Muay Thai training in Thailand. Thai boxing in Thailand. What should be the level of physical fitness

There are several Muay Thai style Thai boxing schools in Phuket. Most of them are “tourist”, that is, they were initially designed to serve tourists. There is nothing good or bad about this. It just is. This fact has a number of certain advantages - in such schools, coaches are already accustomed to working with foreign tourists and speak at least a little English. And believe me, even a few dozen familiar phrases will help you master the necessary technique more successfully.

Such schools are primarily suitable for those who are not entirely confident in their Muay Thai technique, even if they have been training in their home country for several years. Many, having arrived in Phuket and started classes at one of the schools, are very surprised to discover that what they were doing before has nothing to do with Muay Thai.

To choose the best school for yourself, it is best to go around them all and attend one or two training sessions. And then stop at one specific one. First of all, pay attention to the number of people training with one trainer (1-2 people per trainer is normal). Then you must evaluate the quantity and especially the quality of the attention given to you personally, the location of the school relative to beaches, restaurants and other things. Well, not the last condition is the ability to rent housing somewhere near the school.

In the resort town of Kata there is a Muay Thai camp - J Prapa. It is located on the road closest to the beach, just behind the bike parking lot. It’s a bit difficult to find it the first time, but you can see the diagram - www.katamuaythai.ewebsite.com. Once upon a time, a very famous champion in Thailand conducted training in this camp, but now there is another coach there, by the way, also a very good one. The advantages of this camp also include its convenient location and the availability of the necessary equipment for sparring. If you are missing something, you can buy it at the store located on the camp grounds. Among the disadvantages are the lack of the required number of trainers (one trainer is not able to pay enough attention to all students) and the lack of simulators.

Another camp - Chang Muay Thai Gym is located on Kata Beach. You can find it using the diagram - http://www.changmuaythai.com. The advantages include the location in the very popular resort town of Kata, the proximity of inexpensive housing options, and the availability of equipment. The disadvantages include a feeling of neglect in the gym itself, high prices for training, lack of exercise equipment and a normal store. There is practically nothing you can buy from what is available there. And there is also a very unpleasant smell from a nearby cafe, which is very annoying during training.

The next camp, Raw Fitness, is located in the Nai Harn resort, which is very popular among Russian tourists for a relaxing holiday without too much fuss. The hall in the camp is small and operates under the motto: “relax and train.” You can find this camp using the map - http://www.phuketcleanse.com/muay-thai-fitness. The advantages include a convenient location, availability of fitness training, a good rocking chair and the presence of a shower room. Disadvantages - the training is not very serious, there is practically nothing for real athletes to do here, the gym is small and there are few coaches.

Dragon Muay Thai, located in the northern part of Chalong, is still considered the best gym for Muay Thai in Phuket. It is located on the same street as Camp Tiger. The distance between them is approximately 200 meters. Find a camp - muaythaidragon.com. Pros: very friendly trainers with an excellent attitude towards athletes, two gyms and a pleasant Thai atmosphere in each, the store sells inexpensive equipment, equipment for training is available. The only downside is that the location of the hall is not very convenient.

Tiger Camp is located near Dragon Muay Thai. If you search separately, you can use the map - www.tigermuaythai.com. This camp has a very large area and well-thought-out organization. The advantages include decent training, a large staff of trainers, large gyms, availability of equipment, a good rocking chair equipped with air conditioning, and training in other sports is available for those who wish. There are few disadvantages, and even then they can be called relative - the location is not very convenient if you live in a tourist area and the incredibly large area of ​​​​the camp, in which you can get lost at first.

Rawai is a Thai boxing gym located in the town of the same name on the island of Phuket. It is located on the outskirts of the northern part of the city. It is difficult to find, so it is better to use the map - www.rawaimuaythai.com. The advantages of the camp are a large staff of trainers, some of whom are active fighters, a good gym with spacious rings, the opportunity to rent housing right in the camp, good rocking, yoga classes. The downsides are the lack of clinch and sparring, the trainers don’t pay much attention to what you’re doing and also – it’s very inconvenient to get here from the resort areas.

