Beurt

Beurt is usually used to parry straight punches which follow the open line above the Muay Chaiya guard or downward blows from above, although it can also be used against hook punches. It's simple movement is sharp and crisp, fast enough to stop a jab, but with enough weight to stop more determined strikes especially heavy crosses.

Execution

1. Relax into the  Tha Kru guard.
2. Wait for the opponent to strike on the line above the lead arm.
3. Phlik Liam and raise your lead arm, parrying the attacking arm from underneath.
4. Return to you guard position.

Against jabs, and quick strikes where the opponent doesn't commit themselves, the Phlik Liam is optional, and a quick flick of the arm is all that's needed to parry the attack. Against heavy attacks 9and opponents) adding the Phlik Liam gives you much more leverage and power, and makes it possible to deliver a counter attack.

Hand twist

Depending on what you're defending against, you should angle your forearm accordingly.

• Against a hard weapon such as a stick on a downward strike, you should keep you hand palm facing down, so that you deflect the blow using the muscles on the back of your forearm and not your bone (ulna).
• Against punches, when it is desirable to hurt the opponent, you can add an extra flick to the parry by turning your hand outwards, so that you strike the attacking arm with your forearm bone (ulna).

For a lot of people it's more natural to add the flick into the movement (especially if you studied something like Karate!) however, it's best to practice without the flick, as this is the safer movement.