Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as "Thai Boxing" is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up strikes along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is knowns as the "art of eight limbs" as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.
The Muay Thai classes consist of a blend of traditional Muay Thai technique, along with various striking styles such as Boxing, Dutch Muay Thai and freestyle Chinese kickboxing.
Before getting into the technical aspect of the class it is important to warm up to help prevent injuries.
Once the warm up is finished the technical element of the class begins with drills and exercises such as;
Next is the pad work and drilling component of the class where we get hands on with pads, and practical application drills to achieve flawless technique, build our striking-specific cardio and endurance, and learn how to develop our striking style and repertoire.
Once the hard work is done, we begin the cool-down phase of the class which will often see us relaxing with a short walk around the mats, a chat with our training mates and then finish with a full-body static stretch to further aid our recovery and flexibility.
As with any gym, there are a few things we ask you to keep in mind before starting your first class;
Loose/flexible shorts (necessary when kicking). Striking shorts are preferred however.
Our classes foster a welcoming and positive culture. While we work hard and aim to excel, please keep in mind that we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our training partners, classmates, and coaches.
No shoes on the mats and ensure you keep a high level of personal hygiene before, during and after class
Our classes do require some equipment in order for you to fully participate.
These Include;
Recommended:
Boxing gloves (no bag mitts) 10oz for pad work and 16oz for sparring), mouth guard, groin guard/chest guard, shin pads, and hand wraps. If you need assistance with acquiring these, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our coaches.
Coaching experience
I’ve been involved in Combat sports since 2010. Since then having trained in Muay Thai, Chinese kickboxing/freestyle kung-fu, and boxing. During that time partaking in full contact competitions across numerous disciplines, and gaining the tools necessary to develop my striking arsenal. With a passion for learning, and teaching - my coaching experience began as an assistant instructor in 2013, then as the years passed continuing to develop in coaching by gaining a certificate III and IV in Fitness and working as a trainer in various striking gyms along the way.
Now finding a home at Element martial arts, my mission is to assist students to achieve their goals, develop both personally, and as martial artists, and to build a positive community which can impact lives in our striking program.