Another camp - Lion is located near Nai Harn beach and not far from the Sinbi Muay Thai camp. The gym is run by a Briton, which does not in any way affect the quality of the training. Pros - a spacious and bright hall in good condition and with good equipment, availability of equipment and intensive training, the possibility of accommodation on the camp site and proximity to the beach, the best price-quality ratio throughout the island of Phuket. The disadvantages include the fact that not all coaches are equally attentive to their players, and parking is not very convenient even for bikes, not to mention cars.

The last of the famous ones - the Phuket Muay Thai camp is located in the Chalong area of ​​​​the city in the area of ​​\u200b\u200b"villages" of houses for rent. It’s better to find it on the map - http://phuketmuaythai.com/. The advantages are the presence of a rocking chair, in which, by agreement with the trainer, you can work out in the evenings for free, and the proximity of housing, if you rent it right here. By the way, the houses here are quite good according to reviews. Disadvantages - insufficient number of trainers and inattentive attitude on their part towards the trainees, lack of rounds and normal discipline in training, lack of necessary equipment, not very convenient location, if you don’t live in the neighborhood.

This section is based on five years of observations of the training of famous Thai boxers in Thailand camps. Here is a generalized analysis of the training of leading Muay Thai masters.
Thai boxers train in special camps, of which there are about two thousand in Bangkok alone. The camp is a small complex consisting of an area under a canopy directly for training, rooms where the boxers live, and often the manager’s house.
Each camp has from one to four rings, 2-6 bulk bags, bulk and pneumatic bags, and stretch balls. By American and European standards, the camps look rather poor, but there are sufficient quantities of boxing gloves, masks, and paws. There are usually 12-18 boxers training in the camp, with 1-3 coaches and 5-6 assistants. Thus, the classes outwardly look like group classes, but in reality there is constant individual work with each athlete. Boxers get up at 6 o'clock in the morning, have breakfast, and at 9 o'clock the first training begins. A large amount of this training time is spent, as they say in boxing, “working on the road.” While working on the road, a boxer usually runs 5-8 kilometers at varying intensity. Despite the hot climate, boxers run around dressed in tracksuits. This is followed by short work on the paws and bag.
In some camps, boxers start training at 6 am. Jogging, shadowboxing and some special exercises last up to 7 hours.
The second training starts at 3 pm. Boxers usually do a run that lasts 15-30 minutes. Training at the camp begins with jumping rope or on truck tires. 10-15 minutes are allotted for jumping. What follows is shadowboxing. It is carried out in a unique way, unusual for athletes involved in ordinary English boxing. Boxers move in a free area at a low pace and deliver various punches rather sluggishly. By the way, the boxers training right there, performing according to the rules of English boxing, conduct the usual shadow boxing in the ring, imagining an imaginary opponent. Shadowboxing lasts 3 rounds of 3-4 minutes.
Then the technique begins to be practiced on the paws. When working with pads, the trainer or assistant simulates various strikes, forcing the boxer to use different defenses and counterattacks. Paw work lasts 3-4 rounds.
Usually three times a week there are practice fights in training. During them, boxers are used only. Athletes box with 12-16 ounce gloves and very closed masks. The training fight is going on in full force, because if a boxer does not spar at full strength, he, according to the Thais, will have. A training fight usually lasts 2-4 rounds.
After mitt work or combat training, bag work lasts 3 to 5 rounds. Boxers use other equipment (punching bags, stretch balls, wall pillows) individually and in a small volume.
When working in pairs, which usually lasts 2 rounds, boxers easily strike, often with their legs, which are not protected at all by protectors. The essence of such a battle is to use the correct defense and carry out a counterattack. The more variety and originality in the actions used, the better. The last 2-4 rounds of training are devoted to clinch fighting. Boxers easily throw knee strikes at each other, the main focus is on throwing the partner off balance, using the best grips, and striking with knees at a time when the partner is not ready to defend himself.
The training ends with exercises to develop the neck and abdominal muscles.
In between rounds, boxers drink clean water to regulate the water-salt regime and restore the boxer’s strength to a certain extent. Trainings are carried out within the boundaries of their weight category. because a boxer, finding himself in the conditions of a competitive fight, calmly withstands high loads.
*Weight loss has a negative effect on the body's performance.
Thus, this article examines five years of observation of the training of famous Thai boxers from leading Muay Thai camps in Thailand. Despite the insufficient equipment of the gyms and financing only at its own expense, Thailand remains the mecca of world Muay Thai and the leader of Thai boxing throughout the world.

