Hi guys, new member... need some general advice

[Braveheart]

I registered here in order to learn a thing or two about Muay Thai. I don't have any previous Martial Arts training.

I live in Toronto area, am 27 years old and not in the best physical shape, I am about 5'7" and 135 pounds.

Is it a bit late for me to start training and possibly do some small time competition within a few years? From what I understand, most fighters started out at a very young age.

How long do you guys think it would take me to learn enough so that I can maybe do some sparring or amateur fighting? Also is there such a light class of fighters that are under 140 pounds or is there a minimum weight required to compete?

Thanks for reading this "far".

[muaythaiguy15]

Muay Thai fighters in Thailand usually start young and end careers younger than you. Muay thai weight classes start very low.

However, youre not too old! Id say do it! If you train hard for a 3 years its better than 18 years of eating chips and training once a week for an hour.

My best advice, sign up or take a class, see if you like it. From there, you can make new posts on how to get in good MT shape or about shin pain lol

good luck amigo!

[Braveheart]

Thanks a lot man.

One thing that pisses me off though is I am kinda skinny, very skinny arms and small shoulders, do you think this might be a problem? I have strong legs though, that's one of my strengths, or at least I think it is. Also I am not very flexible but I guess with proper training that can be changed

[Little Apple]

just train dude, you'll be fine. You might consider lifting weights too, and try to eat healthy and all that. Over all, you're sure to come out better off for it.
Have fun!

[Braveheart]

just train dude, you'll be fine. You might consider lifting weights too, and try to eat healthy and all that. Over all, you're sure to come out better off for it.
Have fun!

Thanks.

I'll hit the gym, but as far as the food goes, that's a tough one. I work at construction sites and have access to junk mostly, but I'll start bringing food from home.

[muaythaiguy15]

Dont worry about your physical attributes so much (the ones you cant change I mean). Youll find fat, short, legless, fingerless, tall, armless fighters in almost every sport.

[Braveheart]

Thanks Muay, I appreciate your positive outlook and advice.

cheers to you man!

[BANG's Protégé]

My addvice is that not many people post that much on this site. It lame kinda. Go to sherdog.com or K-1fans.com there forums are a lot better.

[Scott Bolinger]

for my fighters, I usually start them training for point tournament compitition. For the guys that want to do full contact kickboxing, I have them do at least one year as a amateur boxer I consider putting them in the ring as a full contact kickboxer.

[aseepish]

You should give Mel Belissimo a call http://www.lannamuaythai.ca/ - He used to coach in Chiang Mai, but went back to Toronto last year to open a branch of Lanna there. I begged him to go to Vancouver instead. I BEGGED him!

I met an Aussie fighter in Thailand who was 36, had been training for about six months, and competed.

[OctaviousBP]

I'll second an endorsement for Khru Mel and Thomas. They run a good gym with lots of up and coming talent.

Being tall and skinny can be a huge blessing if you learn to take advantage of it. Lightweight caps at 135pds here in Ontario, or you can "Bulk up" to 140 for junior welter.

27 is a spring chicken. That's how I'm looking at it anyways

[commandos]

Is it a bit late for me to start training

you are never late to start somethign until u die

[matt_hickman]

Thanks a lot man.

One thing that pisses me off though is I am kinda skinny, very skinny arms and small shoulders, do you think this might be a problem? I have strong legs though, that's one of my strengths, or at least I think it is. Also I am not very flexible but I guess with proper training that can be changed

Listen. I mean listen.

Do not listen to any advice other than this. Check my introduction for my career.

I fought after only seven months of training in my 20's, ammatuer yes, but it was a fight. I was as fit as the no 1 title holding fighter at the club I went to within 9 months and had a very good career all within 3 years. I only reached my peek of physical fitness in my last year.

Forget giving it three years, forget anything anyone tells you other than your instructor, make sure you eat well, do your raod work, seriously, do it!! a mile a day will be fine until your ready, you can always do more eventually but just pound a mile a day, thats 7 more a week than your doing, or than most guys on here will do.

I never ran more than 5 miles a week even for my pro fights, and I never will.

I bought a punch bag, and before training at 7pm till 8pm I did about 6 to 8, 3 min rounds working on the bag. Then skipped for 15 mins. after training I would sprint a mile. after a year of this only training thai 3 days a week I fought semi pro and won on a TKO, and if I can do it anyone can.

The sign of a competative Boxer, thai boxer, martial artist I was always told, is how much they do, in there own time away from the club, and it's like everything, the more you put in the more you get out.

I'm sure my advice will come under attack by lots of people, but it's my experience, and I hate being told what I can't acheive, like the "give it three years" I hate that!! says who??????? says who???? Your the boss of yur own world mate, if you get in the ring too early, you'll find out!! or you'll win, either way they are your lessons to learn, and by no means does anyones fighting history, training advice or time served denote the way yours should.