Muay Thai is built to be a pretty simple, yet effective martial art. In fact, its principles, as well as its main philosophies are centered on basic, solid substance, as opposed to showing off.
Still, even if it’s rather basic, Muay Thai is still pretty technical and is quite hard to master, more so if you’re not aware of the many mistakes that you’re making.
Listed below are 7 stupid mistakes many Muay Thai trainees usually make during training.
- Taking shadow boxing lightly. Too many beginners don’t take shadow boxing too seriously. They think that it’s boring and some even go as far as to say that they look stupid trying to spar with someone that’s not even there. But, have you considered how many pro fighters value Shadow boxing? Many even go 100% when shadow boxing, since it’s the closest they can get to a real fight with the least risk of injury. By taking it easy, you prevent yourself from making the most out of your training.
- Lack of communication when sparring. When you spar with someone, it’s best to talk to them first. Remember, you’re in the ring NOT to knock each other out, but to improve each other’s skills and techniques. By talking to your partner, you can come to terms as to what sort of areas you’re planning to improve and focusing on just that during the session.
- Forgetting to stretch. Before and after you train, it’s best that you stretch. Not just stretch, but as in, make every muscle in your body tip to the point that it reaches a bit past its comfort zone. It’s also important to stretch in between training sessions, even on your rest days.
- Focusing on complex combinations. Have you ever wondered why many pros favor simple three, four or five hit combos as opposed to complex ones? Well, not that they’re easy to do, but because they’re rather effective. They’re short, efficient and when executed well, can easily knock guys out. So, as “flashy” as complex combinations may look like, they only make you look stupid during sparring sessions and most especially, during a match.
- Tensing up. When you’re new to Muay Thai, it’s easy to think that tensing up when releasing all your force is the best way to push all the way through. The truth, though, is far from it. Instead of tensing up, focus on relaxing your body as you fight or practice. Don’t be too tense, and too stiff. Breathe in, relax and let a sort of rhythm develop as you go on with your training. The more you do this outside of matches, the easier it’ll be for you to avoid tensing up during the real thing.
If you’re making any one or all of these stupid mistakes, don’t worry. Like you, pro fighters must’ve gone through the same process and made their fair share of mistakes.
What’s important is that, now that you know about them, you try to improve on your training regimen.
