បោកជង្គង់ខ្នង
Bok Chong Khnong (Straight Knee)
Difficulty: BeginnerAll Strikes
The straight knee is the fundamental knee strike in Kun Khmer, driven directly forward into the opponent's body or head. It is the primary weapon from the clinch and one of the most effective techniques in all of Khmer boxing.
Steps
- From the clinch or close range, establish control of the opponent's head or neck with at least one hand.
- Drive the hip forward on the striking side while pulling the opponent's head down toward the rising knee.
- Thrust the knee straight up and forward, striking with the point of the knee and driving through the target.
- Return the foot to the ground and re-establish your clinch position or guard.
Key Points
- Pull the opponent into the knee while driving the knee forward — the power comes from both movements combining.
- Rise on the toes of the standing foot for extra height and drive on the knee.
- Point the toes of the striking foot downward to ensure proper alignment and a sharp knee point.
Common Mistakes
- Kneeing without pulling the opponent forward, which cuts the power of the strike dramatically.
- Raising the knee too high without driving it forward, turning it into a lift rather than a strike.
- Losing clinch control when throwing the knee, allowing the opponent to escape or counter.
Targets
- Solar plexus
- Sternum
- Ribs
- Face (with head pulled down)
- Thigh
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Last updated: August 2026