How to Get Start Training Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a beautiful, yet deadly, traditional martial art native to the southeast Asian nation of Thailand. It is beloved by the Thai people as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage.
Thousands of years ago, Thai warriors used the powerful fighting style to fend off the invading Burmese army, ultimately saving their homeland. Today, Muay Thai is widely considered the most effective striking style in the world. In the “Art of Eight Limbs” every part of the body becomes a weapon: fists as clubs, elbows as heavy hammers, knees and feet as axes.
Like any martial art, training Muay Thai can help a practicioner deepen focus, build confidence, and sharpen concentration, along with the physical aspects of burning fat and sculpting muscle. There are many benefits that might draw a person to want to train this beautiful art. No matter what motivation is driving you to learn Muay Thai, the first place to start is a gym.
How to Choose a Gym
The first step of your journey to Muay Thai glory, whatever that means for you, is to choose a place to train. Most metro areas will have at least a handful of Muay Thai gyms to choose from. If you can’t find a dedicated Muay Thai only facility, check mixed martial arts (MMA) or boxing gyms in your area, as many offer classes in the sport, along with other fighting styles. I currently train at a facility that offers MMA, traditional boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and other martial arts. Community centers and universities also sometimes offer courses in martial arts, so check those places as well if you are having trouble finding Muay Thai in your city.
Luckily, most martial arts gyms offer a free, or low cost introductory class for newcomers. Groupon is also an excellent resource for cheap deals on gym memberships. Once you identify a facility offering Muay Thai in your area, check Yelp, Google Reviews, and their social media profiles like Facebook and Instagram to get a feel for what kind of experiences other people have had there. Keep in mind that many people only bother to write a review when they’ve had a negative experience. Don’t rule a gym out because of one or two poor reviews, but keep them in mind when you visit yourself.
Women & LGBTQ Concerns
If you are female, a person of color, wear hijab, are LGBT or part of some other group, you might be worried about entering a space that is generally dominated by muscular dudebros. Social media will show you if there are other women, or POC, etc feel comfortable there. If you live in an area where negative attitudes and discrimination are prevalent, for example the Deep South or small town, call ahead and ask. “Hi, I am a Muslim woman and wear hijab, would someone like me be welcome in the gym?” If the person who answers starts chanting “Build the Wall! Build the Wall!!”, go back to Google and find somewhere else.
Martial arts emphasize characteristics of humility and respect. As a result, most fighters are humble, open minded, and friendly people. At my gym, I train with an ethnically diverse group: Muslim, Latino, as well as two guys who I think are a couple. Everyone is treated with respect and friendliness. Don’t worry too much about it. More often than not, you will be happily welcomed no matter who you are.
Beware Cardio Kickboxing
Nothing against cardio kickboxing, it’s also offered at my gym and I joined a class once when I showed up an hour early to Muay Thai. Cardio kickboxing, like ILoveKickboxing and Nine Rounds is a fun, fast paced way to get a good sweat, but it’s not Muay Thai. Classes like that are more like aerobics, not traditional martial arts training. The focus is elevating your heart rate and burning fat, not teaching proper techniques like throwing punches, elbows, and kicks. Some gyms will just throw the term “muay Thai” around to get people in the door. Call ahead and ask about the classes, the instructor, and his/her experience in traditional muay Thai if you’re not sure.
You’re Ready for Action!
The thought of walking into a sweaty gym with huge, sweaty guys beating the crap out of each other can be intimidating to anyone. Don’t be too alarmed. Most fighters are humble and friendly. We all started somewhere, so we know what it’s like to be newcomers to a gym, and to the sport. Most of us love sharing the art and tradition of Muay Thai with eager beginners. Good luck, and have an awesome first class.