At the recreational/beginner level, Thai boxing/muay thai training is also very accessible for people who have never come into contact with the sport. Mainly basic techniques are used, and the overall condition is well increased. During these lessons, sparring techniques are used that may not be placed completely. General sparring is certainly not mandatory at most gyms.
Thai boxing against stress
Sufficient physical exercise and therefore also regular sports, plays a major key role against stress, for example. Someone who has never come into contact with this sport will notice in the work-out that it is very easy. The lessons are easy to follow, and especially not scary, but very fun.
At competition/advanced level we are talking about a group of athletes who receive more competition-oriented lessons, with techniques that are needed for competitions. During these lessons, sparring techniques are required, which you should already have mastered reasonably well. Not everyone can simply participate in these lessons. You first need permission for this.
More self-confidence through Thai boxing
A self-confident child is much less likely to end up in threatening situations. The physical and mental aspects of martial arts increase the self-confidence of children (and adults) and teaches them to be assertive in a playful way. The children learn to set boundaries, say NO and stand up for themselves!
Young people who start with martial arts or who are sent to it by their parents often have a short fuse. If they do it for a longer period of time, this decreases significantly, as the figures show. Through martial arts they learn to control their aggression. The martial arts world can especially contribute to the psychosocial development of socially vulnerable youth and inspire them to (continue to) make choices for 'the right path'."
You can take a trial lesson at all gyms. In that case, you only need to bring sportswear.
Materials for Thai boxing / Muay Thai:
- Mouth guard, this is to protect your teeth
- Handwraps (handwraps, wrappings) for strengthening your wrist, metacarpals and knuckles
- Gloves to be able to place punches
- Groin protector to protect the private parts
- Shin guards, for protecting the shins
- Elbow pads, for protecting the elbows
- A Thai boxing short
- T-shirt, if you sweat excessively, take an extra T-shirt
Positive points of Thai boxing / Muay Thai:
- Promoting Self-Discipline : Most martial arts schools focus on self-discipline. Children today are so used to receiving "short-term gratification" that self-control and discipline are often lacking. Children involved in martial arts are constantly reminded of how essential (self)discipline is to them.
- Encouraging Social Skills : For children who find it difficult to meet new people and make friends in social settings, a space filled with peers and a common interest can be beneficial. Children on the playground may not always have much in common, but when they share a martial art/sport, they are often better able to get to know each other. Exercises that are done together can encourage friendships because the children are ‘forced’ to work on their skills together.
- Encouraging Physical Activity : Martial arts are a great way to get a child off the couch and become more aware of his or her physical abilities.
- Learning to Set Goals : In most forms of martial arts/martial arts, there is a "performance system" where belts and belt stripes ("slips") are earned. When your child strives for a new belt or slip, he is learning valuable lessons about setting and achieving his goals.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Self-esteem gets a boost when your child masters a new move or earns a new belt. Children who struggle with low self-esteem usually gain confidence as the child spends more time practicing martial arts.
- Promoting respect for others : When practicing a martial art/martial sport, it is often a requirement that one must show respect to their instructor and fellow students. In today's child culture, respect for authority figures (parents, teachers, and other adults) is not always present. Through practicing a martial art/martial sport, your child will learn and be reminded of what respect is.
- Encouraging non-fighting conflict resolution : The idea that martial arts can only resolve conflicts by using physical violence often comes from television and movies. Many martial arts teach peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution and the importance of avoiding physical contact.
- Improving listening skills : In martial arts/martial arts, you learn how to listen better and keep your attention (focus). Which increases your ability to concentrate and improves your development.
- Developing Teamwork : There are few things a child learns in martial arts without the help of fellow practitioners. Working together to learn new things is a very important life lesson taught in martial arts.
- Improvement in other areas of life : The benefits of martial arts often extend not only to the dojo (room where a martial art is practiced) but also far beyond. The self-confidence, improved fitness, respect for others can also help your child find his or her way in learning and in dealing with others at school, at home and in the child's general development as he or she grows into adulthood.