Every year, tourists in Thailand increasingly give preference to training in Thai boxing. This is a traditional sport in the country, which is called Muay Thai. Thanks to boxing schools and camps, travelers can undergo professional training and take part in Thai fights. Boxing establishments provide unlimited and comfortable stay for foreign citizens at an affordable price. Professional fights are regularly held at stadiums in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui.

The best Thai boxing schools in Thailand, beloved by Russian tourists, are located within three large resorts - Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket. There are five best Muay Thai schools:

1. School Sinbi Muay Thai located near. Most of the coaching staff took part in international and national boxing competitions. In southern Thailand, the school organizes its own fights, which demonstrates the excellent preparation of its athletes. In addition to all this, the school has modern equipment, equipment, as well as comfortable housing, and all this at an adequate cost.
2. On the island of Koh Samui, the most famous and popular school among Russian tourists is Jungle Gym Samui. Trainings take place from Monday to Friday in the evening (from 6 to 8 pm). The price for a one-time visit is about 300 baht, and a monthly visit will cost 1,800 baht. A regular group consists of 12 people; during the tourist season, the group is filled with up to 10 Russian travelers. A special feature of the school is a fairly well-thought-out training system, including sparring, bag fights, pumping and stretching.
3. In Pattaya, boxing ranks first among sports. A good coaching staff and a large number of titled fighters offer Muay Thai training at school Fairtex Muay Thai Training Camp. It is located in the very center of Pattaya and has its own international stadium, where various fights take place every week - not only between Thais, but also with the participation of Europeans.

Training prices

The cost of Muay Thai education and training varies from 5 to 15 thousand baht per month. Most schools offer their students one-time trial classes, because you cannot be sure that boxing is your element. The price for such training is about 400-500 baht. Most Thai boxing schools set their monthly fees based on several factors:

1. number of trainers on staff;
2. frequency of training sessions;
3. location of the school or camp;
4. level of qualification training of a professional.

The cost of the monthly course may also be affected by the participation of your fighters in Muay Thai competitions. With good sports skills, you can make good money. I do not recommend paying for the entire course at once, since you may get an injury that will unsettle you and the funds under the contract will remain at the disposal of the school.

Necessary equipment

A very careful approach requires choosing equipment for Thai boxing, which will protect you from serious injuries. The main rule is to choose high-quality equipment that will last you a long time and effectively influence your training and fights. When choosing it, you need to rely on a number of requirements:

1. Boxing shorts. They must be made of high-quality material that will allow excess moisture to pass through and promote air flow to the body. Active movements of the athlete without constraint and maintaining the abdominal muscles are fundamental factors in choosing shorts.
2. Hand wraps are used in all forms of boxing as they help protect the fingers during punching. They are worn inside gloves, which leads to their longer use. Such bandages can be purchased for 200-300 rubles.
3. Boxing gloves and mouth guards are the main protectors of boxers' fists and teeth. Without them, you will not be allowed to participate in any training or fight. They need to be selected depending on the weight of the athlete.
4. Groin protection. It is one of the most important points when protecting the groin area. It is made in the form of a kind of shell, the cost of which does not exceed 500 rubles.

