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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.

When to use it

Use the diagonal knee when the opponent blocks straight knees by covering the centre or turning their hips in. Turn their head with the clinch to open the ribs, then curve the knee in. It lands well when they lean on you or try to pummel.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Lock the clinch

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

  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.

  3. 03

    Reset the clinch

    Recover your base and re-secure control.

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.

Common counters

Opponents block it with the elbow and forearm, or step their hips back out of range. They also turn you in the clinch as your weight shifts onto one leg. Keep the head control and plant the foot back under you fast.

How to drill it

From a double collar tie, alternate straight and diagonal knees on a partner wearing a belly pad, turning them a quarter step before every diagonal knee. Do three rounds of two minutes.

Related techniques

Train it with the AI coach