Developing Teep

[GorillaPalmz]

I am looking for training tips on developing my teep. I've spent a lot of time on my round kicks which has led to negligence of my push kicks. I try to pop the heavy bag as it is coming back to me, but my technique isn't there and I get pushed back from the weight..

So, technique wise, does anyone have any specific points to check on the form of the kick (please differentiate between short and long teep mechanics)? What equipment and methods are most efficient for developing good form? What are the specific muscle groups I need to target for developing a good teep and which specific excercises can I do to strengthen those muscle groups?

Also, as far as fighting strategy, how does the short and long teeps differ? Are there different types of teeps (akin to different types of jabs, for instance) and how do they come into play?

A lot of stuff, but I don't know of any better place to ask...

Thanks!
GPalmz.

[terry]

I have a kicking shield that works pretty well for teeps. Also, a belly pad is also a good target (trainer, make sure to wear a cup).

The teep doesn't need to drive people back in order to be effective. Sometimes, it just needs to disturb the balance to be effective enough to setup another attack. Consider, for example doing a teep to the following targets:

1. Teep to opponent's back thigh
2. Teep to opponent's front thigh

It is unlikely that your opponent will bother to scoop/catch these since they are low. (If they do, then fake and follow w/ a high hook or kick to the neck on the side that reaches. But it is worth training these a bit to ingrain how the body and head react when the thigh is hit. Teeping the back leg will make the head drop a bit more forward then the front leg. Learn where that is.

3. Teep to opponent's chin

This is considered an insult by Thais. It is also relatively difficult to land on a decent guy.

4. Teep to opponent's rib cage
5. Teep to opponent's hip (near side, far side)

These are generally used against an incoming kick. As above, you need to work carefully to study and understand how your opponent's balance and body mechanics are effected by each hit. Then you'll be able to be ready to launch a combination into the next target.

In general, if you teep high, your next attack should be low because the opponent's body will lean back, exposing the leg. If you teep low, your next attack should be high because the opponent's body will either drop or lean forward, frequently moving the arms out of position while he regains his balance.

Terry

[GorillaPalmz]

Terry,

Thanks very much, exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I'll play with all your advice and see what I come out with...

Thanks again,
G.Palmz

[Double Dose]

Teep Training Methods

Here is one way I have found that works very well to train the teep. Try it and let me know what you think. It requires 2 chairs w/backs and a partner. Set up both chairs side by side and both facing the same way then put on your belly pads and one of you stands at the chair back and one at the front teep each other over the chairs back and forth then switch sides. You will find both sides very different but equally beneficial and challenging! This helps to develop you brining your leg straight back instead of dropping it which is much harder to catch. Enjoy!
Double Dose

[JIMI]

ABSOLUTLEY RIGHT!, with regards to bringing your leg straight back, and not dropping down. as to teeps, sometimes all you gotta do is put em out there. especially as you can see them move in on you. i dont feel its so much as how hard you actually push out, as to how fast you put it out there. also master chai teaches a wonderful technique that helps you stabilize your supporting leg. not quite sure how to explain it on words. you really have to see it.

[chalambok]

You guys are half right. There are two basic teeps, the bent-leg thrust, which is what I believe you have been discussing, and the straight leg teep, which gets its power from the pivot of the base leg. If you remember 3-4-5 from high school math, you will see the straight leg teep is faster. A benefit of this teep is the opponent has a harder time seeing the leg's trajectory. A good drill for each of these is to stand facing the point of a corner, then hop teep either leg in each direction. This is hard but great for your agility and balance, plus teach you the correct distance for attempting the kick.

[platinum_angel]

could you tell me what a teep is or what it means

[chalambok]

Teep means 'footjab', which is akin to the lead-hand jab from straight boxing. With practice you will be able to use your front leg much like a boxer uses his lead hand, keeping your opponent away from you and upsetting his timing, also as the beginning of foot/hand combinations. There are many variations, the two mentioned before, straight and bent-leg, plus the side footjab, which is like a side kick sort of, and variations of that which involve using the blade of the foot, the toes and even the heel depending on the targetted area.