Title: Straight Knee: Steps, Key Details & Mistakes | DARCE

Canonical: https://darce.app/techniques/striking/straight-knee

> A straight knee driven up the centre into the body, the workhorse strike of the clinch. Step-by-step breakdown with key details and common mistakes.

# Straight Knee

- Striking
- Knees
- fundamental
- Clinch
- 3 steps

A straight knee driven up the centre into the body, the workhorse strike of the clinch. Also known as the Khao Trong or the Straight knee strike. 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

Throw straight knees once you hold a double collar tie or a body lock and their posture is broken. Pull their head down as you drive the hip, so they come onto the knee. It also lands as a counter when an opponent ducks in or shoots for your legs.

## Step by step

1. 01

   ### Lock the clinch

   Secure a double collar tie or body lock and pull the opponent in and down.

2. 02

   ### Drive the knee up

   Push off the ground with the base leg, thrust the hips forward and drive the rear knee straight up into the body while pulling them onto it.

3. 03

   ### Reset the clinch

   Plant the leg back and re-pummel for control before the next knee.

## Key details

- Pull them onto the knee with the clinch as you thrust the hip.
- Strike with the point of the knee.
- Push off the ground and extend the hip. Power is in the hips, not the leg.

## Common mistakes

- Kneeing without pulling them in, so it lands soft.
- Leaning back too far and losing the clinch.
- Striking with the thigh instead of the knee point.

## Common counters

Opponents frame on your hips or chest to make space, or pummel inside to break the tie. Some catch the knee and push you off balance, or turn you in the clinch while you stand on one leg. Keep the tie tight and re-pummel between knees.

## How to drill it

With a partner wearing a belly pad, lock the double collar tie and land ten alternating straight knees, then pummel and switch roles. Work three rounds of two minutes, pulling their head down on every knee.

## Related techniques

- [Diagonal / Curving Knee Striking A knee that curves up and across into the ribs from the side of a tight clinch.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/diagonal-knee)
- [Flying Knee Striking A long-range knee launched by jumping into the opponent to drive the knee into the body or head.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/flying-knee)
- [Outside Trip Wrestling Off-balance the opponent and reap their leg from the outside to trip them onto their back.](https://darce.app/techniques/wrestling/outside-trip)

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