KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

2) If you are in range, beware the legs and the elbows. They hit hard.

3) Pay attention to the arc of the leg or the elbow strike. You need to check the attacking limb early in the swing, before the Thai boxer has had a chance to build momentum.

4) If you manage to check early, you'll have more luck, if one of YOUR other limbs is striking at the same time as your check -- a la JKD.

5) Beware of head-butts. You probably shouldn't be on the inside anyway, unless you have practiced this position a lot.

6) If you are good at trapping, use it. You have to lessen the amount of limbs that can attack you, while you are gaining control.

7) From a trap, or a series of hits, a good joint lock may be your only feasible way to gain control. Certain kinds of joint pain effect even a seasoned Thai boxer.

8) Sometimes the best way to defend against a strike is by hitting a different vulnerable area. Not everyone can continue with their punch, once you have poked their eyes out, or crushed their groin.

"It is always wise to use the longest weapon against the nearest target. When your opponent advances toward you, he presents his 'advanced target' of his shin and knee. Before his attack is halfway through, you can stop kick him, and thus, check his attack."

(Bruce Lee: The Tao of Gung Fu, edited by John Little, Tuttle Publishing, 1997, page 95)