Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, is known in the Western fighting world as one of the “sprawl-and-brawl” disciplines of martial arts, focusing on striking the opponent more than grappling, clinching, or submission holds. Drenched in a long history as a royal art form of many traditions, this martial art also greatly accentuates the goals of conditioning and fitness in a fighter. Using Muay Thai techniques can greatly improve stamina for MMA fighters that practice in any area of martial arts.
Thai Pads: Training with Thai pads is a staple to any Muay Thai conditioning schedule. Proper work with these pads will help improve speed, power, timing, and conditioning. The key to getting a good workout is having a good trainer or training partner who knows how to hold the pads. Switching between the large foam pads and focus mitts help vary the workout between power and strength to speed and precision.
Shins: Shin conditioning is very specific to Muay Thai training. It is recommended to condition the shins by kicking a Thai pad or heavy bag for at least 100 times per day, but preferably closer to 500, depending on how vigorous of an exercise you’re looking for. Kick lightly at first to warm up, and then start kicking at full strength around the 30th kick. If your shins become sore, rest and massage them to avoid injury. A useful trick is to place your shin in between your middle knuckles and rub along the length of your shin several times to restore blood flow.
Mental Training: Muay Thai fighters believe that mental toughness is just as important in the ring as physical condition or skills. Meditation and praying are staples of Buddhism and Thai culture, so it should come as no surprise that this transfers over to Muay Thai boxing. This mental training concerns both visualization and positive thinking. While not physically training, a Muay Thai boxer is constantly visualizing their fighting moves in their head like a movie. This will help with reflexes and natural reactions because you’re practicing scenarios in your head all day and night. Positive thinking involves eating, breathing, and sleeping success and winning 24 hours a day. Negative thoughts must be neutralized by positive ones and a champion’s mindset put in place.
Muay Thai fighting is a very popular sport worldwide and has infinite room for advancement of skills. Learning the fighting techniques, conditioning drills, and traditional formalities can all help in any area of martial arts. So next time you’re training at the gym, don’t forget your Thai Pads, shin exercises, and to mentally train as well. Happy training!
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