Muay Thai is one of the most intricate striking martial arts. From ranged fighting, close quarters combat, and clinch work, there are a plethora of techniques to learn in “the art of eight limbs.” One of the most prominent techniques to learn in Muay Thai is what we call the “dump.”
The dump is a technique used in the Muay Thai clinch to break posture and throw an opponent down to the canvas. It’s a way to assert physical dominance over an opponent, and score major points with the judges.
There are a variety of ways to execute a Muay Thai dump, and proper technique is required to perform this move correctly.
Evolve instructor, multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Nontachai Sit-O demonstrates one of his favorite techniques in this video — the single-collar neck tie and knee bump dump.
Nontachai Sit-O is one of the most decorated Muay Thai fighters in history, and has defeated many Muay Thai legends throughout his career. He has won seven world championship belts during his time in the ring. At his physical peak, Nontachai Sit-O was labeled one of the most dominant fighters in the sport by a collection of Thai media.
Needless to say, when Nontachai Sit-O teaches you a technique, it’s best if you listen carefully. Here’s how to execute the single-collar neck tie and knee bump dump.
1) The Basics
The first step in this technique is to grab the opponent with your hands, your right arm grabbing the left tricep, and your left hand wrapped behind your opponent’s neck. Then take a step backward with your rear foot. This is the initial position.
Next, Nontachai Sit-O says to “step your right foot between the opponent’s legs and trip him a little,” which will cause him to go off-balance. It’s an important part of the maneuver, to bring the opponent down to the mat in one fell swoop.
From here, your right arm will transition to underneath the opponent’s left arm in an underhook, while the left hand pulls the neck downward and the left foot circles to the rear which creates a smooth swinging motion.
The technique is explained in more step-by-step detail in the video above.
2) What Not To Do
Of course, Nontachai Sit-O also details common mistakes that beginners should avoid when performing this technique.
“Now, let’s have a look at the common mistakes made in this sweep technique. These are the mistakes I often see people make that exhaust them during a fight,” Nontachai Sit-O says.
Mistake #1: Stepping The Right Foot Outside Of The Opponent’s Lead Foot
The technique calls for the right foot to step on the inside, using the right knee to create a wedge in between an opponent’s stance and knock them off-balance. That simply won’t be possible with the right foot positioned on the outside.
“When the opponent stands firmly, and you step to the side to push, he will not fall. If you grab him like this, it will be hard to make the opponent fall. When you step incorrectly, you see, he will not fall down,” Nontachai Sit-O says.
“In this technique…you must step your foot inside like this. You pull the opponent and swing him down to the other side.”
Mistake #2: Failing To Secure The Right Underhook
According to Nontachai Sit-O, securing the right underhook is essential to the technique’s success.
“The second mistake is, you step and grab the opponent correctly but you don’t switch your arm under. You can use one hand to pull but you will use a lot of energy and exhaust yourself. The opponent can fall over you,” he says.
“If you step in and pull the opponent with one hand, you can see he is locking your arm. It won’t work, so you need to switch your arm under his and spin at the same time as you pull. Switch and spin…if you do it correctly, he’ll be off-balance and fall down.”
The single-collar neck tie dump is a fantastic technique, with a tremendous effect on an opponent’s balance. Once mastered, it’s a great technique to have in the arsenal.
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