The sport of Thaiboxning is often viewed as brutal and can inflict a lot of damage on fighters and practitioners. However, that’s a view held by those who haven’t tried it. Those who have experienced training and fighting in Muay Thai know that it is much more than just a violent sport.
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. It is often referred to as the “art of 8 limbs” because it utilizes punches, kicks, elbows and knees (as well as the head traditionally but that has been removed from modern competition rules). The sport also focuses on footwork and clinching.
While many people may be unfamiliar with the sport, it is more popular than ever. This is partly due to the various tournaments and competitions that take place worldwide as well as the fact that it is commonly incorporated into other fight sports such as MMA. In fact, many MMA fighters train in both boxing and Muay Thai because it helps them to develop the speed and power necessary to compete with other athletes.
One of the main differences between Muay Thai and other martial arts is that it places a heavy focus on body conditioning. This can result in a steep learning curve for those new to the sport but it also allows for rapid increases in fitness and stamina provided that proper techniques are followed. Some of the most common conditioning exercises in muay thai include running, shadowboxing, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, medicine ball drills and abdominal exercises.
The striking aspect of the art is highly developed as well. Kicks are particularly effective in Muay Thai as they can be used to disarm an opponent, knock them out or simply extend the reach of a fighter. Historically, Thai fighters would practice their kicks by repeatedly hitting a dense, hard target such as a coconut or banana tree with their shins. This helped to toughen and harden the shin bone through a process known as cortical remodelling. Today, fighters typically use a heavy bag or even just sand to get the same effect.
The clinching aspect of the sport is also highly developed as fighters look to gain an advantage through controlling their opponent. While clinching can be dangerous, if done correctly it can give an attacker the opening they need to score a knockout. In addition to working on their own clinching technique, fighters can also work on improving the overall submission grappling skills of their opponents by working on joint locks and holds.
If you’re interested in trying this exciting and rewarding martial art, it’s important to find a good gym with knowledgeable instructors that can help you achieve your goals. The best way to do this is by asking around and comparing gyms before making a decision. Then, make sure you enroll in a class that offers both group and private classes. This will allow you to train with a partner while still getting the individual attention you need to progress your skills.
