dazzathethai

I think you may be talking about Yang Sam Kum. Thai footwork. Yes in western Muay Thai Yang Sam Kum is not the same, western fighters move like boxers. And you made good points about "relearning", I noticed that everytime I went there... although he did try to develop my strengths there was always a certain "style" he wanted me to fight.... I learned a lot and I also learn a lot from some guys who have never trained in Thailand in terms of footwork and other stuff... what I learned in Thailand was front foot flat with the rear heal raised is usually a prefered stance for delivering a fast roundkick, front foot heal raised and flat on the rear is prefered for "teep" defense and shin defense. Ma Yong (spelling here) is good to enter opponents space to attack (learned that here also) also both heels raised while dipping forward to "fake".... the quick "bruce lee like" footwork is, I am sure, not exactly part of Muay Thai but it works so why not use it! I was always told not to move like that, they prefer me to block and if possible move quickly away from an uncounterable attack (side step or back) then regain composure (yang sam kum - thai footwork) then work from there again... I cant explain really what i mean but it is different, Thai footwork taught in Thailand is slightly different that Thai footwork taught outside of Thailand. Maybe thats because the standard of Boxing (fistwork) is higher, I dunno its anyone guess I suppose.

...I notice many western fighters move like boxers, dancing round their opponents, frustrating them... I am trying to learn this footwork as I assume it would be usefull when fighting against such an opponent

By the way I aint an expert, just giving my opinions.