The final cost of equipment for Thai boxing depends on the quality, the items purchased and the company. If you do not have the opportunity to buy expensive equipment, then the minimum set for beginner boxers can be purchased within 3,000 rubles.

The advantage of Thai boxing is the absence of special shoes, which means savings and convenience.

Accommodation in camps

In most cases, Muay Thai camps are located on the outskirts of cities or small towns, and have individual accommodation areas. The cost of accommodation services is not included in the price of training, but is calculated separately. The average price for a month's accommodation in the camp is about 2-3 thousand baht.

All Thai camps provide their athletes with nutritious meals, which are included in the price of accommodation. When choosing a camp, it is necessary to study in advance the coaching staff, which will meet two important requirements:

• Ideally, a Muay Thai fighter should have long-term practice of training students, and also take part in international or national boxing competitions;
• speak English, otherwise you risk serious injury or simply overtraining.

How the training goes

Muay Thai training in camps and schools takes place 2 times a day. The program of most institutions includes training in the following training:

• various running variations;
• training with loading of the main muscle groups;
• fighting with punching bags;
• boxing with partners and coaches;
• performance at different levels of competitions.

In order not to overdo it in the first lessons, you need to correctly determine your initial level with the trainer.

If you manage to achieve a high level of athletic training, then there is every chance of getting and participating in Muay Thai competitions. Depending on what school you studied at and what rank of competition you take part in, the size of the final prize is determined. At competitions in Bangkok it reaches 30 thousand baht.

The camps that teach Thai boxing are amazing places where you can learn not only basic techniques, but also, as they say, comprehend the truth. Many athletes and beginners flock to the so-called bases and train intensively every day. Everyone is prescribed workouts that are designed for people of different levels of training.

The training camp is home to a large number of people of all nationalities. Here they feed you, and the cheerful and good-natured Thais support you in any endeavor, guiding you on the right path. Every day spent at the base is completely unique and inimitable, because where else if not here can one learn the art of martial arts and become familiar with real Thai traditions.

Tiger Muay Thai Phuket

Tiger Muay Thai Phuket is one of the most famous camps on the island. He spread his possessions far from the favorite places of tourists and for this reason it is the best place for people who want to escape from everyday life and plunge into a completely different world.

Tiger is several large halls, in which classes are held for groups of people with varying degrees of physical fitness. Each hall is equipped with rings, bags, and tatami mats on the floor. On the territory there is also gym with all kinds of exercise equipment, and building with rooms for guest accommodation, as well as cafe, where delicious and delicious Thai dishes are always served.

Camp program

The camp has three zones for training people with different levels of training (beginners, intermediates, experienced fighters). Each group has its own coach, as well as his deputy. The programs are slightly similar, but still significantly different.

For example, classes for beginners start at seven in the morning with an hour of yoga, then the camp residents will run for 2-6 km. The entire remainder The day goes according to the following scenario:

• 8.00 – 8.30 — lessons on Muay Thai technique;
• 8.30 – 9.00 – stretching, jumping rope;
• 9.00 – 11.30 – the main part of the program, consisting of sparring;
• 18.30 – stretching and relaxation.

Occurs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday sparring on a voluntary basis, without coercion.

Program for average students practically no different from the previous one, with one exception - the load is several times greater. But here advanced boxers literally overloaded with sparring throughout the day. Each training session they are required to do five sparring sessions, five rounds on the ground with a coach and 5 rounds on bags. It is worth noting here that in order to get into the last two groups you must have at least a year of training in martial arts.

Advantages of Muay Thai camp in Phuket

When talking about this camp, it would be completely illogical not to talk about its merits. For example, everything here is so organized and thought out that it surprises even people who have been accustomed to discipline since childhood. Moreover, there are a number of other advantages:

• All training is held at the highest level;
• Availability of large and spacious halls for honing skills;
• Huge staff of trainers;
• Availability of all necessary equipment for athletes;
• Outdoor gym;
• Opportunity to train in a program other than Muay Thai.

