Muay Thai is a very unique form of boxing. In both the training arena and in
competition, there are eight parts of the body used – the hands, feet, elbows
and knees, although there is also the standing grappling move which along with
the head-butt are used to wear down and knock out their opponent.

It has been called the “science of eight limbs” and is recognized
around the world as the most effective striking art. It is Thailand’s national
sport and they are very passionate about it. As an extreme ring sport it dates
back thousands of years.

It is a very graceful blend of punches, kicks, elbows and knees and is extremely
effective in real-life situations, be it in the ring or on the street. It relies
mainly on simple and efficient moves to generate the maximum amount of power.

As in most competitive full-contact sports, muay thai is very specific on the
conditioning of the body as fitness and toughness are a requirement for
competition in the ring.

Training includes many fitness regimes such as running, rope jumping, body
weight resistance exercises, shadow-boxing, medicine ball exercises, abdominal
exercises, and even weight training.

MuayThai training will improve one’s self-confidence, discipline and
self-awareness. As it is a form of unarmed combat, it is accessible to people
from all walks of life – both children and adults – male and female. Of course,
not everyone will wish to compete.

In modern parlance, Muay Thai is loosely termed ‘kickboxing’. Choosing the
best place for training courses is the first step. Research all the local
training schools in your neighborhood that offer kickboxing.

Next, go and see them in person, and find out firstly:-

1. What do they have to offer?
2. Will you be be able to watch how training classes are conducted?
3. Do the instructors expect students to learn by repeating their actions? or
4. Do the instructors involve their students in every move?
5. Would you feel comfortable being coached by these instructors? (You have to realize that not all experts in their sport are good at teaching their art).
6. Is the school large enough to have several instructors teaching different classes based on age, ability and experience? (Make sure you observe a class you would probably start in)
7. Finally, find out the cost of training and what is expected of you as far as fitness training is concerned. Will you have to find time, out of school, to get fit?

NB. Remember -

You will be learning how to punch, kick, knee, elbow, and more. You will have
the opportunity to hit thai and hand pads as well as learn how to hold
these pads for other students.

You will also learn basic strikes, combinations, and if and when you feel ready,
you will even be able to spar with other students. While sparring is not a
requirement for students not interested in competition, mixed martial arts
fighters and muay thai boxers will have to attend sparring classes in
preparation for their fights.

Prepare for a lot of fun and hard training.

One of the great benefits of getting your body fit for Muay Thai will be the
weight loss. The tough, physical aspect of the sport will assist you in
losing those extra pounds.

Running and walking are two of the best aerobic exercises to improve
one’s general health and fitness. It is difficult to say which is better
because it depends on the level of fitness one is at.

During the first twenty minutes or so of running, the body starts to burn mainly
sugars and proteins but not fat.

After about twelve minutes of a brisk walk fat is burned. So if one wants
to lose weight, it would be better to walk for forty minutes as opposed to
running for twenty minutes.

For the best cardio work-out it would be better to go for a run – if you like
running and want to lose weight then make sure you run for more than 20 minutes.
Perhaps, a happy medium would be to walk and run on alternate days.

One thing to remember about running is that it is very hard on the joints
such as the knees, ankles and hips. The constant impacting with hard ground, at
least a thousand times per mile can cause considerable stress on these joints.
The answer then, is to wear good quality training shoes.

Swimming is also an excellent aerobic exercise but, of course, is not
a weight-bearing activity.

Other activities you will have to master to get into shape are:-

• Resistance exercises – push-ups, dips, squat thrusts, pull-ups – these will help with co-ordination, balance and body control.
• Weight-training – develops the strength and size of muscles.
• Speed ball – helps to improve punching skills – hand-eye co-ordination, rhythm and timing.
• Double-end bag – floor to ceiling bag – also for timing and target practice.
• Medicine ball – helps to strengthen abdominal muscles.
• Stretching exercise – always done prior to all other activities.
• Bag work – this involves practice kicks on a heavy bag.
• Shadow boxing – practice sparring in front of a mirror.
• Using Thai pads – helps to practice punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes.