ก้าววนรอบ / Kao Wun Rop
Circle stepping is the continuous lateral movement that prevents an opponent from setting up combinations against a stationary target. Rather than standing still or moving in straight lines, the fighter takes small, continuous steps around the opponent in either direction, always maintaining the same distance and stance orientation. Circle stepping in the orthodox stance typically goes counterclockwise (to the fighter's right, away from the opponent's rear hand), which keeps the orthodox fighter outside the opponent's power side. Circle stepping in southpaw reverses this. The technique is simple in description but harder in execution: the steps must be small (15-30cm each), the stance must be re-established after every step, and the fighter must continuously adjust facing so the opponent is always in the centerline. Most beginners stop circling when they want to strike — that loses the protective benefit. The advanced version of circle stepping integrates strikes into the circling motion without ever stopping the lateral travel.