The teep is a varied weapon able to defend and attack interchangeably. There are four main types of teep, also called a thrust or push kick, which we will go over briefly here.
Lead Teep: The lead teep is used primarily for defence and as a feeler, similar to a jab or a straight lead punch. bring your leg straight up slightly bent, remaining on the balls of your feet as to keep forward momentum; otherwise you push yourself back as you push your opponent away. Keeping your hands up to defend your face, as you kick out, push your hips into it.
Rear Teep: This is your battering ram, it’s mostly used for offence and can actually generate more power. Performed in the same manner, just using the rear leg rather then the lead equals extra power!
Long lean: the long lean is utilized when the opponent is just out of range because it gives you another 6 to 12 inches. It can be used with the lead or rear foot. As the opponent comes in range of the long lean, you initiate the kick the same as you would for the standard teep, however, you drop the hand on the same side as the one your kicking from,keep the opposite hand tucked into your chin for protection, lean back just a bit as you thrust your hip into the kick and pivot on the supporting leg; staying on the balls of your feet.
In Muay Thai Long Lean is used to keep an opponenet outside of your “Yard”, or the area just outside of kicking range. “The Yard” is the actual kicking range, and when you are in your stance it’s often referred to as being in your “House”. You will hear these terms and many more when talking about ranges and strategies.
Godspeed from Kru Juice of the Muayman Alliance!
