Honed over time, the ancient art of Muay Thai is often known for its maximization of power, efficiency and simplicity. From soldiers guarding elephants to Muay Boran practitioners competing to see who was the most skilled, Muay Thai is a beautiful dance of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Because of these 8 weapons (2 per side), it is often referred to "The Art of Eight Limbs".
While many striking arts are acrobatic and rely on athleticism, Muay Thai has broken down self defence to its simplest and most efficient form. While causing the most amount of damage possible. Because of this it has become the most common striking art and spread massively worldwide. Today we will give you 10 reasons why you should start Muay Thai:
1) Effectiveness
Throughout the world, Muay Thai is recognized as the most effective striking martial art. It emphasizes correct footwork patterns that keep you in position to be dangerous at all times, in turn providing a foundation where many other martial arts can be blended on top of. Without the foundational base of Muay Thai, many martial artists are often missing the basics.
2) It is great for self defense
Muay Thai has been tested in competition with a ruleset that allows for real life effectiveness. Many other martial arts competitions are fought under rulesets that limit strikes to above the waist or limited contact, because of this, you can know that Muay Thai will give you skills that can protect you in real life situations.
3) Simple and easy to learn
While there are many different techniques in Muay Thai, it is really known for its simplicity. Footwork, knees, punches and swing kicks are drilled into your muscle memory so that when the time comes and you need to use your skills, you will just react. In Thailand it is common to see children as young as 6 or 7 begin with the martial art. It is really for everyone, men, women & children!
4) Ranges
Muay Thai has a weapon for every range, whether you are at long distance kicking range, punching and knee range, or close contact clinch and elbow range. Many other standup martial arts are limited in their weapons for different ranges, and often play in long distance kicking range. Muay Thai can offer an answer to these styles with effective footwork and close range weapons.
5) Aerobic and anaerobic workouts
More than just training for Muay Thai specific movements, you will be training to promote general fitness and mental toughness. While running, skipping and shadowboxing, you will be going through an aerobic workout. Meanwhile, while working your punching, kicking and kneeing technique, you will be building great anaerobic endurance as well. If you work hard and remain consistent with your training, Muay Thai will improve your strength, dexterity, and cardiovascular performance.
6) Burns +1,000 calories an hour
Muay Thai is a full body workout that is fun and an efficient way to burn fat and lose weight. You can also build up your core, become more flexible and increase your overall strength. With the full-body workout you receive through Muay Thai, you will be able to take your health to the next level.
7) Stress Reliever
Muay Thai is great for your self-confidence. Through learning proper punching, kicking, kneeing and elbowing technique, you will be able to better control your emotions, as an angry fighter is a bad fighter. Muay Thai gyms are a great place to use as an outlet for the stresses of life and will allow you to have more clarity in and our of the gym.
8) It is the foundation of striking for MMA
Some of the greatest martial arts fighters in the world use Muay Thai as their striking base for the sport of MMA. As the striking art lays the foundation on which other striking arts can be built upon. When one knows the base of Muay Thai, it is easy to add Karate movement or Tae Kwon Doe kicks without sacrificing efficiency.
9) It will unleash your potential
A bit mistake people make is to think Muay Thai is an art of violence. In reality the sport of Muay Thai is rooted in a rich tradition that inspires people to help one another, be humble in and out of the gym and have discipline throughout their lives. The skills you will learn are not just physical, they are mental and spiritual as well. Many people gain courage in life as they build up their warrior spirit. But remember, you are only going to get what you put in. So if you are looking to reap the benefits of Muay Thai, then put the work and time in!
