Training the Muay Thai Way
I spent a decent amount of time training in Thailand. This was actually at a time when there was very little footage on YouTube, so I had no idea what it would be like. And especially back then, Ohio was bereft of Muay Thai gyms. When it was finally time to get going, I realized that their way of doing things was very different from us.
My brother and I arrive at the gym. It is sweltering hot, concrete floors covered with light padding. Heavy bags. A boxing ring with a couple of trainers equipped with Thai pads.
The first thing I noticed - They don't run a structured class with constant ongoing guidance. There are certain things that you need to self-direct such as jumping rope, throwing kicks to the bag, and shadow boxing. 30 minutes into the training, and I get called into the boxing ring to go head-to-head with the trainer. He has his Thai pads, I have my gloves. 5 rounds, 3 minutes each. He calls out the combinations, and I let loose the cannons. 15 minutes of cracking, smacking and attacking.
My brother is training alongside with another trainer. By the time each of our 5 rounds are up, we are inextricably exhausted. We both wanted to get a little bit of extra work on the bags, but after dragging heels for a little, we called it a day.
No amount of training I did in the US prepared me for how those Thai trainers run their show. It is because of this experience that I am excited and passionate about training the Thai way. Show up with the attitude to train, learn as much as you can, and take ownership of your training. Add an emphasis on guided coaching and you have Iron Scholar Muay Thai & Training.
How my brother and I continued along - we started doing what the Thais do. We ran. We did extra time on the jump rope. We emphasized quality repetitions, and too many of them to count. I started throwing kicks at the bag, cracking the leather loud enough to get the trainer's attention. Though our time in Thailand was brief, the culture they emphasize on training has left impressions on me for my entire career.
There is something beautiful in the discipline of Muay Thai. The basics are truly so basic that an overthinker like me imagines there must be more I could be doing to continue improving. Such is the American way - skip the basics and try reinventing the wheel. At Iron Scholar Muay Thai & Fitness, you are guaranteed a workout that pushes you beyond the typical conventions of complicated training.
The truth of the matter - Muay Thai is rooted in fundamentals. You can build an entire training camp for the highest caliber of Muay Thai fighting with just a handful of principles. Do your running. Get plenty of shadowboxing. Hit the bag with perfection and prowess. Do your pad work. And get plenty of rest before showing up to do it again the next day.
I have been in several amateur fights, and have prepared many of the students at Iron Scholar for their fights as well. You too can be guaranteed a tremendous Muay Thai experience, regardless of your ultimate outcome in mind.
You don't have to take a fight, you don't have to spar with the team. Honestly, I've had whole fight preps with little to no sparring! It is true to the culture of traditional Thai training, that emphasizing the basics is what makes you a true champion. Your goal is your goal, and we all have different reasons for being here. But on your way to that goal, I promise you that you will get there with true effort and true support from the team.
Book your first session for free and let's make a real change.