What is Muay Thai?  

Muay Thai (which simply means the boxing of Thailand) is the national sport of Thailand. Its beginnings are faded in ancient history yet woven into the fabric of Thai tradition, spiritual beliefs, and legends.  It was developed as a defense against enemy nations and it was tested in hand to hand combat by the ancient warriors of Siam.  The art has passed from generation to generation and considered a vital part of Thai heritage.

Muay Thai is a system of unarmed combat that makes use of four of the body’s weapons: legs, knees, elbows and fists. Its effectiveness is unmatched in the world of martial arts due to its simple training approach: keep things basic, using only what works and train, train, train. Since the 1920’s Muay Thai has developed into a modern day sport similar to western boxing and similarly has a global fight circuit.

Training

Muay Thai is essentially a pugilist (boxing) system, which employs basic, yet powerful, punches, elbow strikes, knees and kicks. Unlike other martial arts, there are no katas or forms, but pad drills and techniques to develop fighting skills. Training focuses on developing cardio endurance, a strong core, power, speed, timing and reflexes.  It is the devastating effect of these techniques that make Muay Thai a deadly art.

Muay Thai Training at SMA

The goal of Muay Thai training is to develop the kicks, strikes, speed, and power that allow a fighter to be comfortable in the ring as well as on the street.  After a period of training and developing both control and power, a student may choose to begin sparring in class at Kru Johnson’s discretion.  Some students choose never to spar but plan on using skills for self-defense and overall health.  Others select to begin competing in tournaments and fight events.  Cross training with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is encouraged with classes structured to prepare students for MMA events.

Equipment

Fighters wear protective equipment for fights including boxing gloves, mouth guard and groin protection (amateur fighters wear more protective equipment).   For training and in class, students wear  boxing gloves, hand wraps, mouth guard, and shin protectors.  This protects fellow students and allows for training at a greater intensity.

Class Schedule:

M  T W TH 7:30-8:30  Sparring – with permission of Kru Johnson

Contact Kru Van Johnson at lexx2222@yahoo.com  

Class Equipment List

Hand Wraps , 16 oz Boxing Gloves, Shin Guards, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, Head gear, Thai shorts.

Not all equipment has to be purchased up front.