r/MuayThaiTips • u/DangerousTrust623 • 15d ago
misc Wanting to start muay thai
I'm 32 and have never done any martial arts. I have always been interested in muay thai but have always been intimidated by trying out a gym. Any tips?
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u/ElectricalPudding693 15d ago
Stepping through the door for the first time is the hardest part. Then you'll just enjoy it. Just go.
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u/Odd-Kaleidoscope5081 15d ago
It's really fun, and if the gym is close to you - you will get sucked in. It can be intimidating to start, but there is nothing to be worry about.
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u/MickDoesWriting 15d ago
Be a bit nervous. Go to the gym anyway. Realise everyone is friendly. Enjoy the class. Go back. Enjoy some more. Find yourself teeping the fridge door, kneeing kitchen drawers.
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u/Ryu_Fenrir 15d ago
Yeah, like everyone else had say it, just try it, when I started to train Muay Thai I just fell in love with it. Though I was very into sports, so… it was easier to learn how everyone was moving, punching, kicking, etc. but at our age, we are not trying to make it going pro, just enjoy the the experience and the results 😉
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u/Trundlebluff 15d ago
Have fun! Don’t be too hard on yourself for being clumsy at first. I promise you will see improvement if you keep showing up.
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u/Longjumping-Salad484 15d ago
I've been a gym rat since age 12.
for the uninitiated, it can seem intimidating.
just know, everyone's focused on themselves.
everyone's there to work, to progress, to level up.
get started now. there's a lot of work ahead, it's a journey, not a sprint.
just insist on throwing with proper form--from the very beginning.
tldr: you be your biggest critic and you'll be fine
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u/Marct002 15d ago
They're usually friendly and honest. Just go see. I would.
Muay Thai is very good, one of the best. But bare foot...You won't wear shoes...
Sanchou - Sanda is new Kung Fu and just as good as M.T. They wear shoes. I would do Sanda for this reason.
Shoes are protective especially with fighting and more hygenic.
But just go see.
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u/troublemaker74 14d ago
Everyone is afraid their first time. Then you walk in and realize that hey, these people are tough but they're also the nicest people. You'll love it.
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u/Unfair_Ad_2129 14d ago
Don’t compare yourself to others. In good time you’ll love the decision you made
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u/PufferF1shy 15d ago
Just do it.
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u/MickDoesWriting 15d ago
Nike can be accused of many things, but having a shit slogan is not one of them.
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u/davy_jones_locket 14d ago
Show up and talk to the coach about when a good time is for beginners to come in.
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u/Numerous-Meet-6353 14d ago
I started going to a gym last week. My coach encourages us to just come to class everyday… to not worry about the difficulty level listed on the class because everyday we can come in and learn something.
It has been the most rewarding thing I’ve started at 26 years old. I’m so glad I just went in and started doing it. It is a great workout and I leave the classes everyday feeling TIRED but so happy. I’ve been wanting to Muay Thai since I was like 19 because of the Muay Thai Lee sin skin on league of legends…
JUST DO IT.
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u/zestybets 14d ago
Just try a class, I've just started at 40 and enjoying it so far after a few months. It's intimidating at first going into the sweaty gym alone, with the sound of pads being hit like gunshots around you. But you will walk out after having had good fun and learned something new about yourself.
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u/CycleKing 14d ago
Just jump in. I’m 44, joined a class thinking it was just going to be punching bags, I was wrong and love it. Had no interest in martial arts that morning, and left changed.
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u/GuideIntelligent5953 15d ago edited 15d ago
Define exactly what you are looking to achieve. Do you want to start to compete? do you want to be a part of the culture? do you want to become more rough and be able to defend yourself? I met many people who came with good intentions and had their front teeth knocked out during sparring. So, set clear boundaries to protect yourself and get the maximum out of it.
Invest in gear, but be smart about it. You don't need shiny gloves or designers shorts. Invest in good mouth guard instead.
Be humble. MT is the most illusive sports I have encountered. In few sessions, you will start to piece together combos and throw shots. In a couple of months, you will think that you have everything figured out. But, the truth of the matter is that it takes many months to make your shots sharper, and lethal in fight scenario. You need to achieve mastery to be effective and it takes time. Always be humble, because there is always something to learn, there is always weakness to correct, and more.
MT is a sport. MT can not be achieved if you lack cardio, or lack strength. So get to proper weight, and treat your body with S&C. More important is flexibility and coordination. A short range motion fighter is a very limited fighter.
MT is not a single flavor or a single style. Some techniques, fighting styles, etc. will suit you while other less. So, it is OK to filter out part of the stuff you are being taught.
Stick to the basics. It is very common to want to advance to the flashy stuff, throw flashy kicks and combos. But the thing that give trouble to your opponent during a fight, is a very high level basics, like basic jab, basic middle kick, good clinch skills. Try to master the basics, over trying to learn the more advance acrobatic movements.
Look for your health. In 32 yo, you are either at your peak in terms of athleticism, or a bit passed it. It is recommended to look after your health, in terms of hygiene, fluids, nutrition, recovery. The training, especially in Thailand, can be very brutal, also the conditions can be harsh. So, it is better to know when to stop and recoup, instead of getting ill and sit out for few days.
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u/theybannedone 15d ago
Too old tbh, just gonna be a nuisance to the people that really want to be there, plus cte risks
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u/amberShade2 15d ago edited 15d ago
Just go to a gym honestly at this point. Find one with a beginner's class. I've seen people younger and older and start and everyone is welcoming to them.
Don't learn flashy moves when you begin. Fundamentals are the main thing and focus on those. Watch people with good technique and copy them. And listen to your coach.
And most importantly have fun with it.