Muay Thai
Are you a beginner martial artist? Or are you planning to learn the best martial arts skills to defend yourself and keep fit? Or maybe you just value stand-up fighting techniques. Then, consider learning Muay Thai. As the name suggests, this sport originates from Thailand. But history asserts that Muay Thai that the martial art was developed hundreds of years ago when the first tribes from China migrated to Thailand. This is the most common martial art in Thailand and children who are hardly five years old study the sport there.
Why Is Muay Thai Good for Self Defence?
Muay Thai is also called Thai boxing. It is also called the “art of eight limbs,” given that it involves using fists, kicks, knees, and elbows. The combat sport uses clinching techniques to fight the opponent. Thai boxing gives you a combination of fitness, defence skills, confidence, and fun.
While most people don’t go on to apply Muay Thai skills competitively or become professionals, there are a handful of professional MMA fighters such as Edson Barboza use Muay Thai to win fights. Max Holloway, Bas Rutten, TJ Dillashaw, and Duane Ludwig are other Muay Thai style fighters. Dillashaw studies a hybrid of the traditional Muay Thai, which is known as Bang Muay Thai.
Is Muay Thai Dangerous?
Injuries are not common in this sport unless you’re involved in the intermediate or higher level Muay Thai, or you apply the sport in the street. But even though this is a casual sport, you may encounter the following injuries:
- Bruised arms
- Bruised thighs
- Wrist pain
- Muscle pulls
Be sure to wear protective clothing for each aspect of your training. For example, wear gloves and hand-wraps before fighting to prevent bruising your hands. Groin guards, shin guards, and mouth guards also help to prevent injuries during training and when fighting. Listen to your coach or trainer at all times to avoid injuries. Always seek medical attention when injured unless it’s a minor injury.
Combining Muay Thai with Other Martial Arts
Going to ground is one of the worst ideas in street fights. And yet ground fighting is lacking in Muay Thai. You may want to consider combining this skill or cross-training with Judo, wrestling, MMA, or any other style you find appealing to fight any opponent.
Muay Thai at a Glance
The downside to studying Muay Thai is that it will cost you time, money, and you may get injured, especially if you go professional. Patience and a strong mind are paramount in this sport. Find a good coach, set some time and money aside, and start your classes. Remember that you’re in the wrong place if your objective is to win a street fight or harass your friends.
