In fact the Gracies were inspired to promote mixed martial arts matches after a trip to Thailand where they saw competitions similar to those in their native Brazil. Muay Thai has been the national sport of Thailand long before the UFC though, and steeped in ritual.

The sport can also be found in other parts Southeast Asia and is known as Pradal Serey in Cambodia and in and Malaysia as Tomoi. What attracts many competitors to this martial arts form is its lighting attacks of hands and feet. Unlike Western style boxing, traditional or “old school” Thai boxing didn’t end until somebody got knocked out. It is a brutal and demanding combat sport.

In Thailand training begins at a young age with boys beginning training as soon as they are able to walk. Women are also involved with the sport and have their own tournaments.

American Kathy “The Punisher” Long who is a regular contributor to Black Belt Magazine also competed in Muay Thai and is now training several male competitors as well as commentating for UFC. There are competitions and schools every where from California to Russia as the sport remains popular.

The sport which been around in one form or another for centuries and is steeped in tradition and rules. Buddhist rituals are part of traditional so in Thailand a fighter will take a trip to a shrine as well as meditate. The fight itself is preceded by a symbolic dance called wai khru which also acts as a form of warm up exercise.

The headband and armbands worn by the fighters also have meaning. The headband is called “mongkhol” and is a blessed by a monk and is worn for good luck, but is taken off before the fight while the armbands remain because they offer protection to a fighter and won’t be taken off until the fight is done.

The fight itself is broken up into five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between each round. Matches are decided by knockout like in the old days as well as a modern point system. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. There’s a referee in the ring with the fighters though and prevents injuries from occurring and stops fighters from grappling or doing anything else that violate the rules which only allow for striking.

Few see the weaknesses of Muay Thai because if is brutal moves using hands and feet as a fighter employs “Art of the Eight Limbs.” The sport form we now know today stems from Lerdrit which was taught to the Royal Thai Army. Forward movement, kicks, knees, locking, grappling and elbows are all major concepts in Lerdrit with the major difference being that one uses and open hand not a fist like Muay Thai. Though this method is combat tested it still has the difficulties like Muay Thai.

First one must remember this a sport which is limited in what someone can do and how they can move. In Thai Boxing opponents are always coming at you straight on with rules prohibiting many moves including wrestling on the ground. This can bring an end to a Muay Thai fighter’s deadly assault once they are taken down.

Also there are no defenses to weapons. In a street fight there is much more to the fight then hit and get hit back. Judo may be a competitive sport in Japan and around the world, but only rules separate competitive Judo from what one might use for self defense in real world situations. In fact most UFC fighters find themselves having to study another art form in addition to Muay Thai so they survive matches with better trained fighters.

On the street a Muay Thai fighter isn’t ready for battle, a mistake made by a lot of sprot martial artists, since you’re not dealing in a fair fight. Full contact may make a person tough, and you most certainly can knock someone out with a good blow to the head. Muay Thai for the street is simply inefficient.

There are a lot faster ways to dispatch someone. The lesson here is you can enjoy a sport like Muay Thai, but study a martial art that you can use outside the ring. Survival is pass fail and nobody cares about how well you score.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Ross

This is the wonderful world of Muay Thai Kickboxing. Muay Thai is a martial art that is rich in the proud heritage of an entire nation unlike any other. The style is interwoven in the known history of the Thais. Although they are gentle and fun-loving people, They’ve had to defend themselves and their country for many years against the aggressive powers and thieves.

To protect what they had developed a martial art system of close combat techniques that were suitable to the type of rough terrain, the Thai people, which you in fighting would. Over the years it finally be a rite to train de passage for all Thai men of this amazing martial art.

At the beginning of Muay Thai was dangerous and no safety gear or protection – all have deadly art, with the fighters they were had lengths of strings in which she would wrap around their fists as gloves. The rules in the equation with some protection for the fighters create were written later in the year.

Advanced in years, attracts people from around the world as a martial art and style, Muay Thai. There are facilities in Russia and the United States, to help students interested in Muay Thai with qualified teachers teach training.

These days, Muay Thai is one of the most popular sports in the world. There are a lot of TV networks, the Thai broadcast fights on a weekly basis, encouraging avid martial arts enthusiasts from around the world. International box is a more popular sport, although most successful international Boxer their start in Muay Thai. This goes to show why Muay Thai training is so populär-and so deadly as well.

