Teep kick in Muay Thai - Infinitude Fight

Equivalent to the boxing ‘Jab,’ Teep is the most fundamental technique in Muay Thai. It is a well-rounded kick that serves as the primary offensive and defensive move in the sport, helping to maintain distance, control the pace, and make openings for powerful strikes. While it seems like a very basic kick in the first look, different styles and uses make it far more complex. Whether beginner or professional, anyone who steps in the Muay Thai world must learn the Teep kick.

Many beginners in Thai boxing often ignore the importance and functionality of the Teep kick and go for flashier moves that look cooler to execute. But every Muay Thai legend and professional fighter will tell you that ‘you can’t call yourself a real Muay Thai practitioner if you are not a master of the Teep.’ Also known as the front kick or push kick, it is similar in analogy to Western boxing’s Jab, forming the backbone of a fighter’s offense and defense.

A famous Muay Thai saying goes like: “The teep is your longest weapon; it keeps you safe and your opponent guessing.”

Mechanics of the Muay Thai Teep Kick | How to Throw

Before stepping inside a Thai boxing ring, you must thoroughly understand and master the Teep kick. It is like a “push” with your foot, used to keep distance, disrupt your opponent’s attack, or even knock them off balance. The essence of this practice is to stay relaxed, use your whole body, and learn to control the power and direction of your kick.

Stand in your natural stance, either Orthodox (right-handed) or Southpaw (left-handed).
Distribute your body weight on the rear leg.
Lift your knee towards your chest. This is like ‘loading’ your kick, giving you balance and power.
Quickly extend your leg straight out towards the opponent’s midsection.
Stay bent and thrust your hips to add power to the kick such that the ball of the foot makes an impact on the opponent.
While kicking, your body should stay relaxed and your hands in a guarding position.
Quickly return the kick and come back to your fighting stance.

You can apply the same technique to kick with your rear leg. A teep kick with the rear leg will be more forceful since it comes from your dominant leg, far away, and with more hip rotation. However, it will take more time to execute compared to the lead steep.

What Does Teep Kick Do in Muay Thai?

Since it is your longest weapon in Muay Thai, the push kick can be used in several variations and combinations to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm and control the pace of the match.

Teep Kick As Offense

Consecutively targeting the same area with powerful push kicks will undoubtedly weaken the opponent, forcing him to go off guard for you to execute the knockout blow. Target your opponent’s abs with repeated front kicks, and follow it with a powerful teep stance to build your dominance. While the torso is the central area of attack with a Teep kick, you can make an opening, move slightly forward, and deliver a front kick to the face, knocking out the opponent, similar to how Anderson Silva did against Vitor Belfort.

Front Kick As a Defense

Distance is the best defense in combat sports like boxing and Muay Thai. If the opponent tries to close in on you or rush you with offensive strikes, a set of quick push kicks will break their momentum and maintain distance. It also helps you stay balanced and in control while making it hard for your opponent to get close or land a hit. Repeated push kicks to the chest or legs will disturb your opponent’s rhythm and give him no room to attack. They will ultimately get frustrated and make a mistake, allowing you to capitalize on your offense.

Effective Teep Kick Combinations to Throw

There is more to teeps than just a powerful offense and defense maneuver. You can combine this with several techniques to outmaster your opponent’s defense and offense, finishing the battle in style.

Teep to Jab

Start with a lead Teep kick to push your opponent back or off-balance. As they react or move back, follow up quickly with a jab using your lead hand. This combo keeps your opponent guessing and allows you to close the distance safely.

Double Teep

Since you can hit a Teep kick with both legs, practicing a combination kick will level up your Muay Thai game. Use a quick lead Teep to create distance, and then immediately throw another Teep with your rear leg for more power. The double Teep is a combined defensive and offensive move effective for keeping pressure on your opponent, making it hard for them to advance.

Fake Teep to Overhand

Combining your power and agility with high IQ will make you unstoppable in the ring. Pretend you’ll throw a Teep, but stop short to throw off your opponent’s timing. When they react to your fake kick, they immediately come over with an overhand punch. This feint is effective for disrupting their guard and catching them by surprise.

Teep to Low Kick

Throw a strong Teep to make your opponent step back or reset their stance. Once you see their leg is open or they’re not expecting another kick, immediately follow up with a powerful low kick to their thigh or calf. This combination mixes a push with a strike, catching your opponent off-guard.

Defense Against the Teep Kick

By now, you realize that you’re not the only one who will use the Teep kick in the match; your opponent may also be a master. To counter the Teep kick effectively, you must observe the opponent’s movements, judge the timing of their push kick, and outsmart them with your own technique. Parrying the incoming kick is a common and effective tactic, but there are some moves that the opponent might not expect.

Catch the Leg

If you see the Teep coming and react fast, you can catch your opponent’s leg. Use both hands to grab their kicking leg, trapping it against your body. Once you have their leg, you can sweep their standing leg, throw them off balance, or set up a counter-strike.

Counter with a Push Kick

If your opponent throws a Teep, you can quickly counter with your own Teep or push kick. As soon as you see their leg coming toward you, fire your Teep straight back at them. This counter can catch them off balance, interrupt their kick, and make them think twice before throwing another Teep.

Close the Distance

A Teep kick works best at a distance. To stop your opponent from using it effectively, rush in close to them as they throw the kick. By closing the distance, you take away their space and make it harder for them to land a strong Teep. Once you’re close, you can use punches, knees, or clinch techniques to stay on the attack.

A Good, Accurate Teep is All You Need in Muay Thai!

The ability to use the Teep effectively shows that a fighter has mastered both offense and defense in Muay Thai, making them a well-rounded and powerful Nak Muay. Consider it like a ‘jab,’ but in Thai boxing terms; quick, versatile, and highly effective in any situation. Whether you’re being rushed by an opponent, looking to reduce distance, or planning long shots, a good and accurate Teep kick is all you need to build dominance in a Muay Thai ring.