Muay Thai classes teach striking with eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees and shins. Beginners start with stance, guard and the teep kick, and nobody spars until a coach says they are ready.
What Muay Thai is
Muay Thai is the national combat sport of Thailand, often called the art of eight limbs. Where boxing uses only the fists, Muay Thai adds kicks, knees, elbows and a standing clinch.
What your first weeks look like
- Class one. Stance, guard and the teep, a push kick that keeps distance.
- Weeks one and two. Footwork, the jab and cross, and the round kick.
- Weeks three to six. Combinations, knees and elbows on the pads.
- Beyond. Clinch work and controlled sparring with coach approval.
Muay Thai or kickboxing?
Most kickboxing rules do not allow elbows, knees or clinch work. Muay Thai does, which makes it the more complete striking art and the longer one to learn.
Why train it inside a boxing gym
Footwork and defense carry across both sports. Many members take Muay Thai classes alongside beginner boxing classes, and both are included on the Unlimited plan on our membership page.
Fitness benefits
Kicks and knees load the hips and legs far more than punching alone, and balance improves quickly. A Muay Thai class counts as vigorous activity toward the CDC's recommended 75 minutes a week for adults.
What to bring
Athletic clothes, water and a towel. Gloves, shin guards and pads are available to borrow, and most people train barefoot. Class times are on the class schedule, and your first class is free.
