Thai Kickboxing for Beginners

Competing in a match can be a goal of a beginner in Thai Boxing.

Thai kickboxing is an ancient martial art that became popular in the early 20th century as the chosen stand-up of many mixed martial artists. Thai kickboxing also offers the ability to burn a high number of calories for someone who wants to get into better shape. Whether or not you want to compete or just lose weight, there are important steps that you should take.

Choosing a Gym

For anyone who wants to begin Thai kickboxing, the first step is choosing the right gym. There are two types of Thai kickboxers. The first type is someone who wants to use the sport to get in shape. The second is someone who wants to compete. Which type you choose will depend on the gym you should look for. If you want to compete, you will need solid training partners and an instructor who has a reputation of developing Thai kickboxers.

Training Gear

All beginners will need the proper training gear before they take their first class. Many people make the mistake of assuming that training gear is only for sparring. Even in light contact or beginner classes, the chance for injury is there. Proper gear for a Thai kickboxer should include hand wraps (one or more pairs), boxing gloves, head gear, a mouth piece and shin pads. The mouth piece should be form fitted by being boiled in hot water and then bit down on for several seconds to mold.

Sparring

If you do not wish to compete, sparring does not need to be part of your training regimen. However, if you do want to compete, it is vital in simulating the conditions you will face in an actual contest. When sparring, always wear all your protective gear for both the safety of you and your opponent. While you want to act as you would during a match, pay attention to technique rather than just trying to hit your training partner as hard as possible.

Away from the Gym

When you are away from the gym, there are still things you can do to improve your technique. Shadow sparring is a great way to improve your form and check for little nuances that can go undetected in a class. Stand in front of a mirror in your fighting stance and begin to throw combinations while paying attention to head movement, keeping your chin down and form. Besides improving your form, you will also build stamina in your shoulders, back and other punching muscles.

Conditioning

Muscular and cardiovascular conditioning will help in Thai kickboxing provided that they are sport specific. Running short sprints or lifting heavy weights for a smaller number of repetitions will produce results that will be more of a hindrance in Thai kickboxing. Alternating cardiovascular training such as running one day with intervals of jumping jacks followed by a day of jumping rope is a better alternative. For weight training, use lighter weights with a higher number of repetitions to build both strength and endurance.

References

• "Muay Thai Unleashed"; Eric Krauss, Glen Cordoza, and Tana Yingwitayakhun; (2006).
• Martial Edge: Shadow Sparring

Resources

• Hammer Fight Gear: Example of shin pads