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Library Phrases Words Mae Mai
Muay Boran · Muay Thai

Mae Mai — 15 Master Techniques

"Mae Mai" means "master techniques" — the 15 foundational principles that combine defence and attack into a single flowing pattern, using fists, elbows, knees and feet.

  1. 1
    Salab Fan Plaสลับฟันปลา
    "Alternating fish teeth"

    PurposeLong-range defense against a straight punch.

    ExecutionStep diagonally off the line of attack to slip the punch, then trap or strike the opponent's extended arm.

  2. 2
    Paksa Waeg Rangปักษาแหวกรัง
    "Bird parting the nest"

    PurposeClose the distance and break the opponent's guard.

    ExecutionStep straight into the attack, sweep both guarding arms outward, and drive a punch to the face.

  3. 3
    Chawa Sad Hokชวาซัดหอก
    "Java throws the spear"

    PurposeCounter a straight punch with a long-range elbow.

    ExecutionSlip to the outside and drive an extended (spear) elbow to the face or ribs.

  4. 4
    Inao Thaenk Kritอิเหนาแทงกริช
    "Inao stabs with his dagger"

    PurposeElbow strike in the pocket / infight.

    ExecutionParry the incoming punch, step tight to the opponent and drive a short elbow into the body or ribs.

  5. 5
    Yoh Khao Phra Sumainยกเขาพระสุเมรุ
    "Lift Mount Meru"

    PurposeSlip a high punch and counter with an uppercut.

    ExecutionDip 45° under the punch and drive a hard uppercut straight up to the chin.

  6. 6
    Ta Taen Kham Fakตาเถรค้ำฝัก
    "Old Ta Taen carries the firewood"

    PurposeCounter a straight punch with a deep drop and uppercut.

    ExecutionDrop about 60° under the punch and launch a powerful uppercut to the jaw.

  7. 7
    Maun Yan Lakมอญยันหลัก
    "Mon warrior props up the pillar"

    PurposeDefensive stopping push-kick (teep).

    ExecutionBlock or slip a punch while driving a teep into the stomach or chest to break the opponent's balance.

  8. 8
    Pak Look Thoyปักลูกทอย
    "Drive the peg into the ground"

    PurposeDefend against a roundhouse kick.

    ExecutionUse the elbow as a hard shield and drive it straight down into the incoming shin or thigh.

  9. 9
    Jorake Phad Hangจระเข้ฟาดหาง
    "Crocodile whips its tail"

    PurposeIconic spinning heel kick.

    ExecutionDuck the punch, rotate 180–360° on the standing leg and strike the neck or head with the heel.

  10. 10
    Hak Nguang Aiyaraหักงวงไอยรา
    "Break the elephant's tusk"

    PurposeCounter a roundhouse kick.

    ExecutionCatch the kicking leg, pull it in, and hammer the elbow down into the hamstring.

  11. 11
    Naka Bid Hangนาคาบิดหาง
    "Serpent twists its tail"

    PurposeControl and joint-lock the opponent's leg.

    ExecutionCatch the kick, twist the ankle or shin, and drive a knee into the knee joint or calf.

  12. 12
    Wiroon Hok Klabวิรุฬหกกลับ
    "The Wiroon bird crashes down"

    PurposeCounter a high kick.

    ExecutionAs the opponent kicks, step in on the inside and send a precise stop-kick into their thigh or hip.

  13. 13
    Dab Chawalaดับชวาลา
    "Extinguish the Chawala lamp"

    PurposeDeflect and blind the opponent.

    ExecutionParry the straight punch with one hand and drive the other fist straight into the face or eyes.

  14. 14
    Khun Yak Jab Lingขุนยักษ์จับลิง
    "The giant catches the monkey"

    PurposeAll-round defense in close quarters.

    ExecutionA complex sequence of parries that neutralises and controls combined attacks — punches, kicks and elbows — at once.

  15. 15
    Hak Kho Erawanหักคอเอราวัณ
    "Break Erawan's neck"

    PurposeClinch finisher.

    ExecutionClasp behind the opponent's head or neck, pull violently down, and drive the knee straight up into the face or chest.