I’ve recently been posting all over social media online forums the importance of training at a real Muay Thai gym. I've always been quite vocal stating that, it is not possible to teach yourself any Martial Art at a high level and these online home study courses are just crap.
If you are serious about competition, in particular fighting in Muay Thai, you need to find yourself a good gym and a good trainer. Keep in mind the nearest to your house isn't necessarily the best and the same can't be said for joining the club your mate trains at.
You need to understand however that once you’ve found a quality gym, many coaches / instructors will not give you much early attention, they will be watching and will be available to help, however statistically most people quit Martial Arts within the first few weeks. on this assumption therefore, don’t expect an experienced training partner or for the instructor to cater to your every need on your first day.
As a beginner, you must prove that you are serious and willing to work, your progress will be monitored and the more you put back into the club the more elevated your status will become and the more attention you'll deserve.
Thai Boxing is incredibly difficult to excel at, everyone wants to become a fighter until reality kicks in, and they see how difficult it is to be a fighter. The average person has no idea how challenging it is to even train for 5x3 minute rounds at even a moderate pace. Simply hitting the bag for a few rounds will break most new starters, then we add in the physical impact you naturally take in the course of training.
Every experienced instructor knows these facts, they are obvious aren't they? They know that Thai Boxing is tough and most will fail. The fact is most people who walk through their gym doors will not last long. Unfortunately, many beginners have no idea what they are getting into. Most people in today’s world don’t have Martial Arts experience, so its very difficult to get some advice from friends and family.
Any club or instructor worth his / her salt has seen plenty of beginners quit within the first few weeks. Some quit after their first sparring session and others quit after a few hard workouts on the mitts or bag or some after the first grading. Whatever the beginner thought he was getting into is entirely different from reality.
The instructor knows these simple truths when you first enter the gym, and already has dedicated students that he is committed to as a coach. As a result, you cannot fault him for questioning just how serious you are about the sport. Contrary to what some believe, many Muay Thai coaches volunteer much of their time. In other words, it is quite possible that the trainer is not getting paid by the club.
This is the case at our club.
He may have had a long day at work before heading to the boxing gym to volunteer his time. He is there to help, but will naturally be unwilling to help those who have not proven their dedication the sport “Actions speak louder than words” if the instructor asks for something in return, something like helping to promote the club using online media, helping at a charity function or attending an event its should be done in return for the time dedicated to you the student - not ignored.
No matter what the beginner says about how dedicated he or she is, the trainer has heard it before. Someone else has already come in with the same lies, obtained the instructors attention and only to quit after the first few weeks.
Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most trainers won’t pay much attention to the words that come out of your mouth. Thai Boxing is an action sport. You can’t talk yourself through each round. The trainer only cares about what you will do, not what you say you will do.
Earn Respect.
The best way for a new starter boxer to attract the attention of higher graded students or instructors is to work so hard hard that everyone takes notice. Don’t waste time talking about what you are going to do, turn up and quietly put in your work.
If a coach or fighter gives you a suggestion, be thankful, practice it regularly. Continue to practice, practice, and practice some more. Make your face known as the new student who works harder than everyone. Be the beginner who puts in extra sets and extra rounds. Be the beginner who respectfully asks for advice without being a nuisance.
Don’t be the beginner who messes around on the bag and then expects everyone to come running. Don’t be the beginner who questions every bit of advice that he is given. Don't be the "What if" guy, Sylvester Stallone is unlikely to bring a machine gun into the ring so chances are the advice your given can be taken as gospel.
In addition, always remember that the gym was there before you. It will continue to operate with or without you. Nobody is irreplaceable. As I’ve said before, most Muay Thai gyms operate like large families. You can’t barge your way into a new family and force everyone to accept you. You need to slowly earn the family’s trust and respect.
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