Muay Thai Basics

The most important Muay Thai basics are what a beginner needs to know when learning this form of kickboxing which is practiced in Thailand. In Muay Thai there is a lot of work done that is centered around conditioning and fitness. The form of Muay Thai stands out in the fact that fighters learn to utilize eight striking points, or points of contact in a match. Other forms of martial arts use only four points, and some only two. Fighters can use punches, and kicks as well as knee and elbow strikes that might be new to the unsuspecting opponent.

1. Many of the best mixed martial arts fighters are practitioners of this fighting style. It was also the fighting style used in the movie “Kickboxer” by its star. Its effectiveness lies in the fact that it offers so many more choices when it comes to striking or to defense. Because of the emphasis on body conditioning, it is also an excellent to get in shape.
2. When starting out training in Muay Thai, one of the important things to focus on is your conditioning. This will mean a lot of what might at first seem like simple exercises, but as you get further along you will come to realize that you have been building a base of strength, stamina, and agility that may surprise you. This will mean a lot of running, which will improve your stamina as long as you don't overdo it.
3. Another thing you will want to a lot of is skipping, silly as that might sound. Whether it be skipping with a rope or just skipping from foot, this will improve both agility and balance. Hop back and forth from one foot to the other, not up and down. If all else fails, try the run through the tire drill that football players use in their practices.
4. A lot of top fighters like to incorporate shadow boxing into their everyday training regimen. This allows you to stay in top form, it also gives you an excellent chance to observe and correct any mistakes you might be making. Give yourself plenty of room and go at it, for this to be effective the key is to not hold back on your punches, kicks or blocks. Lots of space is key here.
5. A sensible weight training program will help you immensely when it comes to Muay Thai. Building strength is important. However too much muscle can prove to be a bad thing. The trick is to build power without adding mass. Free weights are more effective because you are not restricted in your movement. Bag work is also an important part of any effective Muay Thai training regimen.
6. Practicing your kicks and punches and blocks will help improve two important areas. First as you practice over time your punches, kicks and blocks will become more powerful as you get better at landing them. The other benefit is the fact that you will also toughen yourself up against blows by pounding and kicking on the bags. The more you do it, the less you feel it, for lack of a better way to put it.
7. A key thing to point out at this point, is that overdoing any aspect of your training can easily to lead to serious injury. Don't rush into anything you don't feel you can do, don't feel like you have to improve one thing overnight. Most effective martial arts place emphasis on balance. All things in balance even your training.