is basically a push kick. That is actually a more popular name of the teep, so if you heard of it before, you should know that its original name is the teep.

A common mistake that people make is that they think Muay Thai teep is a front kick.

That’s terribly wrong!

There is a difference between a regular Muay Thai front kick and a teep. That key difference would be the trajectory of the kick. A front kick is being sent with force, meant to destroy your opponent and get that knockout. It goes underneath and hits the opponent at an upward angle.

The teep is a push! Yes, when you watch someone do it you probably won’t see the difference, but what’s important right know is that you KNOW the difference, so that you, later on, with experience and practice, know how to throw a teep and how to throw a front kick.

The teep is mostly used as a defensive technique. If your opponent gets too close, you push him off. It is pretty useful when you want to control that space, and trust us, you always want to control the space in the ring and the pace of a fight.

Besides defense, you can make this work well in your offense as well. It is a kick that hurts either way! Send it as a light push and it will definitely leave a mark, send it as a kick meant to shake your opponent, and it definitely will.

They look pretty much the same for an untrained eye, so don’t bother finding the difference right away. Practice it and you will start noticing.

So, to sum it up, it is the technique that will serve you as an offensive weapon with extreme force and damaging power, if done correctly, and it can serve you as a defensive strategy. Cut the range of your opponent, control the space, back him off, all of that.

The front teep can be thrown to the body or to the head. It is something like a straight punch, pushing your opponent but also delivering damage.

So, if you are a boxing fan, you can think of this technique like it’s a jab. It has the same effect, and it is thrown for the same reasons. The only difference is that you can reach longer with your legs and make it more effective.

Besides from the difference in power and range, the teep is harder to catch, meaning it’s harder to defend and see when it’s coming.

If you effectively use the teep and get to your opponent’s body, you can use it again, strategically, to set up another move. You can fake the teep, lift your knee up, close the distance by hopping your rare foot forward and then throw a signature combo, or whatever comes in mind because you will be in a good striking range.

What makes this technique even more useful is the fact that it will leave your opponent open for a direct hit if he tries to catch it and fails. Even if he does catch it you will still be protected and be able to push.

Tips for Muay Thai Push Kick?

Now that you know how much you can step up your game with this technique, it is time for you to learn how.

1. Use both legs – You can hit your opponent with your front leg and with your back leg, there is no rule so read the situation and throw the one that will work better.

2. Time it right – The teep must be timed right in order to do anything. You don’t want to miss and lose energy. If your opponent is about to kick, or if he’s charging towards you, that’s the time to use the teep. Or, if you are a little bit closer, use it to feel the range.

3. Weight transfer – If you are using your lead leg, transfer your weight to your back foot, lift your front knee, and then use your hips to get enough momentum to thrust forward and hit your opponent with the ball of your foot. If you are attacking with your back leg you must set it up carefully because it takes more time to throw it. Keep your balance on the supporting leg while throwing a teep. The back leg is ideal for spacing because it gives you longer range.

4. Aim at a specific area – Aim your kick a little bit below your opponent’s belly. If you get a clean hit, your opponent will lose his breath and power leaving him defenseless and at your mercy. That’s a good time to end the match. You can aim at your opponent’s head, however, you must be careful and time it to perfection. It is harder to use the teep on the head because your opponent could get you out of balance and backfire. That’s why you should be couscous and wait for the right time.

5. Knee positioning – Bring your knee as high as possible when performing a teep. You should lift it to your chest for an effective push. It will help you with power and force.

6. Extension – Extend your leg as fast and as much as you can while maintaining balance. Your opponent is a tree you want to knock down. Timber! Your foot should snap like a whip, similar to a jab.

7. Original positioning – After a teep, return your leg to its original position, the one it started from. This will help you with your balance and defense if you are countered. Yes, you can improvise after throwing a teep but that comes with lots of practice.

8. Arm placement – While teeping, use your arm that is opposite of the foot that is kicking, for protection. We thought of your beauty too, as always.

How to practice the teep?

Now it’s time to put the theory to the test. Here is what you can do.

• Use a standing bag – Practice teeps with both of your legs. Always aim at the exact same spot! This will improve your timing and accuracy. Only teep when the bag is coming at you, don’t move from your spot, aim, and push.

• Work with a partner – Your partner can wear belly pads for protection. All he needs to do is come at you with his hands only and try to touch your head. The teep must be done correctly to prevent him from touching you.

• Warm up – Get your warm up done while practicing the teep. Work on that hip extension.

And there you go, another kick added to your arsenal. Happy teeping!