Normally, battles are fought with 5 three-minute rounds with a two minute rest period between the round Thai. All fights are ahead of a dance, that the opportunity to pay homage to, their teachers are participants. The dance is an excellent exercise to warm up with, with much symbolic importance compared to the style.

During the fighting, and even training You’ll see that every Thai boxers wearing bracelets and a headband. Headband, carrying fighters believed to have been blessed by a monk or teacher and happiness will give to the fighter. Thai boxers take much pride in their training and fight with the headband is a source of inspiration and pride for the Hunter.

During training, Thai learning much about their mental well-being, the history of Muay Thai fighter and the skills they need to survive. Fighters who plan struggles to compete in Thai, can be very demanding lot of practice as the fighting. Thai training very brutal, all can, depending on where you are studying. If you are studying the ancient arts of Thai Boxing, you can very strict on the training and are demanding.

Although Muay Thai a difficult art practice, it is one of the best martial arts, which you can explore. The techniques are lethal, the training is hard – competitions still make all it’s worth!

Let us study the Muay Thai training pattern. When you will go to learn Muay Thai, your training will have two broad divisions – a.) the body conditioning activities and b.) learning the actual Muay Thai techniques.

Why the body conditioning activities?

The basic objective of the Muay Thai training is to learn how to Muay Thai kickboxing. So this question might come in your mind that why you should go through body conditioning activities.

The reason is simple. Learning the actual Muay Thai techniques is a highly strenuous and physically demanding affair. The body conditioning activities help the trainee develop his physical and mental strength to the level that he is able to withstand that strain and hardships.

The constituents of the body conditioning activities

The main constituents of the body conditioning activities are as follows -

Running - You will have approximately 18 km running per day, divided into two slots with one each for the first and the second half. During both the halves the running will mark the beginning of other training programs.

Stretching - There will be around 20-30 minutes of stretching exercises everyday. That will make your body highly receptive to the other exercises and training activities. Stretching exercises are crucial before activities that entail controlled muscular strength and flexibility. Other benefits of stretching exercises include muscular elasticity enhancement.

Shadow boxing - You have to practice shadow boxing most likely in front of a mirror. That will help you to observe and perfect your technique and aim the punches, elbows, knees, and kick at your own figure. Shadow boxing is extremely helpful in preparing your muscles before stronger physical activities.

Bag work - You will have to practice kicks on a heavy bag for around 60 minutes per day. This will help you a lot to develop conditioning and muscle memory (the body’s ability to memorize or perform automatically a well rehearsed motion). Another great benefit of bag work is the development of shins.

Practicing with Thai pad - Thai pad practicing is the central point of Muay Thai training. It will help you to practice punches, kicks, knees and elbow strikes.

Rope jumping/skipping - On one hand it warms up your body. On the other hand it helps you develop your stamina and co-ordination.

Medicine ball (a.k.a. exercise ball, med ball, fitness ball) – The medicine ball will help you enhance the strength of your abdominal muscles.

Speed ball/bag - It will help you to intensify your punching skills, including hand-eye coordination, rhythm and timing.

Double end bag (a.k.a floor-ceiling bag, crazy bag, reflex bag) - The double end bag – hooked up by two thin elastic ropes to the ceiling and floor – is used as a good equipment for target practice and timing equipment.

Weight training - The weight training exercises aim at developing the strength and size of your skeletal muscles. It will actually have a positive effect for your overall health.

Body weight resistance exercises - It will include push-ups, squats, squat thrusts, pull-ups, dips, etc. They will result in developing your athleticism (balance, body control, co-ordination).

Weight loss - a main benefit of the body conditioning activities

One of the main benefits of the body conditioning activities will be a huge weight loss. The tough physical exercises will help you to shed every bit of extra weight.

The other benefits of the Muay Thai training as a whole -

The other benefits of the Muay Thai training as a whole include the followings

Diet regime - You have to follow a strict diet regime while you learn Muay Thai kickboxing. And naturally it will have various positive results. For example, it will also help you a lot in shedding your weight. Moreover, a healthy diet is also helpful for other health matters like cholesterol factors, etc.

De-addiction - While you learn how to Muay Thai kickboxing, you will have to stay away from all sorts of addictions like alcohol, smoking, etc. This will effectively help you to de-addict all sorts of addictions you have, if any.

