The common misconception is that a Muay Thai Training Camp is only for those with big muscles who are very strong. This is slightly true when it comes to the professional sport since you need to be strong and skillful in order to overcome your opponent. However, if you want to learn a self-defense art then everyone can choose to learn Muay Thai.
In order to start learning Muay Thai you need to be at least seven years old. However, age isn't the most important factor at a Muay Thai Training Camp. Rather it is whether or not the teacher will accept someone as a student. The most important criteria for many teachers are a student who has a clear objective, mind and good spirit. This is because in the past Muay Thai was taught to soldiers in order to protect communities and defend themselves in battle. Now is a good time to learn a little about the history of Muay Thai.
The History
Muay Thai is what the people of Thailand call their martial art. Pronounced "moo-ai" it basically means boxing. In ancient times when this martial art was developed there were no advanced weapons available. Only swords, staffs and lances were used in war. In order to protect communities the people of Thailand had to encounter and fight a lot of marauders. Muay Thai trained soldiers to fight without weapons should they lose their weapons and have to resort to hand-to-hand fighting.
Muay Thai is an art that focuses on the use of the toughest parts of the body including the head, fists, elbows, knees and feet. Muay Thai is said to be one of the most powerful and deadly forms of martial arts today. Today Muay Thai is a form of self-defense and is taught in fitness programs as well as professional sports through the use of gloves and standard regulations. Both men and women of any age can learn Muay Thai for recreation, as a sport or even for the purpose of real competition.
The objectives in learning Muay Thai are the same today as they were years ago. If someone wants to learn Muay Thai they must want to learn the art of self-defense and it is not for the purpose of irritating others. Most of the Muay Thai training camps adjust their lessons based on a person's needs since many choose to practice the art just for the competitions and to become a champion while others do it solely for recreation. Some techniques are not even allowed in competitions because they are rarely used and considered deadly.
When you start to learn Muay Thai today you are preparing yourself to be strong enough for further training. In order to properly learn Muay Thai you need to do so through a training camp or gym since you also need to learn the cultures and norms before you can learn the art of fighting with Muay Thai. Without knowing the cultures and norms you won't be able to be a good Muay Thai boxer.