Thus, this place is simply ideal for people who want to devote time to their self-development. Here everyone, from children and girls to accomplished athletes, will find something to do. And, if you do not live on the camp grounds, then you will be offered to visit it every day for a couple of hours, after which you will go back and bask in the rays of the warm Thai sun.

Accommodation at the camp site

As mentioned earlier, the camp opens its doors for accommodation to everyone. So, for example, for 400 baht you can rent a small room with a refrigerator and a fan. But if you prefer more luxurious conditions, then for 25,000 baht per month you can stay in one of the luxury hotels located near the training camp. As for training, then prices they are as follows:

Did you know that Thai boxing is the No. 1 sport in Pattaya? And about the fact that Thai boxing schools in Pattaya are among the strongest in the country? Why exactly do many world champions live here? So I didn’t know until I met one of these same champions. His name is Nung Rangsan, he recently opened his own school and teaches Thai boxing in Pattaya to people from different countries. Including from Russia.

Actually, Nyng is not a name, but a nickname. Thais, as a rule, have complex names, so they take for themselves “nicknames”. That’s why Olina’s English tutor’s name is simply Bo. And our new friend is simply Nyng. Although no, it’s not that simple, because “nyng” means “first” in Thai.

Many of you remember that Bo was in Russia and brought it from there. So, Nyng is one of those few Thais who also had the chance to live in Russia. For seven whole cold months he worked in Moscow as a Thai boxing coach. And he brought from there not only an ocean of emotions, but also one of his championship belts.

Neung Rangsan has won many tournaments and now teaches Muay Thai in Pattaya.

“In Russia, people were struck by snow”

“It was in 2007,” recalls Nung Rangsan. – A Belarusian friend called me and suggested: Moscow needs a good Thai boxing coach, will you go? Of course, I was very interested, and I agreed!

I lived in Moscow for seven months, worked as a trainer and from time to time took part in battles. Most of all I remember two fights. One of them was against a powerful Russian guy who weighed 15 kg more than me (my weight is about 60 kg). The fight ended in a draw by the judges' decision. And of course, I will never forget my victory in the final of a major tournament, where in front of several thousand spectators I defeated a Russian opponent and won the champion belt!

— Nyng, what do you remember in Russia besides fighting and training?

- Cold (laughs)! I experienced a real Russian winter, I saw snow for the first time in my life, it’s unforgettable! I was also impressed by the people in Russia. They seemed very closed to me. When I tried to talk to someone on the street, they turned away and quickened their pace. But I know that Russians are actually open and cheerful guys. After all, during training, Russian athletes also seem somewhat constrained. But only at first: in the second or third lesson they become more relaxed and it’s very easy to communicate and work with them!

People from all over the world come to study Thai boxing in Pattaya. In the photo - Nung Rangsan (left) in his hall in Jomtien with his students.

— You often had to meet Russian athletes in the ring. Now you teach Thai boxing in Pattaya and you have many Russian students. How would you rate our fighters? What are their strengths and weaknesses?

— In my opinion, the best Muay Thai fighters are still Thais. In second place are the Russians and the French. The strong point of Russian Muay Thai fighters is physical strength. They are taller and stronger than the Thais. But the equipment of the Russians, like that of other Europeans, is often lame. That is why it is important for Russians to study Muay Thai in Thailand, from Thai trainers. After all, fighting technique is the strong point of Thai Muay Thai masters.

— Good technique is great. But tell me a secret: don’t Thai fighters also have weaknesses?

— I’ll tell you a secret: they are very busy in training, so they often lack endurance. In Muay Thai, a fight lasts five rounds. If, for example, a Thai and a European meet in the ring, and after the first three rounds the strength is approximately equal, then by the end of the fight the Thais often begin to give up. And since the farangs, as I already said, are often stronger than the Thais, this often helps them snatch victory in the finale of a fight that at first looked equal.

