Muay Thai for Beginners: Getting Started
Are you thinking about joining a Muay Thai class? You should!
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. The name translates to “Thai Boxing,” which is somewhat of a misnomer. Muay Thai is similar to kickboxing, and you will learn traditional skills, but Muay Thai also involves elbow and knee clinching.
When you train Muay Thai, you learn to utilize your entire body. Here's what you need to get started and what you should expect!
What do you need to Start Learning Muay Thai?
Firstly, you need to mentally and physically prepare. Muay That is a very intense sport, so it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It’s recommended that you try a simple exercise like jogging to condition your body and mind.
Then, you need to find a reliable place to learn from.
Learning the proper techniques is crucial to avoid injuring yourself or others unintentionally. You can eventually start training at home, but that’s after you know proper technique and form. A lot of people also find the social factor of a gym motivating. Ensure you find a gym that matches your training goals, whether that's fitness, self-defense, or something else. Most reputable gyms offer a free trial period where you can decide if that gym is right for you.
If you’re wondering what to wear or what equipment you need, check out the article below:
This is what you should wear to a Muay Thai Fight
The Fundamentals of Muay Thai
As with everything, Muay Thai has some fundamentals that you need to know.
Proper Breathing
Learning to breathe correctly is an essential skill. If you don’t know how to breathe right, you’ll quickly become winded and tired. Breathe in and out with every strike. Practicing this will also improve your control over your body, which leads to more fluid movements.
Float Like A Butterfly
Learning good footwork is key to being good at Muay Thai. Stay balanced and firm on the balls of your feet. Muay Thai has a wide variety of foot movements so that you can find your own rhythm. But you need to learn and maintain proper form.
Don't Lean
How do you throw a punch?
Punching with proper technique means more than just walloping someone. To properly throw a punch, you should twist your body, starting from the heel in a pivot movement, then twisting your hips, and driving the strike. Leaning throws off your balance and reduces the power in your punch.
Aim
Muay Thai is a great way to improve your hand-to-eye coordination. After all, it doesn't matter how hard you hit if the blow doesn’t reach its target. Proper aim is also critical when training with a partner because a misplaced hit can easily lead to a devastating injury.
Stay Aware
You need to keep your guard up at all times. Protecting your head is one of the most important things to do in a fight. When your guard is up, your gloves should touch your forehead. Apart from keeping your guard up, you should also be aware of your and your opponent's bodies.
Remember: Commitment, diligence, and consistency are key to being a Muay Thai success. Mongkol Muay Thai is your source for premium May Thai equipment. Explore our collection to find everything you need!