Muay Thai in Thailand: Learn Thai Boxing
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is Thailand’s national sport. This deadly form of combat relies on delivering lightning fast knee and elbow strikes. It is one of the most dangerous martial arts. And, according to our friend Momo, Bangkok is the best place to learn Muay Thai.
Over the last 11 years, Momo has been travelling to Thailand to learn Muay Thai. He spends 2-6 months training each time he visits the country.
Momo and I worked together for a few months in London, right before he left for his next adventure. (Momo is French, he was in London for work).
Here’s what Momo had to say about learning Muay Thai in Thailand:
Why learn Muay Thai?
Muay Thai training keeps me fit. It’s a great workout for the whole body, especially the core muscles. It also helps release stress and keeps me alert. But what I like most is the sense of achievement I feel.
Let me explain – I love Thailand. But to be on holiday for months at a stretch can get difficult (even in my favorite country). How much can you party? How long can you be on the beach?
I believe that it’s really important to have some kind of routine. It’s also necessary to develop a skill and stay fit. Joining a Muay Thai gym works perfectly for me.
Why train for Muay Thai in Thailand?
I agree that Thailand is a long way to go to train. I’ve tried a couple of Muay Thai gyms in France and one in London. They are good. But they cannot compete with Thai martial arts training. No way.
I learn more Muay Thai in 2 months in Thailand then I would learn in 1 year elsewhere. And then, I get to party in Thailand on the days that I don’t train. It’s an excellent combination. It’s affordable as well.
How much does Muay Thai training in Thailand cost?
That’s the other thing – I pay £15 ($20) for a 60-90 minute class in London. $20 can get you so much more in Thailand.
You can expect to pay $25 – $30 (800 – 1000 Thai Baht), for a full day of training in Thailand. This includes 5-6 hours of training along with a 30-min private class, accommodation and meals!
It’s very affordable to train in Thailand. In fact, some people join a gym even though they are not planning to train. $25 a day for accommodation and meals – it’s difficult to get by in less! Of course, I don’t think this is a good idea. You should join a gym only if you want to train – there are better ways to save money.
What’s the best Muay Thai camp to learn Thai Boxing?
I’ve enrolled in a few gyms in Bangkok, and one in Pattaya and Phuket. I feel that the gyms in Bangkok are better. My favorite – by far – is Chuwattana Gym, Bangkok. I always return to Chuwattana Gym.
Why Chuwattana Gym?
The classes, instructors, equipment, accommodation, and also the food are the best compared to the other gyms I’ve trained in. Chuwattana Gym has produced many champions – trainings are taken very seriously here.
It’s slightly costlier than the others though – 25 Euros ($30) a day. But it’s clearly worth the difference.
More about Chuwattana Gym
What’s your Muay Thai training schedule in Thailand?
You can train as long as you like, but following this schedule is recommended:
– Rising 6:00 am.
– Jogging for 1 hour.
– Boxing practice on a punching bag in the gym for 1 hour.
– Breakfast 9-10 am.
– Free time. (I mostly go out and explore Bangkok).
– Lunch 12-1 pm. (The food here is delicious and healthy).
– Free time. (I take a short nap).
– Training from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. This includes a 30 minute exclusive training session with my trainer. The same trainer is assigned to you for the duration of the stay which really helps.
– Dinner at 7 pm.
I believe that if you are serious about learning Thai boxing, you need to train for at least 4 hours a day. That should be the bare minimum. I train for 6 hours a day on weekdays and explore Bangkok on Saturday and Sunday.
If you aren’t in favor of joining a Thai Boxing gym, watching a match is an experience worth considering. These are the best Muay Thai stadiums (to view matches) in Bangkok.
For more details about learning Thai Boxing in Thailand, please post your questions below.
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