Andrea Contents
The Teep of Muay Thai.
Teep is a frontal kick technique used in Muay Thai, also known as teep kick or front kick.
It is a direct kick performed with the front of the foot, in which the leg is extended forward to hit the opponent.
There is an old way of saying or if you want “Old Muay Thai Formula”:
- Punches always lose to Kicks
- Kicks always los to Knees
- Knees always lose to Elbows
- Elbows always lose to Push Kicks
- Every Weapon always lose to Push Kicks
Teep vs Push Kick
The terms “teep” and “push kick” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same technique in Muay Thai.
Both refer to the front kick used to push or push away the opponent.
However, sometimes there can be a subtle difference in how the terms are used:
- Teep: The term “teep” comes from the Thai language and is commonly used in Muay Thai to indicate frontal football. The teep is performed by pushing the leg forward with the tip of the foot, with the aim of hitting the opponent with the sole of the foot or the lower leg.
- Push kick: The term “push kick” is a literal translation from English and is used in some traditions or contexts to indicate the same technique of frontal kicking. Again, the push kick involves pushing the leg forward to push the opponent away.
In essence, teep and push kick refer to the same frontal kick technique in Muay Thai and can be used interchangeably.
Both are used to control distance, ward off the opponent or create attack opportunities.
Use of Teep
Teep can be used for different purposes during a fight or Muay Thai training and that is why it must be trained on the pao, heavy bag, during sparring sessions also specific to pull a high volume of teep shots.
It is a versatile shot that serves for many functions of attack, defense, Strategic, you can somehow see it as the Jab of boxing but with a foot stroke that has a very high versatility to be used strategically in many situations unlike other foot strokes such as the low kick.
Examples of use of teep:
1. Distance and control: The Teep is used to keep the opponent at a distance and control his movement. It can be thrown towards the opponent’s abdomen, chest or face to prevent him from getting too close.
2. Imbalance: A well-executed Teep can unbalance the opponent, pushing him backwards or causing him to lose his balance. This creates opportunities to attack or to avoid the attacks of the opponent.
3. Counterattack: Teep can be used as a quick response to stop opponent’s attacks. It can be thrown in response to an oncoming opponent’s punch or leg, taking advantage of its opening or inaccurate movement.
4. Guard breakthrough: Teep can be used to break the opponent’s guard and open spaces for subsequent blows. By throwing a Teep towards the abdomen or chest, you can create an opening for punch or elbow strikes.
5. Body counterattack: Teep can be directed at the abdomen or ribs to damage the opponent and steal air. This can weaken the opponent and make him less effective in his subsequent attacks.
6. Defense: Teep can be used as an effective defense technique. You can throw a Teep to repel the opponent’s attacks, creating a barrier between you and him.
7. Setup for other techniques: Teep can be used as a setup for other techniques. For example, you can throw a Teep to force the opponent to back away and then use the opening to attack with a punch or elbow.
8. Ring Control: The Teep is a useful tool to control the ring. You can use it to push the opponent towards the ropes or corners, limiting his mobility and creating opportunities to attack.
9. Stalemate strategy: In some cases, the Teep can be used as a stall tactic to catch your breath or to interrupt the opponent’s pace. You can use it to keep the opponent away and manage the time of the fight.
10. Leg conditioning: Regular running of Teep helps train and strengthen the legs. It is a kick that requires stability and strength in the lower body, helping to develop power and endurance in the legs.
11. Leg counterattack: The Teep can be used as a counterattack to the opponent’s legs. You can throw a Teep towards the opponent’s forward leg to stop his attacks with kicks or to induce him to retreat.
12. Rhythm Control: The Teep can be used to control the pace of combat. You can vary the speed and frequency of Teeps to confuse the opponent, keeping him at the mercy of your timing.
13. Frustration strategy: Teep can be used as a frustration strategy to undermine the opponent’s confidence and determination. Throwing repeated well-placed Teeps can put the opponent in trouble and affect his morale.
14. Setup for clinch: The Teep can be used as a setup for clinch. You can throw a Teep to make the opponent recular and then grab him to perform a series of knees in the clinch.
15. Reaction to attacks: Teep can be used as a quick reaction to opponent attacks. If you see that the opponent is approaching quickly, you can throw a Teep to block or deflect his attack.
16. Variations of Teep: There are several variations of Teep that can be used depending on the situation. Some common variations include high Teep (towards the face), medium Teep (towards the chest), and low Teep (towards the abdomen or legs).
