Muay Thai is a popular form of martial arts originating from Thailand. With over 65,000 professional fighters, it is regarded as the country’s national sport. It is also known as “Thai Boxing”, relying heavily on different forms of strikes. It also has a grappling element called clinching.
Visiting Thailand is one of the best ways you can learn the sport as you will be able to see its authentic practices. There is also an abundance of resources on Muay Thai that can help you fully immerse yourself in it. If you want to make the most out of your Muay Thai training in Thailand, here are a few things you should do:
Find the right gym
The first thing you should do is find the right gym. Our past article titled ‘Why travel to Thailand for Muay Thai?’ highlights that there are hundreds of trainers who can teach you the basics. They will push you to reach your fullest potential and encourage you to flourish as a fighter.
There are many Muay Thai gyms in the country so don’t be afraid to scout around for one that you believe suits you best. As a foreigner, there are many establishments that teach in English so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier. Each gym also has its own specialization when it comes to either striking or clinching. Pick one that brings more emphasis on the skill you want to learn more. Choosing the right gym can help you maximize your training in the country.
Spar with other athletes
Another great thing about learning Muay Thai in Thailand is that you can easily get in contact and meet more experienced athletes who might be willing to teach you a thing or two. You can try visiting different gyms outside of your regular one to spar with others. You can learn their techniques as well as gauge how well you are doing against opponents.
Expat Bets’ guide to Thailand explains that traveling around the country is easy due to the number of airports and extensive railway systems. As the sport is also popular in many other Southeast Asian countries, crossing borders to places like Malaysia and Singapore is also convenient. You can traverse Thailand and a few neighboring locales to interact with other athletes and make the most of your training.
Learn Muay Thai’s roots
The last thing you need to do is to learn the history and culture behind Muay Thai. The IFMA explains that traditionally, there is an almost spiritual aspect of the sport, tying together mind, body, and soul. It was used as combat on the battlefield by soldiers before it became a popular pastime.
Knowing the roots and history of Muay Thai will give you a better understanding of the sport, its rules, and its purpose. Knowing its principles will also make you a much better sportsman and can serve as a guide for everyday life. Muay Thai emphasizes that you are your greatest enemy. Believing in yourself will make you stronger and better. These are principles you will only learn once you understand the roots of the sport.
There truly is no better place to learn Muay Thai than Thailand itself. You can certainly make the most out of your training by finding the right gym, competing against other athletes, and learning more about the culture behind the sport.