Self-defense skills - The Muay Thai training will teach you some great self-defense skills. These skills will be a great asset for you, even if you never compete in any Muay Thai fight.

Sound physique - A significant outcome of the training will be a great and enviable physique. That is undoubtedly an asset irrespective of your profession, lifestyle, etc.

An extreme self-confidence – Mastering the tough Muay Thai techniques will elevate your self-confidence to an extreme height. You will discover your hidden power, and will recognize the real potential and talent that you stand for.

So you can see how beneficial it is for you to learn Muay Thai kickboxing. It not only trains you in a great martial art, but also presents you with various other positive sides. It helps you to discover your real talent and power.

It helps you to develop highly beneficial habits (like an effective diet) while cutting down harmful habits like smoking, alcohol, etc.

In a nutshell, it gives you a new, dazzling personality ensuring a new life. From a so-called ordinary person, you turn into an outstanding and attractive personality.

So do not waste your time anymore. Enroll yourself with a good Muay Thai training school, and start learning this great invention of mankind.

Formerly a regular participant of the Muay Thai events, Shin Chang is presently associated with training and instructing the Muay Thai aspirants. He always encourages youths to [http://www.muaythai.cc/Muay-thai-kickboxing-lessons.php] learn Muay Thai kickboxing by writing articles in print media, TV talk, etc.

You could be very intimidated and inclined to leave. Even when you get instructed on how to use something you may get confused about what you should be doing on similar equipment that looks the same but has a very different purpose.

A heavy bag looks very much the same as a jab bag but you do very different things on them. Today you will learn the usual pieces of equipment seen in Muay Thai gyms and how you should use each one to the best effect.

As you absorb this information you’ll feel more familiar with Muay Thai training equipment and therefore more relaxed about using it next time.

We will start with Muay Thai uniforms and go right through to training gear and fighter protection. The uniform for Muay Thai is quite different to most other martial arts but does resemble the gear worn by Western boxers. The pants are much shorter than karate or judo pants and are even shorter than Western boxing trunks. This is to allow for free movement for kicking which is a high scoring and therefore much used technique.

The tops are usually T-shirt or tank top style but this varies from school to school.

If you suffer from weak ankles or just want to kick with more stability then ankle guards can be considered an essential part of your uniform. They just look like the ankle supports you get from the chemist or physiotherapist when you have a sore ankle but just a bit thinner (and less expensive).

They’re not padded or anything they just give you extra support for when you’re on your toes which occurs a lot in Muay Thai kickboxing. I trained for years without them and kicked myself for not doing so because the difference is felt immediately. All the pros wear them so if I were you I’d get a pair.

1) Hand wraps are cloth bandage-like pieces of material a few metres in length and about five centimeters wide. They are used to wrap around and protect your hands and wrists when punching anything. These are the very least you should have to train with and should be purchased before gloves. They can protect the skin of your knuckles and the bones of your wrists and hands even if you’re not wearing gloves. Especially if you are just beginning Muay Thai and can’t punch hard yet. When you buy them they usually don’t come with instructions on how to wrap them properly so click here to find out.

2) Gloves - The types of gloves range from bag mitts to twelve ounce gloves. The more padding you have in the gloves is determined by how you are going to use them. The less padded bag mitt is used to punch the equipment and the big gloves are used for when you punch another person so that you don’t hurt them as much.

3) Jab/Light Bag – The light bag is a hanging style punching bag that is used for light power techniques and usually hand techniques. You cannot hit it with full power Muay Thai kicking techniques because it can be damaged. Because it can move around a lot it is used to develop timing and distance and is a good bag to get if you are starting out and want to train at home.

4) Heavy Bag – The Muay Thai heavy bag is just how it sounds and is heavier than all other bags. It is a hanging type punching bag that weighs as much as a person. It is used to develop all techniques equally but the power techniques usually take favor because you cannot perform full power Muay Thai techniques on everything. This gear is only used when you can perform proper technique because doing bad technique with full power on a heavy object is just asking for injury.

5) Floor to Ceiling Ball/Speed Ball – This piece of equipment is not usually seen in most Muay Thai camps in Thailand but can be quite useful if it is used in the context of Thai boxing rather than western boxing. It is a leather inflated ball suspended by elastic cord from the ceiling to the floor. It is used to develop the speed and timing of hand and elbow techniques only, and to improve defense of techniques coming at your face. You hit the ball and it comes right back at you so you have to keep your hands up at all times. It’s also very very quick so your hand speed improves just by trying to hit it.