17. Using Teep in clinch: Even in clinching, you can use Teep to push or unbalance the opponent. You can throw a Teep from the clinch to create distance or to break the balance of the opponent.
18. Use of Teep in foot work: Teep can be used to improve foot work. You can run consecutive Teeps or combinations of Teeps to develop agility and coordination.
19. Using Teep as a security measure: Teep can be used as a safety measure when you feel pressured or need to create space. You can throw a Teep to fend off the opponent and gain time to recover or regroup.
20. Using the Teep as a surprise attack: The Teep can be used as a surprise attack, especially if the opponent expects another type of technique. You can use the element of Teep surprise to hit your opponent when they’re less prepared.
21. Using Teep as a clinch defense: Teep can be used as an effective defense against opponent’s clinch attempts. You can throw a Teep to push the opponent away and prevent him from clinching you in the clinch.
22. Using Teep for leg defense: Teep can be used to defend the legs from low kicks of the opponent. You can throw a Teep to block or deflect low kicks, thus protecting your legs.
23. Using the Teep to stop the opponent’s combinations: If the opponent is throwing a series of combinations, you can use the Teep to stop its flow. By throwing a Teep in the middle of its combinations, you can create a break in its rhythm and attack sequences.
24. Using Teep to force the opponent to defend himself: Teep can be used to force the opponent to defend himself, thus opening up opportunities for other types of attack. You can throw a Teep to make the opponent react and then use his defensive movement to hit differently.
25. Using Teep to create angles of attack: Teep can be used to create favorable angles of attack. You can push the opponent with a Teep in a specific direction to strategically position yourself and attack from a more advantageous angle.
26. Using Teep as part of a combination: Teep can be integrated into different combinations of Muay Thai. You can combine Teep with punches, elbows, or knees to create smooth, unpredictable attack sequences.
27. Using Teep in scoring strategy: Teep can be used as a technique to score points in Muay Thai fights. Throwing a well-placed and clean Teep can show your control and accuracy, impressing the judges and increasing your chances of winning.
19. Using Teep as a Diversion: Teep can be used as a diversionary technique to create attack opportunities. You can throw a Teep to distract the opponent and then attack with other amazing techniques.
23. Opponent control on ring ropes: Teep can be used to control opponent when near ring ropes.
You can throw a Teep to push it backwards or to force it to get stuck in the ropes.
20. Cage fighting: Today he is often seen using in MMA competitions such as UFC or One Championship. Teep is especially useful in cage combat or situations where there is little space. You can use the Teep to push the opponent against the walls of the cage or to keep the distance.
21. Counterattack from defense: The Teep can be used as an effective counterattack when you are in a defensive position. You can throw a Teep to repel your opponent while defending against an attack.
22. Using Teep in defense against knee attacks: When the opponent throws a knee, you can use the Teep to deflect or neutralize the attack. You can block or push back the opponent with a well-placed Teep.
24. Use of Teep as a self-defense weapon: Teep can be an effective weapon even in self-defense situations. You can use the Teep to create distance and keep an attacker away.
25. Using Teep as a stall tactic: In some situations, Teep can be used as a stall tactic to catch your breath and assess the situation during a fight.
26. Long distance combat: The Teep is particularly effective in long-distance combat, as it can be launched quickly to keep the opponent at a distance and prevent his attacks.
Remember to train carefully and under the guidance of an experienced instructor to properly develop the Teep technique and integrate it into your fighting style.
It is important to train properly to perform Teep correctly, working on technique, leg strength and coordination.
Training with an experienced Muay Thai instructor is recommended to properly learn the Teep technique and integrate it into your fighting skills.
Remember that constant practice and technical correction are key to improving Teep execution. Make sure you train with a qualified instructor and use the right protections during workouts.
Remember to practice constantly and integrate Teep into your Muay Thai skills appropriately. Practice with a qualified instructor to get accurate guidance and perfect your technique.
Remember to practice Teep carefully and focus on accuracy, power and speed of execution. Work closely with your instructor to improve
Main targets of the human body with Muay Thai teep
Teep, or front kick, is one of the main techniques of Muay Thai.
It is used to hit the opponent with the sole of the foot in a direct and powerful way.
Below I list some main targets you can bet on with the teep:
1. Abdomen: The frontal kick can be directed at the opponent’s abdomen, trying to hit the solar plexus area. This can cause a breathlessness and put the opponent in difficulty.
