Muay Thai is one of the ten most popular martial arts styles in the world. For newcomers, Muay Thai training can look like a daunting task. Fortunately, you can make your training more enjoyable using a couple of tips.
Learning Muay Thai can help you defend yourself against attackers. It will teach you coordination, balance, and a variety of strikes. It also gives you greater confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, its techniques make it easier to learn other martial arts as well. Your reflexes and self-discipline will also improve. Last, it will give you the chance to meet new people and make friends.
Despite this, newcomers face various struggles during their training. Keep reading to learn several tips for coping with your Muay Thai training.
Muay Thai Training Tips for Beginners
Since its beginning, Muay Thai has proven to be very effective due to using all limbs for fighting. As such, Muay Thai training can seem tough at first for beginners. In turn, this could demoralize them and prevent them from finishing their training.
Here are nine essential tips to help newcomers thrive in this martial art:
1. Get Your Mental Game Right
First, you need to get your mental state in the right frame. Muay Thai is not easy. You shouldn’t go in expecting to master everything in one day.
It will take time to learn the techniques and exercises in this martial art. This means you should prepare your mind to be patient as you train. Concentrate on the training and take extra steps to learn more moves.
Due to the physical nature of Muay Thai, you might end up with an injury at some point. This is not a cue for you to quit. Rather, it is for you to build your mental strength to overcome this challenge. Make sure it is safe to return to training after your injury.
2. Choose High-Quality Gear
Most newcomers do themselves a disservice by using the wrong gear and equipment. As such, they expose themselves to potential injuries. Moreover, it comes across as a sign of disrespect toward the art and the trainer.
With Muay Thai training, you’ll need gloves, hand wraps, shin pads, and mouth guards. You’ll also need headgear and comfortable training clothes. Invest in quality materials or you’ll have to spend money on replacements.
3. Put In Extra Time
The more you learn, the more you’ll become proficient in Muay Thai faster. Thus, put in the extra time it takes to unearth the secrets of the martial art.
Find out how to do your hand wraps. Watch videos about the art and practice some of the techniques. Stay late and ask your teacher questions. Try redoing and perfecting the moves you’ve learned.
In time, you’ll discover you are learning at a very fast pace.
4. Use the Proper Form
The best moves can be undone by using improper form. It may also risk losing your balance or suffering an injury. With the right form, however, your movement will be sleek, effective, and powerful.
Practice maintaining good posture. Ensure you are doing the right techniques. For example, your wrist should be straight when throwing a punch.
5. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Don’t deny your body the fuel it needs to function at an optimal level. Newcomers discover very quickly that Muay Thai training is intense. Without proper nourishment, you’ll lack energy and might even collapse.
Thus, eat well before and after training. Eat a snack prior to the training to keep your energy levels high. Check which foods are making you sluggish and which ones are filling you with great energy.
Drink water before, during, and after training. You’ll be losing a lot of it through sweat and this may have dire effects on you. Such effects include fatigue, reduced stamina, and possible heat stroke.
6. Work on Your Endurance
Aside from nourishment, you need cardio exercises to boost your endurance. Arrive early and start doing some aerobic exercises. These exercises will improve your breathing and boost your cardiovascular system.
Plus, they will strengthen your muscles, which is ideal for Muay Thai. The enhanced blood flow will promote healing throughout your body. Last, it will improve your mood and limit anxiety.
Your stamina will grow and this will allow you to practice longer.
7. Become a Reliable Training Partner
Muay Thai involves working with a partner in training. This means you must make yourself the best partner. Help where possible and encourage each other to use the right techniques.
Aside from grappling, you may have to hold the punching bags for your partner. You must also seek to improve one another and not try to cause injuries. You may even have to hold punching bags and pads for them.
If possible, call them up on your free days to meet up and practice Muay Thai. This will help you learn the skills faster.
8. Rest Your Body
As a beginner, you may want to push yourself to the limit. Yet, the damage to your body could be worse than you know. As such, you must take time to rest and heal your body.
One good idea is to get a massage. This will stimulate your blood vessels and promote healing in wounded areas of your body. It will also help relax any tight muscles that may lead to injury.
Use ice baths and saunas where possible. Perform meditation techniques as well to calm your mind and body. Also, make sure you sleep well every night to allow the body to heal.
9. Consider Paying for Private Lessons
It can be tough to go for Muay Thai training as a newcomer. It can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. You could also feel anxious or embarrassed when surrounded by more skilled individuals.
If this describes you, then you should consider paying for private lessons. These are good because the teacher gives you all the attention you need. Moreover, you won’t be distracted by the presence of other trainees.
Learn More About Muay Thai Martial Arts
Going for Muay Thai training will get you great benefits at the end. You’ll know how to protect yourself from dangerous people. You’ll also be physically fit and have a great mental state.
Visit our website to learn more about Muay Thai martial arts.