​You’ve decided to train in the martial art of Muay Thai!
 
Let’s make sure you have all the equipment you’ll need when you start out. 

Be sure to check out our RMT PRO SHOP for all items available on site!

​You’re a busy person. You work, have a family, friends, and other hobbies and responsibilities going on in your life, you’ll want to keep all your gear in one easy place since it can be a lot to carry. The worst thing is to show up for your Muay Thai training and realizing you dropped or forgot a piece of equipment.

https://amzn.to/3BPSLC3​

​Protective equipment is a must, we will start with hand wraps. Even though your hands are padded while wearing boxing gloves, you’ll want to provide extra support to your knuckles by wearing hand wraps. They provide extra padding, keep your knuckles from smashing together and your fingers from crunching into your palm. You can either use the traditional wraps and wrap them yourself. Or you can purchase gel slip on wraps. They are much more convenient. 

Gel Wraps: https://amzn.to/376QN22
Hand Wraps: ​https://amzn.to/3y8MYVK

There are a lot of gloves out there to choose from. As a beginner, I recommend not spending too much money on expensive equipment. Eventually, you may want to treat yourself and purchase name brand or higher end equipment, however these gloves are great. They come with hand wraps and a mesh bag to keep your gloves together and to air out after a workout to help the sweat dry. Boxing glove sizing is in ounces. For Muay Thai you will want to have 14–16-ounce gloves.

https://amzn.to/3zWr4Wv

Shin guards are an import piece of safety equipment for all levels of Muay Thai training. There are sock type shin guards and strapped shin guards. I do not recommend the sock type; they get hot and sweaty which lead to bacteria growing and smells coming from your gym bag. The shin guards with adjustable straps provide the best protection for your shins.

https://amzn.to/3ybDklc

In the beginning you will most likely not spar until you are properly trained and ready to practice sparring with your class. Once your Kru says you are ready, and you feel ready - you’ll want head gear that provides protection and a comfortable fit.

​https://amzn.to/3f0zxjm

Your teeth VERY important. Anytime you have fists flying toward your face, wear a mouth guard.  

​https://amzn.to/3ya49X7

Muay Thai is hard work! Always make sure to stay hydrated before - during and after training. I recommend having a large water bottle that holds enough water for your sessions. I recommed a water bottle that has a straw, that way you can grab a drink without having to take off your boxing gloves. 

​https://amzn.to/3iSGfsB

Whether you’re a newbie or returning to martial arts or even a dedicated martial artist looking for a new school, it can be a little arduous choosing a location. 
 
Choosing a combat sports gym or martial arts school shouldn’t be stressful. This should be an exciting time as you have chosen to challenge yourself to learn something new and exciting and to get in great shape in the process.
 
Often people overthink the choice or get hung up on the wrong things when researching places to train. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. You should definitely use caution and be sure you feel you’re setting yourself up to receive the best possible instruction and training.

Don’t chase big names or clout in the business, it can hamper your ability to get started and can sometimes blind you from finding a quality gym to meet your martial arts and fitness needs. This is especially true for those who wish to train and learn just for their own passion and interest. Also, to get in great shape while learning martial arts. Not all teams, gyms, and coaches are built the same. It’s important to find the culture that best fits your goals.
 


First decide exactly which martial art or combat sport you are interested in. For example here are the instructional classes we have currently at Rad Muay Thai. 

• Muay Thai
• Boxing
• Kickboxing
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Mixed Martial Arts

Most schools will have a primary focus, for example our school’s primary focus is Muay Thai. However, we have kickboxing, BJJ and strength training. 

Martial Arts schools will usually offer a free pass to try one of their classes. If you are nervous about jumping into a class right off the bat, visit the studio and observe the class you are interested in. Martial Arts studios will usually have an area where you can watch the class. That way you can get an idea of how classes are structured and an idea on what to expect if you decide to try a class. 

Register now for a free class at Rad Muay Thai!
 
 
Learn more in my video https://youtu.be/KW4Qhj7V9go
​

​Elite Sports is a brand you may have come across frequently if you have searched for fitness gear on Amazon. Primarily if you are searching products in the combat sports or martial arts category. What probably makes them stand out the most when searching is the product's affordability. I know that’s what immediately caught my attention.
​

• ​Boxing Mitts https://amzn.to/3wDJomf
• Thai Kicking Pads https://amzn.to/2Reano5

I’ve used many brands of boxing mitts and Thai pads over the past 12 years of my martial arts journey. I’ve come to find some reasonably priced products that are of good quality and long lasting. There are also products that I’ve spent a bit more money on and I was very disappointed since they didn’t last.
 
When it comes to combat sports training or martial arts, affordability is usually a consumers first choice, yet you do not want to sacrifice quality.  Quality is very important when your intention is to strike surfaces hard and often. Durability is a must when you are rough on equipment which is a necessity in martial arts training. This is why I decided to try Elite Sports’ Boxing Mitts and Thai Pads to see how they performed for the money.

