Punching (Chok)

English Thai Transliteration IPA
Straight punch หมัดตรง Mud Trong mɑd troŋ
Hook หมัดเหวี่ยงสั้น Mud Wiang San mɑd wɪɑŋ sɑn
Swing หมัดเหวี่ยงยาว Mud Wiang Yao mɑd wɪɑŋ jɑːo
Spinning backfist หมัดเหวี่ยงกลับ Mud Wiang Glub mɑd wɪɑŋ glɑb
Uppercut หมัดเสย ( หมัดสอยดาว ) Mud Seuy mɑd sɣɪ
Cobra punch กระโดดชก Kra-dod Chok grɑ doːd tʃog
Undercut หมัดฮุก Mud Hook mɑd hug

The punch techniques in Muay Thai were originally quite simple being crosses and a long (or lazy) circular strike made with a straight (but not locked) arm and landing with the heel of the palm. Cross-fertilization with Western boxing and western martial arts mean the full range of western boxing punches are now used: jab, straight right/cross, hook, uppercut, shovel and corkscrew punches and overhands as well as hammer fists and back fists.

As a tactic, body punching is used less in Muay Thai than most other striking martial arts to avoid exposing the attacker's head to counter strikes from knees or elbows.To utilise the range of targetting points, in keeping with the Teory of Muay Thai - Centre Line, the advocate can use either Western or Thai stance which allows for either long range or short range attacks to be undertaken effectively without compromising guard.