2. Thigh: You can aim at the opponent’s thigh with a well-placed teep. This can compromise the balance of the opponent and make it more difficult for him to move or counterattack.
3. Front leg: If the opponent is in guard position, you can use the teep to hit his front leg. This can disrupt its balance and create opportunities for further attacks.
4. Hips: You can also aim at the opponent’s hips with the teep. This area is less protected than other parts of the body and can cause pain and disorientation if hit effectively.
5. Face: In some cases, you can attempt to hit the opponent’s face with the teep, aiming at the chin or nose. However, this requires high accuracy and speed, since the opponent will have a high guard to defend himself.
It is important to remember that the choice of target depends on the combat situation and personal skills.
Before using any fighting techniques, make sure you have solid training and always adhere to the rules and safety measures.
Teep in self-defense
From a non-sporting and self-defense perspective as you can imagine if you wear shoes or some types of shoes this can amplify the effect as if you have a Knuckle Duster in your hands.
Surely in the context of self-defense it is essential to have shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping.
The teep is a direct blow that does not leave your groin uncovered compared to a circular blow that instead opens the hips and tends to uncover the genital area exposing it to a kick in the balls.
It is no coincidence that some styles such as Karate have a more direct charge of football on the central line than Muay Thai football, although clearly this is less powerful but strategically more defensive if we consider it a non-sport.
As I advise you just not to expose yourself to street projections not to exceed the level of your aggressor’s belt with the teep.
Unlike in the ring or in the cage where the teep can not be pulled in the genital area (below the belt) on the street is instead the optimal, indeed it accentuates the fact of making the opponent bend forward exposing him to subsequent blows of hand or elbow, etc.
Here is a list of some common variations of teep techniques in Muay Thai:
1. Direct Teep: The direct teep is the classic frontal kick, aimed at hitting the opponent with the sole of the foot. The main goal is to push the opponent backwards or stop his attack.
2. Bent leg teep: In this technique, the leg performing the teep is slightly bent at the knee. This creates a different angle and can make it harder for the opponent to predict or block the shot.
3. Extended leg teep: Contrary to bent leg teep, extended leg teep is performed with the leg fully stretched. This provides more power and reaches the opponent more quickly, but can be more predictable.
4. Jump teep: The jump teep is an advanced variant that involves a jump while performing the front kick. This technique can surprise the opponent and provide more power, but it requires good coordination and body control.
5. Teep with back leg: In this technique, the leg that does not perform the teep is placed behind the striking leg. This provides additional balance and stability when running the front kick.
6. Hip reversal teep: Hip inversion is a technique in which the hip is rotated outward while performing the teep. This allows you to generate more power in the blow and can be especially useful for hitting the opponent with force.
7. Two-legged teep: This much more unusual and more traditional technique than Muay Boran involves using both legs to perform a teep simultaneously. It can be effective for hitting the opponent from different angles and creating confusion.
8. Lateral teep: This technique involves performing a frontal kick with one leg, but with the aim of hitting the opponent from the side, such as the hips or ribs. The lateral teep can be effective to interrupt the opponent’s advance or to destabilize him laterally.
9. High Teep: Instead of aiming at the opponent’s body, the high teep is aimed at hitting the head or neck. This technique requires good flexibility and precision, since the opponent usually protects these areas with his arms.
10. Push teep: This technique involves hitting the opponent with a slightly inclined teep, so as to push him in a specific direction. It can be used to move the opponent towards the ropes of the ring or to create attack opportunities.
11. Teep to follow: After hitting with a teep, this technique involves immediately following up with another attack, such as a hook or a direct. The following teep takes advantage of the surprise effect and distraction caused by the first shot to hit successfully.
12. Remote Teep: This technique is used to keep the opponent at a distance, creating a barrier with the teep and preventing him from getting too close. It is especially useful against taller opponents or with a greater range.
13. Teep with change of direction: In this technique, you perform an initial teep in one direction, but during the movement you change direction and hit with a second teep in a different area of the body. This can confuse the opponent and create opportunities for attack.
14. Teep with rotation: This technique involves performing a teep and then rotating the hip and body to generate more power in the shot. Rotation adds strength and impact to the front kick.
15. Control Teep: This technique is used to control the opponent, rather than hitting him hard. A teep is performed with the aim of gently pushing the opponent back or to keep at a distance while maintaining contact with the extended leg.
