Muay Thai Training Phuket

Many individuals train at Rawai Muay Thai for months on end. The number of people who return year after year or have been training for several weeks is remarkable.

This frequent training illustrates why many seem so advanced; skills develop quickly. It’s not uncommon for someone to share this is their fourth time at the gym or that they’ve been training for years.

A Typical Muay Thai Day

Each class begins with a familiar sequence. We enter the gym, warm up by skipping or bouncing on tires, followed by wrapping our hands, signing in, and stretching. Shadow boxing for about 10 minutes kicks things off.

As we box, Helmut the instructor circulates, determining who will spar in the ring or work on the bags. We are then split into two groups: one punches a bag for 5 rounds while the other focuses on punching or kicking trainers wearing pads in the ring. Between rounds, we perform push-ups or sit-ups, then take a sip of water before resuming.

The second part of class concentrates on technique. We gather to learn new moves, practice blocking, grappling, and kicking with partners — an essential component if one intends to compete.

The Workout Cannot Be Denied Though

Remarkably, within just one week, we both lost over 3 kilos (almost 7 pounds) and are feeling revitalized. Our fitness levels are rebounding quickly, endurance has improved, energy is high, and overall, we feel fantastic.

For those seeking a weight loss vacation that keeps you motivated and committed to your goals, Thailand is an ideal destination. For only 500 baht a day, training for 6 hours allows participants to witness significant weight loss while sculpting their bodies. At the gym, fellow students share a common aim of staying fit, enjoying life, and working out.

Instructors at Rawai Muay Thai, many ex-fighters, create an authentic experience. Trainers from Bangkok and young contenders currently in competition enhance the training environment. Rawai Muay Thai actively supports local trainers and athletes through community outreach initiatives.

It is hot training at Muay Thai Kickboxing in Thailand.

With temperatures soaring into the 30s and relative humidity hitting 100%, most gyms, including Rawai Muay Thai, are open-air facilities that can feel stifling.

The gym itself features a hot tin roof, with carpets on the floor that can lead to blisters, while the overall scent of training can be a bit overwhelming.

Hot and Sweaty at Rawai Muay Thai

Even before starting our warm-up, sweat begins to accumulate. By the time sparring starts, I’m drenched, with sweat flying around as I throw punches and kicks.

It feels awesome!

Dave enjoys the high energy and adrenaline of throwing punches and learning kicks, embracing this physicality with enthusiasm.

While I appreciate the drills of kicking and punching pads, I find myself less enthusiastic about the clinching aspect of training.

Clinching, often compared to neck wrestling, is quite different in Muay Thai; here, it’s an integral part of combat. This method requires grappling with opponents, which can induce muscle strain if done improperly.

Our necks were sore for days.

Many students opt out of the grappling segment; some substitute this with running or machine training. However, I decided grappling was not in my future. The idea of entering the ring to fight is quite daunting.

People are starting to get injuries too.

Injuries can occur easily if one is not careful. A fellow trainee suffered a serious leg injury during heavy bag training. Another individual experienced calf muscle strain. Minor cuts, bruises, and tender knuckles are not uncommon.

It echoes the atmosphere in Rocky’s training gym, where the commitment and intensity are palpable. Caution is wise, especially as many tourists face hazards from motorbike accidents.

Amidst this environment, I found a degree of comfort sparring with Dave. We understand each other’s limits and can enjoy a good laugh, despite the perspiration and awkward maneuvers.

Ultimately, we train hard on the bags, kick after kick causing our shins to throb. With five rounds on the bags and five on pads, we simulate realism through our efforts.

Repeating striking combinations under instruction challenges us while enhancing technique — it’s a rigorous workout.

I chug some water and start all over again.

As we train, adjusting techniques allows us to gain familiarity and enhance power with each kick and punch.

Experiencing a positive shift in our skills invigorates us further, as we begin to notice improvements each day.

We are seeing an improvement and it’s a lot of fun.

As we wrap up our two weeks of Muay Thai training, I still find sparring uncomfortable. However, the enhancing skills and energy levels invigorate my experience overall.

What is a Wai Kru Ceremony?

Wai Kru translates to “respect to the teacher” and is vital in Muay Thai practice. Fighters perform this ritual at the beginning of each match, demonstrating gratitude towards their trainers and acknowledging those who have come before and after them.

We learned the Wai Kru at our gym, where every Thursday, we engage in this ceremony, following a structured choreography. It’s uplifting and serves as a moment of meditation and focus.

The Wai Kru Ritual

• The fighter circles the ring and bows at each corner.
• They move to the center, circling three times and bowing on their knees at all four sides of the ring.
• Music plays, guiding hand gestures and body positions.
• After orientation in the center, we walk around the ring, crossing through it in steps of three, culminating in a closing prayer gesture.
• Finally, we conclude with a pulsating walk back to our corner, an essential pre-fight meditation.

Finishing up the Day after Wai Kru

Post-Wai Kru, there’s no chance to leave early. Those who grasp the routine quickly face even more strenuous kicking drills:

• 100 Side Kicks!
• 100 Front Kicks!
• 100 Sit-ups!
• Stretch!

Okay, now you can rest.

More information on Muay Thai Training:

Costs:

For more details, visit Rawai Muay Thai website.
Bungalows at Rawai Muay Thai on the Premises:

• Deluxe with Air Conditioning:
• Weekly Rate: 5000 Baht ($166 CAD/US) which amounts to only $23 per day.
• Daily Rate: 1000 Baht ($33 CAD/US).

Shared Twin Rooms – Fan Only:

• Weekly Rate: 1500 Baht ($50 CAD/US) per person, just $7 per day.
• Daily Rate: 300 Baht ($10 CAD/US) per person.

Training

• 3000 Baht ($100 CAD/US) per week – $14 per day.
• 500 Baht ($16 CAD/US) per day.

Training includes:

• Up to 3 group classes per day.
• Classes are two hours in length.
• Unlimited access to weights and machines.

Note: 1 USD and CAD = 30 Baht.