Mastering the Teep in Kickboxing and Muay Thai for Effective Stand-Up Fighting (Online Martial Arts Training)
- jamie03066
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Online Martial Arts Training
After a week away from teaching, I was eager to get back into training. My first lesson was with an online martial arts training client from the Republic of Ireland. He is the head instructor of Drum Martial and Fitness in Galway. We picked up where we left off in his kickboxing and Muay Thai training, focusing on a technique he wanted to improve: the teep.
The teep, often called the push kick, is a fundamental tool in stand-up fighting. It controls distance, disrupts an opponent’s rhythm, and sets up other strikes. In this session, I broke down the teep into manageable parts and explored how to teach it effectively to students. Here’s what I covered and how you can apply these insights in your own online martial arts training sessions.
Breaking Down the Teep Setup
We started by focusing on the setup, which is crucial for a powerful and accurate teep. I emphasized the importance of hand positioning first. The hands don’t just protect; they help create momentum and balance. To demonstrate the swiping action of the lead hand, I grabbed a cloth and showed how it should sweep downwards, clearing the way for the kick.
Next, I guided him through the footwork. Flattening the back foot and pushing the hip forward generates the power behind the teep. This movement is often overlooked but is essential for transferring energy from the ground through the body and into the kick.
We then moved to the knee lift. Raising the knee properly sets the trajectory for the leg extension. Finally, we added the leg extension itself, pushing the foot forward like a spear. This step-by-step approach helped him understand how each part contributes to the overall technique.
The Role of the Rear Hand Guard
While working on the teep, I stressed the importance of the rear hand guard. Many fighters drop their hands when kicking, leaving themselves open to counterattacks. I explained why the rear hand must remain dynamic—ready to block, parry, or strike back. Keeping the guard active protects the fighter and maintains balance during the kick.
Teaching the Teep Through Games
One of the challenges in online martial arts training is keeping lessons engaging and interactive. To help my client introduce the teep to his students, I suggested using simple games that build skills naturally.
We started with a one-for-one pushing drill using the front leg. Students push each other away with the teep, learning to absorb force and maintain balance. This drill teaches control and timing in both offense and defense.
Next, we added the lead hand to feint and swipe. This combination sharpens coordination and helps students read their opponent’s reactions. Then, we moved to sparring drills: teep versus teep, and teep combined with jabs. These exercises simulate real fight scenarios and build confidence in applying the technique under pressure.
Practical Tips for Online Martial Arts Training
Teaching the teep remotely requires clear communication and creative methods. Here are some tips I use in my online martial arts training sessions:
Use slow-motion demonstrations to highlight each part of the technique.
Encourage students to film themselves practicing, so you can give detailed feedback.
Incorporate partner drills that can be done with family or training partners at home.
Break down complex moves into smaller steps to avoid overwhelming students.
Use visual aids like diagrams or cloth demonstrations to explain concepts like hand swiping.
These strategies help maintain engagement and ensure students develop solid fundamentals even without in-person contact.
Why the Teep Matters in Stand-Up Fighting
The teep is more than just a kick; it’s a versatile tool that controls the fight’s pace and distance. A well-executed teep can:
Keep aggressive opponents at bay
Create openings for punches and combinations
Disrupt an opponent’s balance and rhythm
Serve as a defensive barrier to avoid clinches or takedowns
For instructors teaching online martial arts training, emphasizing the teep’s strategic value helps students appreciate its role beyond just a physical move.
Final Thoughts on Teaching the Teep
Working with my client from Galway reminded me how important it is to focus on fundamentals and adapt teaching methods for online training. Breaking the teep into clear steps, reinforcing the rear hand guard, and using interactive games made the lesson productive and enjoyable.
If you teach martial arts remotely, try incorporating these approaches to help your students master the teep. It’s a powerful technique that builds confidence and control in stand-up fighting. Keep the lessons clear, practical, and fun, and your students will see steady progress.
Mastering the teep opens up new possibilities for your students’ striking game. Start with the basics, build up gradually, and watch their skills grow with every lesson.
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