Four Essentials of Combat Sports are Taken From Muay Thai, BJJ, Boxing, Kickboxing 

Are you interested in combat sports? There are tons of movements, stances and executions that are taken into view when performing a combat action in a specific circumstance. Things can either way if you haven’t perfected them all and also, choosing what to execute from all those set of movements can be tricky. That’s why we have compiled the list of four essentials of combat sports which are cleary devestating and useful in all scenarios.

The most important thing about these four essentials in that they won’t result in a prolonged combat situation, once perfectly executed, it’s a dead end game. However, it should be bequethed in the mind that understanding the situation first is how we proceed in combat sports.

The art is know what is supremely threatening and what is subordinate to that threat. So, there four basic disarming as well devestating techniques in MMA that can be perfected and upon well execution, you will find out there is nothing more simple and useful than these:

The four essentials of combat sports:

1. The Elbow Cut
2. Low Leg Cut
3. Burst Liver Punch
4. Naked Choke

The Elbow Cut 

The elbow cut, also known as the horizontal elbow or sok ti in Muay Thai, is a devastating technique that involves striking an opponent with the sharp pointy edge of the elbow. It is one of the most powerful and effective strikes in Muay Thai, capable of causing significant damage and even knocking out an opponent.

To perform the elbow cut, follow these steps:

Stance: Begin in a proper Muay Thai stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed. At the time, keep your diaframe ready to expand because when you deliver elbow cut, you will need your lims strech and travel with some force.

Positioning: Close the distance between you and your opponent by stepping forward with your lead foot while keeping your guard up to protect yourself. Make sure that your positioning doesn’t provide any hint of prediction to the opponent.

Chambering: As you step forward, simultaneously bring your rear hand up to your shoulder, chambering your elbow.

Rotation: Rotate your hips and shoulders explosively towards your opponent while driving your rear elbow forward. Rotation of hips and elbow is as important as rotation of elbow.

Striking Surface: Aim to strike with the sharp edge of your elbow, targeting vulnerable areas such as the temple, jawline, or bridge of the nose. If you think the opponent is going to duck, you can try 12 to 6 which is even more devestating.

Follow-through: After making contact with your opponent, quickly retract your elbow and return to your guard position.

To perfect the elbow cut technique in Muay Thai, there are several key points to consider:

Proper Technique: Focus on executing the technique with correct form and precision. This includes maintaining a strong stance, generating power from the hips and shoulders, and striking with the correct part of the elbow.

Timing and Distance: Understanding timing and distance is crucial when using the elbow cut. Practice gauging the appropriate distance to close in on your opponent and deliver the strike effectively without overextending or falling short.

Drills and Pad Work: Regularly practice drills and pad work specifically designed to improve your elbow strikes. This will help develop speed, accuracy, and power in your technique.

Conditioning: Strengthening the muscles involved in elbow strikes is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the technique. Incorporate exercises that target the shoulders, core, and triceps into your training regimen.

Sparring: Engage in controlled sparring sessions with a trained partner to practice applying the elbow cut technique in a realistic setting. This will help you develop timing, accuracy, and the ability to read your opponent’s movements.

When talking about the four essentials of combat sports, the elbow cut looks the more ugly and freighting one. It is exactly same as saying there will be blood if elbow cut is executed.

Low Leg Cut

Low leg cut is a devestating technique commonly used in Muay Thai and MMA combats. It involves targeting the opponent’s lower leg with a powerful strike, aiming to disrupt their balance and mobility. It may not sound threatening but if executed with power and accuracy, it can deeply hurt the opponent’s leg.

The low leg cut can be executed using various techniques such as kicks or sweeps. However, this needs a ultra level of perfection because it is same as disarming your opponent off the ground. In any case, conditioning the legs for this technique requires specific training exercises.

Execution of Low Leg Cut

The low leg cut can be executed using different techniques, depending on the situation and the fighter’s preference. Here are two common methods:

Low Leg Kick: To execute a low leg kick, the fighter pivots on their supporting foot while rotating their hips and shoulders. The kicking leg is then swung in a downward motion, striking the opponent’s lower leg with either the shin or the instep.

Low Leg Sweep: Another method of executing a low leg cut is through a sweep. In this technique, the fighter uses their leg to sweep the opponent’s lower leg out from under them, causing them to lose balance and fall to the ground. The sweep can be performed by hooking the back of the opponent’s ankle or calf with the inside of the foot or by using a scissor-like motion with both legs.

Conditioning Legs for Low Leg Cut

To effectively execute low leg cuts in Muay Thai, it is crucial to condition and strengthen the legs. Here are some exercises that can help in conditioning the legs for low leg cuts:

Heavy Bag Kicks: Practicing low leg kicks on a heavy bag helps condition the muscles involved in delivering powerful strikes. Start by throwing controlled kicks at the bag, gradually increasing power and speed over time.

Thai Pad Training: Working with a training partner holding Thai pads allows for realistic practice of low leg kicks. The partner can provide resistance, allowing the fighter to develop proper technique and power.

Leg Conditioning Drills: Incorporating specific leg conditioning drills into training sessions can help strengthen the muscles and improve endurance. Examples include running stairs, jumping rope, squat jumps, lunges, and calf raises.