6) Top Bag/Speed Ball -  This ball and the one above are called different things in different gyms. Some call the above a speed ball and this one a top bag. Some call the above a floor to ceiling ball and this one a top bag (as is the case where I train). Either way, this ball is the one that looks like a tear drop attached to an overhanging board and bounces back and forth at high speed. It develops timing, hand speed, hand eye co-ordination, and most importantly the ability to keep your hands up. That’s why this exercise is done at the end of a workout to mimic the feeling you have at the end of a fight when you want to drop your hands.

7) Hand Mitts -  These look similar to a catcher’s mitt in baseball but they are much thicker and not so concave. They are used by a partner to catch your punches and elbows as you throw combinations at them. They aren’t big enough to do kicking techniques on but you can use them for elbows. They develop your sharpness of technique, stamina, and technical ability. Because techniques are done against a moving partner it more closely resembles a real fight.

Kicking Shield -  Just like it sounds this is a padded shield held by straps by a partner that you kick into. Some kicking techniques used in Muay Thai are too powerful to use against the hand mitts so the shield is used. It can be moved by the partner to all parts of the body giving the kicker multiple targets.

9) Thai Pads – As the name suggests these pads originated in Thailand for the purpose of practicing Muay Thai. They are a most valuable tool as you can practice all Thai boxing techniques in a fashion that mimics a real fight as close as you can get without actually fighting.

They are so important that if you have a partner to hold them they are the only piece of equipment you need to get ready for the ring. They are sometimes called forearm pads as they are strapped to your partner’s forearms. They are made of very thick padding so full contact techniques can be used.

You can throw punches, elbows, high and low kicks, and knees. The pad holder can also use the pads to test your defenses by striking at you. All round Thai pads are my favorite tool.

10) Belly Protector – This piece of equipment goes together with the Thai boxing pads or hand mitts and can be used to simulate a real fighting environment. It looks like a heavily padded version of a title belt you would get if you were a boxing or kickboxing champion of the world. It obviously protects your stomach against attacks to that area during pad work.

Trainers wear this to help their fighters get practice rather than a fighter wearing it in sparring to protect himself. If you want to train full contact then this equipment is essential.

11) Shin Guard – Because in Muay Thai kickboxing we use the shin to attack and defend it is prone to punishment. You want to build up toughness in that area so most training is done without using them but there are times when it is essential. When sparring the likelihood of kicking a bone on your opponent is very high and severe bruising common.

Just before a fight you want to go in fresh so guarding up is a good idea. Also the pad holder will want to wear them because he or she will be needing them more as he/she will be collecting full contact attacks from many fighters in the gym.

Using the above three pieces of equipment together will give you a huge edge with your Muay Thai kickboxing training.

If you’re thinking of having a Thai boxing match and can’t get to a gym very often, then a partner holding Thai pads, wearing a belly protector, and shin guards in your own back yard can give you some very good Muay Thai training indeed.

Get your gear on and go hard against the equipment you’ll be surprised with what you can do with just a few items. Some of the best fighters around do most of their training in a backyard or basement somewhere. You don’t need to go a fancy Muay Thai gym with all the latest gear and equipment to get a good workout. Just get out there and do it.

12) Groin Protector -  An essential piece of equipment if sparring but also for pad holders. Kicks sometimes go off target especially if the boxer is tired. You can get groin guards that are just the plastic cup that you slip inside your underwear or the type that are surrounded by material that keeps the cup close to your body. The plastic cup by itself protects the genitals and the more expensive type can protect the kidneys and abdomen with extra padding.

13) Chest/Torso Protector -  Female Muay Thai kickboxers can get protection for their breasts similar to the plastic groin protectors but their seems to be a little controversy about them. They look like a molded plastic bra that fits over the breasts to protect them from impact.

However some people report that impact to the chest protector causes it to cut in to the tissue and actually produces more damage than if you got hit without it. I personally don’t know if this is true as I am male but I have been kicked to the groin guard sideways as my leg was up high. The plastic cup did indeed cut into my testes and cause more pain than usual. I have also noticed that most of the top female professional fighters today do not wear them so there must be a reason why.