16. Teep with level change: This technique involves performing an initial high teep to attract the opponent’s attention to the upper body area and then suddenly changing to a low teep, aiming at the legs or lower body. This can create confusion and open up opportunities for subsequent attacks.
17. Teep to turn: In this technique, you perform a teep and then, instead of immediately withdrawing the leg, you rotate the body in the direction of the teep. This can provide greater impact and generate an opponent rotation.
18. Teep against a grip: If the opponent tries to grab or block the leg performing the teep, this technique involves hitting with a powerful and fast teep to free himself from the grip and keep the distance.
19. Crush Teep: This technique involves hitting with a teep and continuing to push the opponent backwards, exerting constant pressure to force him to back off or go to the corner of the ring.
20. Teep with feint: Using a feint or deceptive movement, you can simulate the execution of a teep to distract the opponent and then attack with another technique, such as a punch or elbow. The feint of the teep can put the opponent off balance and create an opening for other shots.
21. Remote teep with angle change: This technique involves performing a teep at a distance, keeping the opponent at bay, and simultaneously changing the angle of the body. This allows you to hit the opponent from a different side or from an unexpected angle, taking advantage of the surprise and difficulty of defending the opponent.
22. Teep with combinations: The teep can be integrated into combinations of bindings. For example, you can perform a teep followed by a hook or knee to capitalize on the opening created by the front kick and increase the effectiveness of the attack.
23. Groin Teep: This technique involves hitting the opponent in the groin with the teep. Although it is a forbidden area in official combat, it is important to be aware of this technique for its effectiveness in controlling distance and causing discomfort to the opponent during training or sparring practice.
24. One-foot teep: In this advanced technique, the teep is performed from an unbalanced position on only one foot. It requires strength, balance and coordination to generate power and precision in front kicking.
25. Teep in combination with a twist: After performing a teep, you can unwind the body in the opposite direction to create an opening for further attacks. This technique allows you to bypass the opponent and continue the offensive action.
26. Cross-legged teep: In this technique, the legs are crossed before performing the teep. This creates an unusual movement and can confuse the opponent, opening up spaces for later attacks.
27. Teep with height change: This technique involves varying the height of the teep, performing a high frontal kick followed by a low one or vice versa. This creates a variation in the target and can disorient the opponent.
28. Teep with backlash: This technique involves hitting with a teep and simultaneously counterattacking with another shot. For example, after performing a teep with the front leg, you can immediately follow with a circular kick or a hook with the back leg.
29. Teep to the abdomen with rotation: In this technique, a teep is performed in the opponent’s abdomen, but during contact the hip is rotated in the opposite direction. This adds power and twist to the blow, increasing the impact on the opponent’s body.
30. Teep with leg change: This technique involves starting the teep with one leg and, during execution, quickly swapping the position of the legs to hit with the other leg. This creates a surprise and can confuse the opponent.
31. Progressing Teep: This technique involves performing a teep while advancing towards the opponent. This allows you to maintain pressure and aggression during the attack, pushing the opponent backwards.
32. Teep with sweep: After performing a teep, you can immediately follow with a sweep with the same leg to try to make the opponent lose his balance and make him fall.
33. Teep with change of position of the support foot: In this advanced technique, a teep is performed and, at the time of contact, the position of the support foot is changed, allowing greater rotation of the hip and increasing the power of the blow.
34. Zigzag teep: This technique involves performing a teep with lateral or zigzag movements, creating a non-linear trajectory and making it more difficult for the opponent to predict the blow and defend himself adequately.
35. Distraction Teep: This technique involves using a movement or feint to distract the opponent and then perform the teep when the opponent is momentarily out of guard.
36. Teep with elbow strike: After performing a teep, you can immediately follow with an elbow strike, taking advantage of the opening created by the front butt and maximizing the impact of the attack.
37. Teep with change of direction and rotation: This technique involves performing a teep in one direction and then suddenly changing the direction and rotating the hip to hit with another teep or another attack technique.
38. Dodge Teep: In this technique, you perform a teep to dodge an opponent’s attack. The front kick is used to move sideways or backwards, avoiding the impact of the opponent’s attack.
39. Teep at the knee joint: This technique aims to hit the opponent’s knee joint with the teep, trying to weaken him or hinder his mobility.
40. Teep with height change in combination: A teep is performed at medium or high height and, during the withdrawal of the leg, the height of the blow is changed and followed with a low kick or knees.
41. Teep with shoulder rotation: In this technique, you rotate the shoulder in the direction of the teep while performing the front kick. This provides extra power to the blow and can help push the opponent backwards.
