What to expect from your first Muay Thai session

My First Muay Thai Lesson

When I was preparing for my first Muay Thai lesson, I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Having witnessed some intense training sessions while working at the gym, I was a little intimidated. But as soon as I joined the class, I was greeted warmly by Kru (coach) Phonsak. He started the session by asking everyone how they were feeling, and his care and concern immediately made me feel welcome.

As a beginner, I wasn’t sure how to wrap my hands. Kru kindly wrapped them for me, and I never felt out of place. He treated everyone equally, which helped me feel more comfortable. We began with some light stretching, followed by 3 minutes of rope skipping. After that, we moved into shadow boxing. During this, Kru was quick to offer corrections, making sure each of us received his full attention even during the warm-up.

Next, we hit the bags. Since this was a beginner class, we focused on basic punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. We practiced simple combinations, and once again, Kru was right there to correct our form and show us the most effective techniques. After bag work, we moved on to pad work. Kru held the pads for each of us, guiding us through the drills and ensuring we hit the targets accurately. While one person worked with Kru, the rest practiced basic combos lightly with each other.

In between exercises, Kru incorporated weight training to help build strength and condition our bodies for harder strikes. This changed my entire perspective on Muay Thai. I had always thought of it as a violent sport, all about going full force. But I learned that it’s much more than that. The training was intense, but it was also about discipline, technique, and gradual improvement.

At the end of the session, we were allowed to do some light sparring to practice what we had learned. By the end of the class, I was exhausted. The training had been intense, but it was also a fantastic workout. Not only did I refine my techniques, but I also worked on my cardio and strength. I left the gym feeling more confident in my ability to defend myself, and I knew that if I kept training, I would get fitter and see real changes in my body.

This experience helped me see the bigger picture of Muay Thai. Initially, I thought the sport was just for fighters, but now I realize it’s for anyone. Whether you're looking to get fit, lose weight, or learn self-defense, Muay Thai has something to offer. The cardio aspect is demanding, allowing you to burn calories and improve endurance. The movements also help increase flexibility, especially in the hips for kicks. And the strength training, though brief, adds another layer of conditioning that supports all the techniques we practice.

In conclusion, Muay Thai is for everyone, regardless of your goals. Whether you want to become a fighter, get in shape, or simply learn how to protect yourself, it has something to offer.

A Few Words of Advice for Beginners:

1. Don’t be afraid to try. The gym can feel intimidating at first, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. At Lionheart, the community is friendly, and more experienced members will offer tips without judgment. You won’t be looked down upon for making mistakes.

2. Learn how to wrap your hands before your first class. While Kru is kind enough to help, it does take time, and it can affect the flow of the lesson for everyone if hand-wrapping is delayed. 

3. Give it your full effort. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about a technique. Safety is crucial in martial arts, and it’s always better to ask for help than to risk doing something incorrectly.

Why I Enjoyed My Lesson:

1. Supportive Environment: This gym isn't just about learning Muay Thai techniques; it’s a place where people grow together. The supportive atmosphere fosters both personal development and skill-building.

2. Personalized Feedback: Kru’s guidance went beyond just teaching us to fight; he emphasized moving with purpose and efficiency, making sure we understood the ‘why’ behind every movement.

3. Interactive Atmosphere: Practicing with a partner created a dynamic and engaging environment. It was great to bond with other members while also improving our skills together.