Shadow Boxing: Shadow boxing is an effective way to improve footwork, balance, and technique. Incorporate low leg kicks into shadow boxing routines to simulate real fight scenarios.

Sparring: Regular sparring sessions with trained partners provide an opportunity to practice low leg cuts in a controlled environment. This helps develop timing, accuracy, and adaptability.

Burst Liver Punch

The Burst Liver punch, also known as the Liver shot or Liver blow, is a devastating strike commonly used in combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA). It is a highly effective technique that targets the liver, a vital organ located on the right side of the body beneath the rib cage.

The liver is responsible for numerous functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and blood filtration. A well-executed Burst Liver punch can cause excruciating pain and potentially incapacitate an opponent.

To execute a Burst Liver punch, proper technique and timing are crucial. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform this technique:

Stance: Begin by assuming a balanced and stable fighting stance, it should be a bit low. For right-handed fighters, the left foot should be slightly forward, with the knees slightly bent. Keep your hands up to protect your face and maintain good guard.

Set-up: Look for an opening or opportunity to land the Burst Liver punch. This can be when your opponent drops their guard or exposes their right side. Or when the opponent tries to be agressive at first instance and leaves space for weak defence.

Weight transfer: Shift your weight to your back foot while rotating your hips and shoulders towards your opponent’s liver side. This generates power for the punch. Just see how Mike Tyson used to do it.

Punch delivery: Extend your lead hand (left hand for right-handed fighters) in a straight line towards your opponent’s liver area. Aim to strike just below the rib cage on the right side of their body.

Rotation: As you throw the punch, pivot on your back foot and rotate your torso to generate additional power and torque.

Preparing for the Burst Liver punch involves several aspects, including physical conditioning, technique training, and mental preparation. Here are some key points to consider:

Core Conditioning: Strengthening your core muscles, particularly the abdominal and oblique muscles, is crucial for generating power in the Burst Liver punch. Incorporate exercises such as planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball rotations into your training routine.

Technique training: Work with a qualified coach or trainer to learn and refine the proper technique for executing the Burst Liver punch. Focus on developing speed, accuracy, and timing through drills and sparring sessions.

Visualising Training: Mental focus and visualization play a significant role in executing any technique effectively. Visualize yourself successfully landing the Burst Liver punch during training and competition. Develop mental toughness and confidence through mental conditioning exercises.

It is important to note that the Burst Liver punch is a powerful technique that can cause significant damage if not executed responsibly. It should only be used in controlled environments such as training or sanctioned competitions under the supervision of trained professionals.

Proper execution of Liver Punch involves a balanced stance, weight transfer, punch delivery with rotation, and follow-through. Physical conditioning, technique training, and mental preparation are essential for preparing to execute this technique effectively.

Backward/Naked Choke

The backward choke, also known as the rear naked choke, is a submission hold commonly used in mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports. It is considered one of the most effective and dangerous techniques in grappling, as it can quickly render an opponent unconscious if applied correctly.

The execution of the backward choke involves applying pressure to the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain. This results in a temporary loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen. The choke is typically applied from a position behind the opponent, hence the name “rear naked choke.”

To execute a backward choke, the following steps are generally followed:

Positioning: The attacker must first establish a dominant position behind their opponent. This can be achieved by taking the opponent’s back during a scramble or by transitioning from another position such as mount or side control.

Arm placement: The attacker will then wrap one arm around the opponent’s neck, positioning their bicep against one side of the neck and their forearm against the other side. The hand of this arm should be placed behind the opponent’s head, securing a firm grip.

Second arm placement: The attacker’s second arm is brought across the opponent’s neck, with the bicep pressing against one side and the forearm against the other. The hand of this arm grabs onto their own bicep or wrist, creating a tight lock.

Squeezing and finishing: With both arms in place, the attacker will squeeze their elbows together while pulling back with their forearms. This action compresses the carotid arteries and restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness if maintained for a sufficient amount of time. The attacker must maintain control and continue squeezing until they feel their opponent tap out or until the referee intervenes to stop the fight.

To prepare for executing or defending against a backward choke, there are several key aspects to consider:

Technique: Proper technique is crucial for both executing and defending against the backward choke. It is recommended to learn from qualified instructors who can provide guidance on the correct mechanics and principles of the technique.

Strength and conditioning: Developing overall strength and conditioning is important for executing the backward choke effectively. This includes building upper body strength, grip strength, and core stability. Regular strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and grappling-specific drills can help improve these attributes.

Sparring and drilling: Regular sparring and drilling sessions with training partners are essential for developing the timing, positioning, and sensitivity required to execute or defend against the backward choke. Practicing under realistic conditions helps to simulate the intensity and pressure of a real fight.

Knowledge of counters and escapes: Understanding various counters and escapes to the backward choke is crucial for both offensive and defensive purposes. Learning how to recognize the setup of the choke and having a repertoire of escape techniques can greatly increase one’s chances of avoiding being submitted.

These four essentials of combat sports are the most useful and devestating techniques. Most importantly, they belong to different groups and styles of fighting but when taken together, can be bundled up as ace fighting techniques.

Remember to learn first then execute. It sounds easy to do but in fact, the technicalities and unpredictability of realistic scenarios make it tough execute because things won’t go your way in all circumstances. So once again, LEARN, TRAIN THEN EXECUTE.