42. Teep with level change in combination: After performing a teep at medium or high height, you change the level of the shot and follow it with a low kick, knee or punch.
43. Teep with block: You perform a teep in response to an opponent’s attack and simultaneously block the attack with your forearm or palm.
44. Teep inside the thigh: This technique aims to hit the inside of the opponent’s thigh with the teep, causing pain and disorientation.
45. Teep on the outside of the thigh: In this technique, you aim to hit the outside of the opponent’s thigh with the teep, trying to destabilize him and hinder his mobility.
46. Teep to the abdomen with change of angle: In this technique, a teep is performed on the opponent’s abdomen and at the same time the angle of the body is changed, leaning slightly forward or backward. This can make it harder for the opponent to counterattack and allow for a quick leg retreat.
47. Teep with backlash to the face: After performing a teep, it immediately counterattacks with a blow to the face, such as a punch or hook, to take advantage of the opening created by the front stock.
48. Teep with change of direction and backlash: This technique involves performing a teep in one direction and then suddenly changing the direction to counterattack with another technique, such as a punch or knee.
49. Defense Teep: The teep can also be used as a defensive technique to keep the opponent at a distance. For example, you can perform a quick and accurate teep when the opponent tries to approach or attack.
50. Teep to the abdomen with torso rotation: In this technique, a teep is performed in the abdomen and at the same time the torso is rotated in the direction of the frontal butt. This adds power and twist to the blow and can increase the impact on the opponent.
51. Teep with change of height and direction: You perform a teep at medium or high height and, during the withdrawal of the leg, you change the height and direction of the shot, hitting the opponent from an unexpected angle.
52. Teep with speed change: This technique involves performing a teep with moderate speed and then, suddenly, accelerating the blow to surprise the opponent and increase its effectiveness.
53. Teep with knee strike in combination: After performing a teep, you can follow with a knee stroke, taking advantage of the opening created by the front kick and maximizing the impact of the attack.
54. Teep with level change and backlash: You perform a teep at a certain level and then suddenly change the level of the blow to counterattack with another technique, such as a punch or kick.
55. Teep with feigned knee: You simulate the execution of a knee shot to distract the opponent and then perform a teep to capitalize on the created opening and keep the distance.
Always remember to adapt the teep techniques to your abilities and physical characteristics, which means that some teeps if you do not have adequate flexibility you risk not having balance, power, speed, so you have to make a preparation to be able to shoot certain shots.
Mastering teep techniques requires constant practice, body control and awareness of one’s own space and distance from the opponent.
Developing the correct technique requires training under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Practice with caution and respect safety rules during Muay Thai training and matches
Remember that constant practice, training with a qualified instructor and compliance with safety rules are essential to properly develop these variants of the teep and use them effectively during Muay Thai meetings.
Is teep also used in other martial arts?
Yes, absolutely!
Although teep is native to Muay Thai and is one of its distinctive techniques, it has also been adopted and used in other martial arts, combat sports and self-defense systems.
Some of the martial arts and combat systems that include variants of teeps or similar techniques are:
1. Kickboxing: Kickboxing is a combat sport that combines boxing and kicking techniques. Many variants of kickboxing include the use of teep as one of the attack techniques to keep distance from the opponent or to hit with power.
2. Muay Boran: Muay Boran is the ancient form of Muay Thai and was the forerunner of the modern discipline. It includes a wide range of techniques, including several variations of teep, which can be used to attack, defend or destabilize the opponent.
3. Sanda/Sanshou: This Chinese fighting discipline combines boxing, kicking and throwing techniques. Teep is often used as one of the attacking techniques to keep the opponent at a distance or to create projection opportunities.
4. Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed by the Israel Defense Forces. Although it is not a form of sports combat, the teep can be included in training for self-defense techniques and to control the distance from aggressors.
5. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts): In MMA competitions, athletes often draw on a variety of fighting styles, including those of Muay Thai. Teep is a common technique used by MMA athletes to maintain distance or to destabilize the opponent during combat.
It is important to note that the application of teep may vary slightly depending on the martial art or sport in which it is used.
Each discipline can adapt the teep according to its own specific rules, strategies and objectives.
Conclusions
I hope that the information provided so far has been useful.
It is very important to master this technique and include it in pao sessions, heavy sacking and sparring to understand how to use it correctly both technically and strategically.
Stay Tuned!
Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport
