I agree, he needs to be around an instructor. But I don't agree with the idea that he shouldn't train at all that someone made in an earlier post.

The best advice I saw, and I agree with, is make the drive once a week. Work on the basics and have them reviewed by an instructor. This way you can progress and not get too far down a bad path where you will have to unlearn habits

lol good point. I definitely agree it's the LEAST preferred method. Unlikely to work? Yes. Though I still stand by my statement that it's better than nothing.

G'day Dwugon,

I thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth in.

yes you can learn Muay Thai own your own with the help of books video and the web.

HOWEVER, whether you would be able to apply what you learned may be entirely different. Some can naturally do this, most can't. there is simply no better substitute than a Muay Thai Trainer/Coach. this is true of virtually everything from Martial arts and sport to sewing and arithmetic.

It would definitely be a good Idea to travel the two or more hours at least every now and again so you can be properly corrected and shown new material. if you cqn afford it ask about private lessons that way you can concentrate on the stuff you feel needs looking at instead of hoping it is covered in a class.

The video idea is a good one though you will have to be prepared for those who will simply trash you for sport. find out who here IS a Thai Trainer and listen to them, I'm not saying others won't be helpful only that you may need to take their advice with a sprinkling of salt, especially if they aren't an active thai trainer or a thai fighter with decent experience.

it's like working on your car, you can discuss it with other car owners but you'll want advice from a mechanic at some point.


Good luck and enjoy yourself

The trouble with Muay Thai is you have to understand that knowing the techniques is only about 20% of Muay Thai. The biggest part is knowing what to do in a match. For example you never switch kick an opponent when they are coming towards you or throw a knee if you are moving backward in the clinch. Its these things that are more important.

Another thing is without a trained instructor you could learn a technique and incorrect way or get lazy with your technique, for example letting your hands drop or double punching.

You should focus on getting your cardio up to a Muay Thai level. Many people come to Muay Thai thinking they are fit but just cannot keep up with what is required for a fight.

Try doing this one, it sounds easy but its hard when your just starting.
30 seconds burpies (full press up burpies)
30 seconds star jumps (go all the way down and all the way up)
30 seconds sprint stops (your back should stay flat and your knees should touch your shoulders

repeat 3 times without a break, if you need to throw up do so. BUT DO NOT STOP!

A big part of Muay Thai is the mentality of never stopping no matter how hard it gets. So when you work out run yourself into the ground and don't rest till the end of your workout.