We all know that in traditional boxing, fighters only use their fists. If you want something more challenging and more physically demanding than boxing, then you should definitely try Muay Thai boxing. This particular martial art was developed in Thailand and is very popular in several Southeast Asian countries. This particular style will allow you to use your hands, feet, knees, and even elbows to deliver powerful blows to your opponents in the ring.
Muay Thai uses eight points of contact unlike boxing where there are only two points of contact. Because of this fact, Muay Thai boxing is also referred to as the Art of Eight Limbs.
If you want to become a good Muay Thai fighter, then you need to develop your fighting skills in this martial art. In this fighting style, you will need to develop your kicks and jabs using your knees and feet. You should also expect to use a heavy bag during training. Muay Thai heavy bags are a lot heavier than your traditional boxing bag as it will provide the fighter with enough resistance needed in order to develop power.
You will also find that there are several Muay Thai heavy bags that you can use. Depending on the area on your body that you are trying to develop, you will be using a different heavy bag. For example, if you are going to practice your kicks, you will be using a long bag on the floor. The shorter bags may be used for practicing hand and elbow jabs.
Along with the heavy bags, Muay Thai pads are also used for training. This particular training tool will not only develop your power, but it will also help you practice your combination moves in order to hit your opponent effectively. For this training, you will need a sparring partner, which will help you practice your footwork and also develop speed.
By sparring with a partner, you will be able to experience what it is like to be in an actual fight without being seriously injured. Both you and your sparring partner will need to wear protective gear and the power of the punches, elbows, knees, and kicks you throw will be kept lower than in an actual bout or fight.
You should always keep in mind that as a Muay Thai fighter, you should always be in the best physical condition. Even if you are not a professional fighter, you need to keep your body ready in order for you to increase your chances of winning inside the ring.
In Muay Thai, you will also encounter conditioning exercises, such as calisthenics, weight training, jump rope, medicine ball, as well as shadow boxing exercises. These conditioning exercises will not only develop strength but it will also increase your endurance and flexibility, which is essential for a Muay Thai fighter in order for you to stay a lot longer in the ring and also stay powerful.
Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to condition your body and get it ready for the fight. Muay Thai is a physically demanding sport. So, try to keep your body conditioned and ready. And, never forget to practice your punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.