MUAYTHAI BORAN'S BLOCKING & PARRYING (ป้อง, ปัด, ปิด, เปิด)

---

One of the most distinctive Defensive Techniques, know as "Mai Rab" (ไม้รับ) in Thai, found in the Arsenal of the Nak Muay is the method known as "Kao Bang" (เข่าบัง). Kao Bang, which can literally be translated as "Knee Shield", is a nomenclature which can be easily misunderstood as the technique actually involves the Thai stylist raising his defending leg to receive the strike on the proximal aspect of the Tibia, known in Thai as "Kaeng" (เเข้ง). 

While something of a misnomer Kao Bang is often referred to as a "Check" or "Shin Block", in international practice. While more anatomically accurate, this terminology is incorrect in terms of the Traditional teachings. In fact the proper utilization of the lower portion of the leg as a shielding Implement involves an ability to assess the trajectory of incoming low or mid-level Round Kicks, "Teh" (เตะ), Linear Kicks, "Teep" (ถีบ), or Knees, "Ti Kao" (ตีเข่า), by raising the leg only high enough to intercept the strike in the "Kao Bang Zone".

The Kao Bang Zone is comprised of the dense proximalmost aspect of the Tibia known as the "Tibial Tuberosity". This segment of the Shin bone or "Knee" as it were, provides the most anatomically sound structure for absorbing the massive impetus of the characteristicly powerful Circular Kicks of Muay Thai Boran. 

This zone is the most dense and least innervated portion of the leg and can therefore provide the utilist with a tool that is both structurally solid as well as capable of receiving strikes without much pain to the defender. 

Additionally, a proper Kao Bang not only involves simply raising the leg, but also simultaneously turning the leg at the hip to receive the kick directly on the anterior portion of the shin. The adopter of Kao Bang must also raise the leg to the proper height in relation to the counterparts offensive action.

Another element required is the lifting the foot in dorsiflexion to contract the Tibialis Anterior musculature to receive the impact.

If the defender simply lifts the leg without the presence of these elements they may :

1. Lift the leg too high, receiving the impact too low on the shin,  causing pain and possible mechanical injury, or exposing the opposite leg to being "Cut" out from under you by a Sweeping Low Kick which may pass under the raised leg, and/or ;

2. Receive the blow on the Tibialis Anterior musculature causing contusions, debilitating pain, nerve damage, reduced contractile strength and mobility as well as potential fracture of the Fibula bone.

Conversely, receiving the kick too high may cause damage to the Patella (Kneecap), or Patellar Tendon. Absorbing the kick with the Lateral portion may also cause the body to turn, whereas taking it directly, by turning into the trajectory of the strike, will absorb the blow without compromising the balance or guard. Used correctly, the attacker will suffer pain and potential damage, as well as potentially adverse psychological effects. The usage of Kao Bang in combat can prove to be a pivotal tool that may determine if a fighter is able to defend themselves effectively.

The technique also has the ability to classically condition a Pavlovian response by way of negative feedback stimuli. If the adversary experiences pain from your Kao Bang every time they attempt to kick, they are likely to become trepidatious about trying to kick you. 

Mastery of Kao Bang may potentially be the difference of winning or losing a contest at best or, surviving or being beat to death by an assailant at worst. As with all methods in the Noble Art, Kao Bang is a subtle Art as well as a Science which requires drilling, conditioning and instruction to ready the tool and neuromuscular system for its efficient and effective utilization.