1. Stance (Muay Thai Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position:
  Begin in your Muay Thai stance, with your left foot forward (orthodox stance). Feet are shoulder-width apart, and the weight is on the balls of your feet for balance and mobility.
• Knees and Hips:
  Keep your knees slightly bent to remain agile. Your hips should stay aligned with your center of gravity, ready to drive power into the knee strike.
• Hands/Guard:
  • Both hands are in a high guard position.
  • Your rear hand (right) protects your chin, while your lead hand (left) may extend slightly forward to gauge distance or control the opponent’s guard.
  • Your elbows are tucked in, and your head is slightly off-center to avoid being a stationary target.

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2. Preparation (Chambering the Long Knee)

• Target Selection:
  The long knee aims for targets like the solar plexus, stomach, ribcage, or midsection. It’s designed to penetrate the opponent’s defense with force and precision.
• Weight Shift:
  Shift your weight slightly onto your rear foot (right). This frees your lead leg (left) to execute the strike with speed and power.
• Lift the Lead Knee:
  Bring your left knee straight up toward your chest, keeping your foot relaxed. This motion should be compact and controlled.
• Engage Your Core:
  Tighten your abdominal muscles to maintain balance and generate power through your entire body.

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3. Executing the Long Knee (The Strike)

1. Step 1 – Drive the Hips Forward:
   As you extend your knee, thrust your hips forward to add power and range. The hip motion is key to making the strike long and penetrating.
2. Step 2 – Extend the Left Leg:
   Push your left leg forward and upward in a straight motion, aiming for the target. The tip of your knee should lead the strike for maximum impact.
3. Step 3 – Maintain Upper Body Position:
   • Lean back slightly to avoid being countered by punches or elbows.
   • Keep your rear hand (right) high to guard your face, and your lead hand may extend forward to block or control the opponent’s arms.
4. Step 4 – Follow Through with Precision:
   Ensure that the motion is direct and forceful. The strike should penetrate rather than simply push.

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4. Footwork and Recovery

1. Retract the Leg Quickly:
   After the strike lands (or misses), pull your left leg back into your original stance to avoid leaving yourself exposed.
2. Reset Your Position:
   Return to your balanced Muay Thai guard to defend or follow up with additional strikes.
3. Maintain Distance:
   Use the long knee to control the range. If the strike creates distance, adjust your stance to maintain optimal positioning.

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5. Defensive Positioning and Protection

1. Rear Hand Guard:
   Your rear hand must stay in a high guard position to defend against counters like hooks or straight punches.
2. Lead Hand Position:
   Your lead hand may be used to control the opponent’s arms, gauge distance, or deflect incoming strikes.
3. Head Movement:
   Lean back slightly during the strike to make yourself a harder target. Avoid leaning too far back, as it can compromise balance.
4. Compact Motion:
   The strike should be tight and precise. Avoid telegraphing the knee by excessive movement beforehand.

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6. Follow-Up and Recovery

1. Immediate Return to Guard:
   After retracting your leg, ensure your hands are back in the high guard position. This readiness protects you from counters.
2. Combination Opportunities:
   The long knee can set up various follow-up strikes:
   • A jab or cross if the opponent is forced backward.
   • A low kick or clinch if you close the distance.
   • A transition to elbow strikes if you’re within range.
3. Control the Fight Pace:
   Use the long knee strategically to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and control the tempo of the exchange.

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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Telegraphing the Strike:
   Avoid excessive movement or hesitation before throwing the knee, as this allows your opponent to anticipate and counter.
2. Dropping Hands:
   Keep your guard up throughout the motion. Dropping your hands exposes you to punches or elbows.
3. Lack of Hip Engagement:
   The power of the long knee comes from the hips. Neglecting to thrust your hips forward reduces both the power and range of the strike.
4. Overcommitting:
   Avoid leaning too far forward or backward during the strike. Overextension compromises balance and leaves you vulnerable to counters.

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8. Advanced Concepts

1. Feinting with the Knee:
   Use a quick fake motion with your lead leg to bait a reaction, then follow up with another strike like a teep or hook.
2. Long Knee in the Clinch:
   The long knee can be modified for use in a clinch. Control the opponent’s head or arms to deliver the knee with greater force and precision.
3. Angle Adjustments:
   Aim the knee slightly to the side to target the ribs or obliques, especially if the opponent tries to block their midsection.
4. Counter to Aggression:
   Use the long knee to intercept an advancing opponent. The forward momentum of their movement amplifies the strike’s impact.

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Conclusion

The Long Knee (Left) is a versatile and powerful tool for disrupting an opponent’s rhythm, creating openings, and dealing significant damage. Proper execution relies on hip engagement, balance, and defensive awareness. Whether used offensively or as a counter, the long knee is a staple technique in Muay Thai, capable of controlling distance and turning the tide of a fight.

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