Yat Kao

Yat Kao is not the same as your standard knee attack, which usually has a rising motion. Yat Kao is a thrusting knee where the main motion is a direct line forwards, using the weight from the body using Tae Tua.

Execution

Getting the feeling for the Tae Tua movement is extrememly important for Yat Kao, so make sure you've had plenty of practice! Start from the Tha Kru, left stance:

1. Raise the right knee to the front, exactly like in the Yang Sam Kum, including the Phan Mut.
2. Rock the head and the shoulders backwards and push the raised knee forwards, pivoting around your hips.
3. Bring your head and torso back to the Yok Kao Guard and bring the knee back.
4. Drop the foot down into the Tha Kru, right stance.

You should be able to execute this with power, and not over compensating your balance. Remember to keep your guard up throughout this technique, as the knee is a short range attack, well withing the range of you're opponent's punch techniques. If you step down towards your opponent, it is even more important, because you will be mocing into the opponent's elbow range to!