PART II 

Unlike most other martial arts, the shoulder of the attacking arm is usually lifted in front of the face in order to protect the throat, jaw, and cheek bone while the other arm is raised in a defensive position. The main target is the head of the opponent instead of the body so as to avoid being hit by a knee strike, however, the body can become a target. Remember that every punch is delivered with the twisting of the hips and the turning of the waist. 

As Thai fighters compete more against western fighters who are well adverse in "Queensbury" boxing techniques, the Muay Thai fighter has begun to use many of these boxing techniques to counter the strengths and abilities of the western fighter.

Although only a small portion of boxing techniques are shown here, Muay Thai has adapted many more punches and counter punches from western boxing. However, it has still retained its most basic format, omitting much of the standard techniques, allowing Muay Thai is  to successfully counter these with its own arsenal of  body defenses and offensive maneuvers.

Artwork by C. Heyliger 2000