— So what remains for the Thais?

- Like what: work hard in training! And not only Thais. The athlete's main rival is his own laziness. It is she who must be defeated first.

The main rival is your own laziness. Therefore, the main victory is victory over laziness, says Nung Rangsan (right).

"As long as you're walking, you can exercise"

— But many people want to study Thai boxing in Pattaya during their vacation or winter. And not everyone on vacation will want to work hard.

Who said that Muay Thai is not a women's sport? I ask again, who said it?)))

— Much depends on how the training process is structured, on the approach to students. Training should be intense, but not exhausting. You cannot put pressure on a student or overload him. Unfortunately, I know a lot of Thai boxing coaches - including in Pattaya - who work exactly like this: “You hit poorly, you move poorly, you need to work harder!” Why go far, I myself had such a coach. I worked with him for a couple of years and left: he tortured me. Such coaches can discourage all interest in sports.

That's why I make my Muay Thai training varied, interesting, and fun. I have different programs designed for both experienced athletes and beginners or vacationers that will help you achieve results in a short time.

— Nyng, how long have you been working as a coach?

— I have been teaching Muay Thai since 2004. He performed at tournaments and at the same time worked as a coach in Thailand, Russia, France, Italy and other countries. In Australia, for example, I worked for three whole years. He performed in the ring in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and trained three world champions. He made good money there and used this money to open his own Thai boxing gym in Pattaya a year ago. Since then, I decided to concentrate more on coaching. Although I still get into the ring from time to time. Now I am the champion of Pattaya.

— By the way, why did you open your own gym and teach Muay Thai in Pattaya, and not somewhere else? You're not from here.

— I decided to teach Muay Thai in Pattaya for two reasons. Firstly, there are very strong Muay Thai schools here, serious competition, this is great. And secondly, there are many foreigners here who love sports and want to study Muay Thai in Thailand. It was my farang friends who advised me to open a Thai boxing school here in Pattaya.

I have many students here, including Russians. Many of them have achieved serious success in various tournaments. But that's not the main thing. After all, Thai boxing is not a fight, it is a philosophy. In addition, Muay Thai training is a harmonious, comprehensive development of the body; it affects all muscle groups. This is very important for people of any gender and age. Therefore, among my students there are men and women, three-year-old children and elderly people up to 65 years of age. While you're walking, you can exercise.

Muay Thai is suitable for all ages!

Our dossier

Neung Rangsan, 31 years old. Born into a poor peasant family in the northeastern province of Thailand, Buriram. He has been practicing Muay Thai since he was six years old. He fought more than 300 fights around the world, about 80 of them in the “mecca” of Thai boxing, Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium. Winner of major international tournaments that have the rank of the World Championship in Australia, Japan, New Guinea, Russia and Belarus.

During his time as a coach, he trained five world champions in Muay Thai. Now he teaches Thai boxing in Pattaya, works as a manager and chief instructor of his own Muay Thai gym in Jomtien.

Thai boxing in Pattaya: price of classes, contacts and place on the map

Nung Rangsan's Muay Thai School is very conveniently located in Jomtien, at the intersection of 11th Jay and Second Street, not far from the hotel Grand Jomtien Palace. Trainings take place twice a day: from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. The cost of the lesson is 300 baht. You can make an appointment by phone. 089-446-6261 (if calling from Russia, then +7-66-89-446-6261) and by e-mail: [email protected] Communication takes place in English, but even if you do not speak it at an elementary level, the language of sports is understandable to everyone!

You can find out more about Nung Rangsan and his school of Thai boxing on his website Muaythai-pattaya.com(by the way, all the photos in this article were taken from there).

Nung Rangsan Thai Boxing School on the map of Pattaya.