TIPS for selecting an authentic MUAY THAI CAMP
- Do they teach MuayThai? You'd be astonished at how many gyms really teach kickboxing and call it MuayThai. Simply adding leg kicks, a basic knee/elbow strike does not make it MuayThai. There are many variations of kicks, knees, elbows depending on range and situation. These subtleties are learned from a REAL MuayThai fighter and trainer.
- Do they teach a proper MuayThai Stance. If they don't teach it and don't drill it until you have it right, then it is not REAL MuayThai.
- Do they do proper pad work? Pad work is essential to developing technique, timing and conditioning. REAL pad work is a whole different game that simulates a fight.
- Do they clinch and knee spar? If not, keep looking. Simply grabbing the head and lifting knees upward is not clinching. This is the most difficult fighting range to master and takes time to develop.
- Do they teach the Teep? This is a main staple of REAL Muay Thai.
- Do they know elbow defense? Not just throwing elbows, but how to defend as well. If they don't...its not REAL MuayThai.
- Do they teach throws, tosses, dumps, sweeps, posting, plowing? If not, keep looking.
- Do they teach ring strategy? After you develop your skills offensively and defensively do they train you in ring tactics?
- Do they know the categorical types of fighters? Aggressive, counterfighter, etc.?
- Do they teach fighters the wai kru? Ram muay? Have any connection to the cultural element of MuayThai?
- Do they know how to score and judge muayThai? Most kickboxing schools think the same criteria are applied to all forms of kickboxing, which is erroneous.