There is another type of chest or torso protector which is used in amateur muay thai bouts which is similar to the protection worn in olympic tae kwon do. It is worn like a vest and protects the whole front section of the torso from the shoulders to the waist. This is just a quick run down of what type of equipment you’re likely to encounter at your Muay Thai gym and what you’re expected to do with it.

But the only way you can learn how to use it properly is to actually use it. All you have to do now is take some action and implement what you have learned.

Some teachers can use devices such as punching bags or ropes. Then, after at least 5 minutes should allow to cool, followed by about 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is really important because beginners (“pull”) may charge their muscles and slowly, the proper setup helps relax muscles and prevent.

Cardio Kick Boxing classes typically last10 to 15 minutes of warm-ups, which may include situps and traditional exercises such as jumping jacks and push-ups include, followed by a 30-minute kick boxing session, which includes movements such as knee strikes, kicks and blows. Stretching is really important because beginners may charge their muscles, and slow, the proper setup helps muscles relax and prevent injuries.

Kick-boxing is an inspiring form of self defense and is easy to learn and very practical. It is very important for beginners to learn and develop good form with their skills. When a student is experiencing “bad art”, he can or a threat to them if attacked. The student skills must be perfected also, by sparring with other students.

Aerobic kick-boxing is very popular with many gyms. This type of training is dangerous because a student have a false belief that they developed self-defense skills. This type of training is only for a student who is not interested in martial arts.

American kickboxing is interested in a Studio for students, “real” kick boxing. Students learn and develop practical fighting skills. Many of the students of American kickboxing had to use their training to defend against street violence. Once students have developed good skills, they may enter contests.

A somewhat general term kick-boxing is used to cover the combination of several different styles striking arts sports covered in the classification of the martial art. Its history is a mixture of Japanese karate and Muay thai boxing rooted. Also, fighters should not forget that is a fight in an attempt, exciting his to lose either not good for her career.

It is a martial art that was made for the victory over Muay Thai by Japanese boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi 1950 opponents may to meet each other with fists and feet, hit on the hip. Using elbows or knees is forbidden and the use of the shins is seldom allowed (except in thai boxing, where the knee is also allowed).

Kick-boxing is all about tap from your enemy. People who saw karate learned that they can protect themselves code of conduct on the streets due to their. There is no such inhibitions in kick-boxing. It is an exciting way to a great workout and useful martial arts techniques to learn, without required in actual combat with others.

With cardio kick boxing it grows proved to be one of the best ways to increase cardiovascular health and disciplines, to keep fit has to learn many different martial arts. Muscle and fitness magazines classify fitness kick-boxing one fat burner with over 800 calories as the number burned into a 1 hour class – no other exercise comes close. Fitness kick-boxing combines its own hidden personal responsibilities with the tried and true techniques of personal self-defense, dancing and Kickboxing.

Kick-boxing is similar to full contact karate, since the objective of the kick-boxing is to knock out the opponent. Strikes in kick-boxing, full force are also supplied. Kick-boxing combines elements of karate and thai boxing; the strategy as well as the techniques of kicking and boxing. It combines techniques of karate and fist foot techniques of boxes. There are four different types of combat competitions: semi-contact, light contact, full contact and low-kick. Forms of music are the fifth style of kick-boxing competition. These systems are the same and follow precise rules and regulations.

Kick-boxing is a standing sport so there can be no continuation of the fight when fighters are on the ground. The male boxers are bare-chested in the full-contact sport. To minimize the risk of injury during kick-boxing competitions, competitors have protection for the feet, head, hands and shins and mouth guards and breast protection for women. Kick-boxing competitors use sparring, kicks, punches, break kick blocks, shadow boxing and  is learned and applied under professional guidance.

It was developed as a martial arts kick-boxing fight, first for the tournament, and has become very popular recently, especially with women because the kick-boxing workout (cardio kick boxing) is ideal for the development of body toning and fat burning and also helps students’ confidence. It is the fastest way to a tight, toned fighter’s body.

European kick-boxing, where kicks to the thigh are allowed with low-kick special rules, the use of boxing shorts instead of long trousers is possible. Amateur rules in addition allow often less experienced competitors to use light rules, where there is semi-contact points by successful strikes past the opponents guard. The use of force is regulated.

