Träning thaiboxning is a stand up combat sport that utilizes punches, elbow strikes, kicks and knee strikes. It’s one of the most exciting and bloody martial arts out there.
It also happens to be the primary striking base for a lot of Mixed Martial Artists today. It’s a great way to build strength, endurance and confidence while having fun and getting in shape. But it’s not a sport for everyone and some people are hesitant to get started because of the brutality.
They’re not alone in their hesitance either because Muay Thai is physically demanding, but if they’re patient and committed, they’ll find themselves becoming very good at this ferocious form of fighting. It’s an art that requires the use of all of your body and especially the shins and forearms, which play a vital role in blocking and absorbing blows.
As warriors, the ancient Thai were always ready to defend their homes from invaders and strove to perfect their hand-to-hand combat skills. The shins and forearms, they believed, could serve as armor and shield against attacks from their enemies. So they would practice kicking and punching against trees, bamboo sticks, or even the hard husk of a coconut that they shattered with their fists.
This form of training helped them to develop the unique style that would come to define their fighting. Over the centuries as the warriors fought against tribes in northern and central Thailand, they also honed their skills in combat with other countries like Burma and Cambodia. These fights, some of which were very deadly, taught them a lot about the art of Thai boxing and how to be a lethal fighter.
In the 19th century, the king promoted and encouraged Muay Thai as an art of national pride. It grew in popularity and importance, transforming into a cultural institution and an essential part of their daily lives. The fighters set up camps or “Kroo Muay” that became their familial home and a place where they would train and develop new generations of warriors.
It was at this time that the first ring was built at Suan Kulap College and Muay Thai and British boxing were taught as one course of study. This is when the term Muay Thai was first used to describe this unique style of fighting.
Today, Thai boxing training continues to evolve and improve. Fusion’s Thai trainers work to teach students a solid foundation that will allow them to advance in their own unique ways. Once students complete all five R&R classes, they are eligible to join the Master Class where partner drills and pad work become more refined, and sparring becomes available. This allows students to train at higher intensity levels that are safe for the hitter and holder, while developing more confidence in their ability to block and attack an opponent. It’s an exciting and challenging era for Muay Thai and it will continue to grow in popularity.