Yang Saam Khum Stage 1: Legs and feet

The movement looks simple, but ask any student and they will testify that it's a lot harder than it looks. For this reason, learning the Yang Saam Khum is broken down into 4 stages. Each stage should be practiced thoroughly, making sure that balance and control are gained before moving onto the next stage. It is also one of the movements that you'll get judged on when trying to advance through the style. So don't skip out on this movement, master it.

Stage 1: Legs and feet

For this stage you will stand in the Tha Kru stance, but with you hands resting on the inside of your hips (just above your crotch). This is so that you can focus on your legs and feet, and do not use your hands to facilitate the turn of the body which should come from your shoulders. You will also need to learn how to raise the knee, as in the Yok Khao Guard, this is important for foot positioning.

Moving forwards

Start in left stance

1. Lift you right knee to waist height pointing at 45°.
2. Turn your body anti-clockwise 90°, making sure that your knee now points directly forward.
3. Put your right foot down into right stance - it should be parrallel to you left foot, both of which should be 45° to the front.
4. Now repeat for the opposite side.

Moving Backwards

Start in left stance

1. Lift your left knee to waist level, pointing straight forward.
2. Turn you body 90° anti-clockwise. The knee should end at 45° to the front, remember to keep the knee up.
3. Put your left foot down into right stance - it should be parrallel to you right foot, both of which should be 45° to the front.
4. Now repeat for the opposite side.