Muay Thai Styles Explained: Muay Khao

May 28, 2020

Muay Khao is one of the most dominating styles in the elite stadium scene of Thailand. In the third of our series on Muay Thai fighting styles, we focus on the knee-fighters.

Khao means “knee” in the Thai language and Muay Khao translates to mean “knee boxer”. The knee strike is an effective technique commonly used by Muay Thai fighters and kickboxers. Muay Khaos are expert users of knee techniques which can cause considerable damage to the torsos of their opponents.

Many Muay Khaos have won championships in Thailand with the evolution of the sport that now places more focus on the scoring system. Like the aggressive Muay Bouk fighters, knee fighters are known to push forward relentlessly. Many Muay Khaos are also technical specialists who excel in the clinch. They have great stamina and are exceedingly strong in the clinch. They take advantage of their physical strength to wear down their opponents using the clinch and scoring with their strong knees.

While the Muay Bouk clashes are exciting to watch, the fight between the Muay Femur and Muay Khao is a spectacular technical battle. Many well-known Femurs have suffered loss when faced against a Muay Khao.

Here are some of the skilled Muay Khaos who have fought on our events:

Singdam

Singdam is an all-rounded fighter who is known for his hard right kicks but is a self-acknowledged knee fighter who won many championship titles with the Muay Khao style. One of the best fighters of his time, Singdam has fought and won against fellow legends like Nong-O Kaiyanghadao, Orono Wor Petchpun, and Saenchai. Singdam has won many belts with his knee-fighting style and ended a few fights with knee knockouts. He is most effective in delivering medium-range knee attacks.

Chris Shaw

Chris Shaw is one of the best fighters to come out of Scotland. The UK number one has met many elite fighters in his career including Thai champions, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Rambo Phet Por Tor Aor with a victory over the latter. Shaw is known for his warrior’s heart and is known to put non-stop pressure with the clinch-and-knee style.