Muay Thai, what to expect?

[Asta]

Hi everyone,

I've been doing BJJ for a few months now and i really enjoy it. I'm looking to do Muay Thai aswell to improve my striking. I am clueless when it comes to Muay Thai, all i know is its similar to Kickboxing but more brutal.

Would anyone to be kind enough to tell me what to expect on my 1st few lessons? Are the people genrally friendly? Is there ranks or belts? Do you have fun doing it? and what is it like fitness wise does it really work you out? Thanks in advance.

[gabbah]

I would say that if you're looking for striking, muay thai is not the best as they focus more on kicks and clinch work. However, I think knowing the clinch is even more important than knowing the striking, because it's easy to close the distance on a striker, and if he doesn't know how to clinch (and the rules allow it, or you are in the street), you will probably dominate the guy by throwing powerful knees. Also, from the clinch the fight often goes to the ground, where your bjj takes over.
So I would recommend muay thai, but not because of the striking. And it's great for conditioning. It's not the drawn out conditioning of grappling, it's the intense kind of stamina, where you can work hard, then rest a little, work hard, and rest a little and so on.

If people are friendly or not I think depends on the particular gym, not on the sport. But if you are friendly and show an interest to learn from everybody, I think you will make friends fast.
And you asked if you're having fun doing it. As long as you train in a smart way (that is, avoiding too many injuries), it will be loads of fun. So take it easy at first, then slowly build up power. Technique first, then speed then power... don't try to hard in the beginning.

[teamfunzen]

Muay Thai in Thailand

The DVD "Muay Thai in Thailand" has a good overview of all of the aspects of the art. It also has some background information on Thailand. Amazon sells it.

[vadrip]

Well, kick, knees, the clinch and elbows are akin to muay thai than punching generally, but don't think you be in the dark because of they favor leg techniques over boxing. Just find a school with a good balance in all aspects of standup striking.