Kick-boxing can be used by anyone – large or small, stocky or skinny, male or female. All you need is determination and an open mind. Because it provides for the health of the heart it tends to increase your HR capacity and performance and the breathing capacity is increased.

Fusing Taekwondo and boxing is a wise choice of fat burning exercise. Kick-boxing is a modern martial art, with the basic techniques and hand movements of boxing between the powerful kicks Taekwondo and Muay Thai. It is a strict, total body workout consist of controlled occur, punching and stabbing movements.

It has been called the “science of eight limbs” and is recognized
around the world as the most effective striking art. It is Thailand’s national
sport and they are very passionate about it. As an extreme ring sport it dates
back thousands of years.

It is a very graceful blend of punches, kicks, elbows and knees and is extremely
effective in real-life situations, be it in the ring or on the street. It relies
mainly on simple and efficient moves to generate the maximum amount of power.

As in most competitive full-contact sports, muay thai is very specific on the
conditioning of the body as fitness and toughness are a requirement for
competition in the ring.

Training includes many fitness regimes such as running, rope jumping, body
weight resistance exercises, shadow-boxing, medicine ball exercises, abdominal
exercises, and even weight training.

MuayThai training will improve one’s self-confidence, discipline and
self-awareness. As it is a form of unarmed combat, it is accessible to people
from all walks of life – both children and adults – male and female. Of course,
not everyone will wish to compete.

In modern parlance, Muay Thai is loosely termed ‘kickboxing’. Choosing the
best place for training courses is the first step. Research all the local
training schools in your neighborhood that offer kickboxing.

Next, go and see them in person, and find out firstly:-

1.  What do they have to offer?
2.  Will you be be able to watch how training classes are conducted?
3.  Do the instructors expect students to learn by repeating their actions? or
4. Do the instructors involve their students in every move?
5. Would you feel comfortable being coached by these instructors? (You have to realize that not all experts in their sport are good at teaching their art).
6. Is the school large enough to have several instructors teaching different classes based on age, ability and experience? (Make sure you observe a class you would probably start in)
7. Finally, find out the cost of training and what is expected of you as far as fitness training is concerned. Will you have to find time, out of school, to get fit?

NB. Remember -

You will be learning how to punch, kick, knee, elbow, and more. You will have
the opportunity to hit thai and hand pads as well as learn how to hold
these pads for other students.

You will also learn basic strikes, combinations, and if and when you feel ready,
you will even be able to spar with other students. While sparring is not a
requirement for students not interested in competition, mixed martial arts
fighters and muay thai boxers will have to attend sparring classes in
preparation for their fights.

Prepare for a lot of fun and hard training.

One of the great benefits of getting your body fit for Muay Thai will be the
weight loss. The tough, physical aspect of the sport will assist you in
losing those extra pounds.

Running and walking are two of the best aerobic exercises to improve
one’s general health and fitness. It is difficult to say which is better
because it depends on the level of fitness one is at.

During the first twenty minutes or so of running, the body starts to burn mainly
sugars and proteins but not fat.

After about twelve minutes of a brisk walk fat is burned. So if one wants
to lose weight, it would be better to walk for forty minutes as opposed to
running for twenty minutes.

For the best cardio work-out it would be better to go for a run – if you like
running and want to lose weight then make sure you run for more than 20 minutes.
Perhaps, a happy medium would be to walk and run on alternate days.

One thing to remember about running is that it is very hard on the joints
such as the knees, ankles and hips. The constant impacting with hard ground, at
least a thousand times per mile can cause considerable stress on these joints.
The answer then, is to wear good quality training shoes.

Swimming is also an excellent aerobic exercise but, of course, is not
a weight-bearing activity.

Other activities you will have to master to get into shape are:-

• Resistance exercises – push-ups, dips, squat thrusts, pull-ups – these willhelp with co-ordination, balance and body control.
• Weight-training – develops the strength and size of muscles.
• Speed ball – helps to improve punching skills – hand-eye co-ordination, rhythm and timing.
• Double-end bag – floor to ceiling bag – also for timing and target practice.
• Medicine ball – helps to strengthen abdominal muscles.
• Stretching exercise – always done prior to all other activities.
• Bag work – this involves practice kicks on a heavy bag.
• Shadow boxing – practice sparring in front of a mirror.
• Using Thai pads – helps to practice punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes.

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