Diagonal / Curving Knee

  • Striking
  • Knees
  • intermediate
  • Clinch
  • 3 steps

A knee that curves up and across into the ribs from the side of a tight clinch. Also known as the Khao Chiang, the Round knee or the Khao Khong. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Lock the clinch

    Control the head and turn the opponent slightly to expose the ribs.

    Diagonal / Curving Knee step 1 of 3: Lock the clinch
  2. 02

    Curve the knee in

    Swing the rear knee up and across in a small arc, striking the floating ribs with the inside of the knee as you turn the hip over.

    Diagonal / Curving Knee step 2 of 3: Curve the knee in
  3. 03

    Reset the clinch

    Recover your base and re-secure control.

    Diagonal / Curving Knee step 3 of 3: Reset the clinch

Key details

  • Turn the hip over so the knee curves into the ribs.
  • Use the clinch to steer them onto the strike.
  • Great when they defend the straight knee by blocking the centre.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing it straight when the angle calls for a curve.
  • Losing the head control as you turn.
  • Posting the foot too wide and losing balance.

Related techniques

See it animated in DARCE

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