Muay Thai Workouts National Sport In Thailand

Muay Thai workouts are an essential part of the martial art of kick boxing. Unlike Western boxing, the two contestants may not only punch, they may also clinch, kick and use the knees and elbows. The sport is experiencing a worldwide resurgence in popularity in line with greater emphasis on physical fitness.

This combat sport developed in Thailand over many centuries. This was largely driven as a method of self defense as the country sought to defend itself against the constant aggressive ambitions of neighboring nations. Our understanding of the early history of the sport is incomplete since many historical records were lost or destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese army captured Ayuddhaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.

One distinctive training component is preparation with coaches using focus mitts. This component is critical to the overall training regime of a fighter. It involves practicing kicks, punches, knees strikes and elbow strikes with a trainer wearing thick protective padding that covers the forearms, abdomen and hands. The padding absorbs the impact of practice strikes by the fighter.

Kick boxing reached a historical high point during the reign of King Pra Chao Sua (1703 to 1709). During that period, the country was not at war; its army was relatively unoccupied. The sport became more and more popular within the military and the broader population. Based on some accounts, it was common to bind the hands and forearms with strips of horse hide or hemp rope for self-protection and to inflict damage on the opponent.

One distinguishing workout in the sport is to train with coaches protected by focus mitts. This practice is critical to the total training of a kick boxer. It allows the fighter to practice kicking, punching, kneeing and elbowing. The mitts are thick and protect the coach. They are worn on the abdomen, forearms and hands. The pads absorbs the practice blows by the fighter.

Bone remodeling is a natural process of bone regeneration and renewal that proceeds on an ongoing basis continually through life. As bone tissue decays or is damaged it is naturally removed from the skeleton (bone resorption) and new tissue is formed to replace it (bone ossification). In adults, about ten percent of the skeletal structure is regenerated each year. Repeated hitting or trauma of the shin bone causes micro-damage that accelerates this regeneration process and toughens the bone as a result.

Most kick boxing fighters in Thailand come from a poor background. They use the sport to make a better life for themselves and their family. Given their short career span, this is a tough objective to achieve.

Thai kick boxers usually fight twice a month. Due to the constant Muay Thai workouts, plus the bouts, professional contestants have brief career spans. A large number retire from fighting to become trainers and instructors of the younger generation of athletes.

Check out our site to learn more about Muay Thai Workouts and their benefits. You can also visit our online store for affordable Muay Thai Gear, now!