Yep, you can use a gunting in the ring. The Thai kick is the limb destruction that comes out first, followed by the knee. Elbows can get used, but they frequently slip and hit to the face. Obviously, gloves make guntings ineffectual with hands. The interesting place to look for these are in the Muay Charya (bound fist) matches. I haven't noted any in the matches I've watched.
Note the difference between the Thai philosophy of going straight for the primary target while the Filipinos will frequently hit one or two secondary targets on the way in or out.
Finally, there are a number of people out there who don't advise using a empty-handed gunting with the fist against a worthy, determined opponent. The thinking is that it may not do enough damage against someone with a high pain tolerance and in any case requires you to have superiority with respect to controlling distance. I suggest you try it out on an opponent with skill & stature equal to or greater than your own sometime. Then decide for yourself.
Terry |