​In regard to the design, they are clean and minimal. They aren’t overly produced as far as too much padding or any extras that may be unnecessary. The visual design is simplistic and subtle which I like. The boxing mitts and Thai pads are sleek and simple.

Build quality rating is typical compared to average mitts. The mitts do not have the appearance as cheaply made, but not an over exuberance of quality with regard to materials and padding. The straps are bit thin, at first, I was worried they might rip, but they have not after using them for a few weeks and probably will last a while with regular use. The foam inside isn’t made of poor quality, more expensive brands will use “EVA foam”, however Elite has added foam for additional shock absorption, according to their website.  It feels like a brick of foam in the Thai pads, but upon impact it is nice and does not feel like there is cause for concern. The pads feel comfortable to strike.
 
Due to the simple construction and materials of both the Elite Sports boxing mitts and Thai pads they are extremely light. I really enjoyed this while working with my faster students. One thing I really liked were the handles on the Thai kicking pads. They were strong and firm. Oddly enough it’s my favorite part of the pads besides the weight of them. I own a few pairs of expensive Hayabusa Thai pads which have amazing striking padding, but Hayabusa has the most absolute worst handles I’ve ever felt on Thai pads and I truly dislike them.

​It is hard to say at this time, however I will continue to use the pads & mitts with my students in my Martial Arts gym and I will update this post if I have any negative issues.  I have been using them for a couple weeks, but I use them throughout all of my Muay Thai classes several times a day all week long and so far, so good

​Lastly, let’s discuss price. This is where the Elite product stand out. Next to a couple other brands on the market, they could be considered the most affordable with regard to these two types of items. Generally, I’ve paid within the range of $40 - $150 for boxing mitts and the Elite brand is less than any of those. For Thai pads, I’ve purchased in the range of $80 - $300 for various brands and Elite is less than those as well.

​ If you are a beginner, utilizing striking for fitness, or are a trainer using these for your beginner clients then these products are a good buy because they are very affordable and functional. It’s all you need when starting out. As a striking coach and instructor, I do have more expensive brands that cost much more and are built heavier and thicker with leather and so on, but that is because I have advanced strikers and fighters that I train, I need to protect myself and them.
 
 
I hope this was helpful and if you are starting out or looking to train at home with some friends or clients and do not want to spend too much money on equipment, I highly recommend the Elite boxing mitts and Muay Thai kicking pads.

https://www.elitesports.com/
https://www.borntough.com/ 
https://www.elitesports.com/collections/muay-thai-pads
https://www.elitesports.com/products/elite-sports-black-black-muay-thai-kick-pad
https://www.elitesports.com/collections/muay-thai-mitts
https://www.elitesports.com/products/elite-sports-essential-curved-black-silver-muay-thai-punching-mitts
 

It can be a little overwhelming when you decide to begin a Martial Arts journey. Learning Muay Thai should be a fun and rewarding experience. Personal training for Muay Thai can be beneficial for beginners and advanced students. Personal sessions for Muay Thai or generally 30-45 minutes depending on your goals.
 
As a beginner you can learn the strikes and proper form without feeling overwhelmed by other students around. Learning the proper stance, guard and basic techniques are important. Your trainer will be able to correct any mistakes and provide drills for you to practice.

​Intermediate or advanced students can enhance their current training by focusing on specific techniques. You can focus on pad work, clinching, conditioning and stamina overall. You can also benefit from personal sessions if you are preparing for another level of training. Not all advanced students of Muay Thai are fighters. You can have a love for Martial Arts and training Muay Thai without getting into the ring.
 
Regardless of your fitness goals, Muay Thai is an excellent source for an intense workout. You can lose weight, gain strength and increase your stamina training Muay Thai. It is important that you are consistent with your training. Three to four times a week is the minimum for training Muay Thai to have an impact and see results.
 
If you have any personal or physical limitations which requires additional guidance and assistance, a personal trainer can help you. Trainers can modify your form to ensure your technique is optimal. Proper form is important to ensure you do not injure yourself. It is difficult during a class setting to provide this type of one-on-one vigilance. Receiving proper guidance will give you more confidence while you begin or continue your Muay Thai journey.
 
A trainer can provide encouragement and accountability. Your trainer will find your limits and help push and motivate you during your sessions. Discuss your goals with your trainer so they are aware of what you wish to gain from your Muay Thai sessions.
 
You can lose weight training Muay Thai. Muay Thai is an intense workout. The art of 8 limbs engages your entire body.  Learning how to kick, punch, throw elbows properly will incorporate an array of body movements to help you burn fat. Your trainer will know based on your current fitness level how hard they need to push you. They are knowledgeable about nutrition and won’t convince you to participate in any diet fads.
 
Communication with your trainer is a priority. You will want to be sure your goals are clearly discussed. If your goals change based on how you are progressing with your training, be sure to advise your trainer.
 
Lose weight, improve technique, learn basics, increase stamina and love the art of Muay Thai.

Contact us today to discuss personal training sessions for Muay Thai.