Muay Thai Combos: Your Beginner's Guide to Essential Striking Sequences

If you're into Muay Thai, you've probably heard the term "Muay Thai combos" thrown around a lot. Combos, or striking combinations, are essential to your development as a fighter. They help you flow between punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and teeps smoothly and effectively. 

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Muay Thai combos!

Basic Muay Thai Combos for Beginners

If you're new to Muay Thai classes, don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize a hundred moves to start strong. It’s better to focus on simple, clean combinations that help you build solid technique, timing, and confidence. 

Here are some beginner-friendly Muay Thai combos to get you started:

1. Jab, Cross (1-2) 

Throw a quick jab with your lead hand, then follow with a strong cross from your rear hand. Aim both punches at the face or upper body. 

2. Lead Hook, Rear Cross (3-2) 

Start with a hook using your lead hand to the side of the head or body, then follow with a powerful cross straight down the middle. 

3. Jab, Cross, Hook (1-2-3) 

Begin with a jab and cross to the face or upper body, then finish with a lead hook to the side of the head or ribs. 

4. Teep, Cross, Lead Hook (Push Kick-2-3) 

Use a front kick (teep) to push your opponent back, then throw a cross punch and follow with a hook to keep the pressure. 

5. Low Kick, Cross, Hook (Kick-2-3) 

Kick the opponent’s thigh with a low kick, then throw a cross and hook to their face or upper body. 

6. Parry, Cross, Hook, Clinch (Parry-2-3-Clinch) 

Parry (redirect) your opponent’s punch, counter with a cross and hook, then step in to grab the clinch and control the fight. 

7. Cross, Hook, Elbow (2-3-Elbow) 

Start with a cross and hook combo, then close the distance and finish with a sharp elbow strike to the head or body.

Intermediate Muay Thai Combos

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your game with some intermediate combos. These combos mix in kicks, knees, and clinching to build timing, balance, and fluid movement. Here are a few powerful sequences to practice: 

1. Jab, Teep, Rear Knee (1-Teep-9) 

Start with a quick jab to the face or upper body, then use a front kick (teep) to create distance. As your opponent reacts, step in and strike with a strong rear knee to their midsection or thigh. 

2. Lead Hook, Rear Kick, Cross (3-Kick-2) 

Throw a hook with your lead hand to the head or ribs, then follow with a rear leg kick to their thigh or body. Finish strong with a cross punch straight to their upper body or face. 

3. Lead Uppercut, Rear Hook, Clinch (4-3-Clinch) 

Start with a sneaky lead uppercut under their guard, then land a rear hook to the side of the head. Close the distance immediately and enter a clinch to control or set up knee strikes. 

4. Jab, Cross, Teep (1-2-Teep) 

Throw a jab and cross combo to pressure your opponent. As they move back or try to strike, use a teep to push them away and keep control of the distance.

Advanced Muay Thai Combos

Ready to take your skills to the next level? Advanced combos combine speed, deception, and power using punches, kicks, elbows, and quick stance changes. These sequences help you stay unpredictable and effective in the ring. 

1. Jab, Cross, Hook, Elbow (1-2-3-Elbow) 

Start with a jab and cross to the face or body, follow with a hook to the side, then finish up close with a sharp elbow strike to surprise your opponent. 

2. Lead Teep, Rear Knee, Switch Kick, Cross (Teep-9-Switch Kick-2) 

Begin by pushing your opponent away with a lead teep, then hit a strong rear knee. Quickly switch your stance to deliver a high kick to their head, and finish the combo with a powerful cross punch. 

3. Lead Hook, Rear Elbow, Parry, Clinch (3-Elbow-Parry-Clinch) 

Throw a lead hook, follow immediately with a rear elbow at close range. Use a parry to block their counterattack, then close in and take control with a clinch. 

4. Fake Kick, Cross, Hook, Low Kick (Fake Kick-2-3-Kick) 

Fake a kick to trick your opponent, then quickly throw a cross punch. Follow it with a hook and end the combo with a low kick to their leg or body.

Tips for Executing Muay Thai Combos in a Match

Using Muay Thai combos effectively during a fight takes more than just throwing punches and kicks. It’s about timing, strategy, and control. Here are some essential tips to help you land combos smoothly and confidently in the ring:

• Master the basics 
• Pay attention to timing and rhythm 
• Correct your footwork and angles 
• Use setups and feints 
• Read your opponent 
• Practice defense and control 
• Practice sparring and drills 
• Stay mentally strong 

Ready to Dominate the Ring?

Mastering Muay Thai combos isn't just about memorizing moves. If you want to improve your skills, remember to start slow, build up your combo library, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more you train with intention, the more natural and effective your combos will feel.

Looking to boost your confidence, fitness, and fighting skills? At the martial arts program of Rockstar Academy, top Sports & Performing Arts Academy, you’ll train with experienced coaches who help you master powerful Muay Thai combos and techniques. 

Whether you’re a beginner or want to sharpen your skills for competitions like RockOlympics, this program is designed to bring out your best in a supportive, energetic environment. 

Curious to try it out? Join us for a free trial class of the Muay Thai Program and experience firsthand how fun and rewarding Muay Thai training can be!

FAQ

What is the best combination for Muay Thai? 

The best combo depends on your style, but a classic jab-cross-hook-elbow is very effective. 

How many combinations are in Muay Thai? 

There’s no set number since Muay Thai combos are endless and can be mixed in many ways!