• Thai Boxing is a form of Martial Arts that originates from Thailand.
  
  
• It is a full contact sport, similar to boxing and kick-boxing. But, the difference is instead of just using punch and kick; you can also use elbow, knee, and standing grapple and throw as extra moves. This form of self-defence also portrays spiritual well being.
  
  
• The moves are used in combination sequences in order to wear down and knock out your opponent. Sounds tough but don't worry! Training is quite safe thanks to the sophisticated pads that are used during your training…so you won't go home all black and blue! It is an enjoyable sport, which is not used violently. You will learn many self-defence techniques when training as well as becoming extremely fit!
  

• Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the National sport of Thailand, like we have football as our National sport. It originated from the ancient battlefield tactics of the Thai army in medieval times. It evolved from "Krabi-Krabong" which is the hand to hand tactics of the Thai army. They used their arms, legs, knees, and elbows as weapons during combat. Since then Muay Thai has been included in the military training in Thailand.
  
  
• During the latter half of the 20^th Century, Muay Thai was exported to many countries and is now practised by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world for a variety of self-defence, sporting, military, and law enforcement activities.
  
  
• To the Thais, Muay Thai is regarded as a prestigious National sport. Thai boys will either intentionally, or unintentionally, learn how to Thai Box. Even the Thai girls will know enough of the basic principles to be able to use it for self-defence when necessary.
  

What Happens When You Start?

• When you first join a class wear anything you feel comfortable exercising in. Usually people wear loose training bottoms and a T-shirt. If you progress along way then your instructor will help you get the appropriate Thai Boxing gear to train in.
  
  
• To begin with you will learn all the basic moves of Thai Boxing. You will learn how to punch, kick, elbow, knee, and grapple properly without hurting yourself. You will also learn blocking techniques. This will enable you to block moves that your opponent will throw at you.
  
  
• It sounds complicated but it is really fun when learning all of these moves. Not only that but at the beginning of the class you will do basic fitness and stretching to warm up. So even when you are learning how to play the sport you are still keeping extremely fit!
  
  
• When you have learnt the basics you then begin to learn all different combinations of moves and how you would block them. If you really enjoy the sport you also get the chance to do grades in this country, like you would with Karate or Judo. In Thailand the sport is not measured in grades. Instead, they get judged on how good they are by the number of fights they win.
  
  

So How Am I Gonna Get Fit?

• You'll notice within a few sessions that you will be a lot fitter than usual. This is because Thai Boxing is a very intensive sport, so it requires very intensive training…but it still is really fun! The classes last approx. 1½ - 2 hours and will either be on once or even twice a week. So as long as you attend the classes regularly you will be fitter in no time!
  
  
• Thai Boxing will help your overall fitness, strength, flexibility, and stamina. You will eventually be toned all over as the sport works every muscle in the body due to all the different moves. When you first start I bet you will discover muscles you didn't even know existed 'cos believe me once you've done a few moves you'll certainly feel like you've worked every muscle possible!

• Most local sports centres will hold classes each week. If not they should be able to tell you where your nearest class will be. If you can't find a class anywhere in your area then get a group of mates together and ask if a Thai Boxing class can be started. As long as there's enough of you interested there should be no problem.
  
  
• If you do find some classes then make some enquiries first before starting. All good training classes will have the approval of the World Muay-Thai Council (WMTC) or be a member of the British Muay-Thai Association (BMTA). This means that the instructor is an approved instructor and knows what they're doing!

http://www.wmtc.nu/

http://www.wmto.org/

http://www.thaiboxing.com/