How can Muay Thai fighters in Thailand manage to train 6 days a week without feeling exhausted or sore, while regularly training Muay Thai and boxing 5 days a week leaves me feeling exhausted and sore?
The daily routine of Muay Thai fighters in Thailand
Muay Thai fighters in Thailand train twice a day, 6 days a week. They wake up at 6 a.m. to run 6–10 km, then go to their gym and start with skipping and stretching, followed by some shadowboxing exercises before doing a few rounds with pads and bags. A solid two-hour training session. And that is only the morning.
In the evening, they usually do playful, technical sparring, focusing more on flow and technique, followed by more rounds on the bag and with their trainer on the pads. Then there is strength and conditioning and freestyle clinching, without a timer. This means it can last 10–20 minutes nonstop.
How do they do it?
That is the question you are asking yourself. Well, it is not their first time. They have been doing this since a young age, and their bodies have naturally adapted to the physical demands of the training. It became the norm. They are also more accustomed to the hot climate and humidity, unlike Westerners from another hemisphere—so breathing is much easier for them and they do not become exhausted as quickly.
Muay Thai fighters do not feel sore or sluggish because if you train Muay Thai, you should get regular massages so your muscles do not become sore and recover faster. Regular massages relieve tension and promote better energy flow throughout your body, so this helps. Before training, they rub tiger balm oil on their bodies to ensure their muscles are warm and ready to work, which prevents injuries and extends the longevity of their training.
Age makes a difference
Age is also a factor. You cannot train intensely for too long—at one point or another, your body will inevitably break down; we are not superhumans. That is why their careers rarely continue beyond the age of 30. They start young and finish relatively young. These are their best years, when their bodies are at their strongest and they are at the peak of their physical abilities—which is probably why they can sustain such training.
Thailand is known for its rich martial arts history and has produced several legendary Thai fighters. Here are some of the most famous legendary Thai fighters.
Legendary Muay Thai fighters from Thailand
- Nai Khanom Tom: He is considered one of the founders of Muay Thai and is known for his undefeated record as a prisoner during the Burmese war in the 18th century.
- Samart Payakaroon: He is often considered the greatest Muay Thai fighter of all time. Samart was known for his exceptional technique, speed, and agility.
- Apidej Sit-Hirun: He was a highly versatile fighter and is considered a pioneer in the use of kicks in Muay Thai. Apidej was also known for his powerful knees and elbows.
- Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn: He is known for his dominant clinching technique and is considered one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters in history.
- Buakaw Banchamek: Although Buakaw is still active, he is already considered a legendary Thai fighter. He has won numerous championships and is popular for his explosive style and powerful kicks.
- Sakmongkol Sithchuchok: Sakmongkol was a champion in the 1990s, considered the Muay Thai “Golden Era.” He is known for his devastating left kicks and tough body, which can withstand a great deal while allowing him to continue fighting.
There are currently many talented Thai fighters active in the Muay Thai world. Here are some of the prominent names:
Active Muay Thai fighters from Thailand
- Saenchai: He is considered one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of today. Saenchai is known for his incredible technique, agility, and skill in the ring.
- Yodsanklai Fairtex: He is a former multiple-time world champion and is known for his powerful punches and kicks. Yodsanklai has fought some of the best fighters in the world.
- Superlek Kiatmoo9: He is a rising star in the Muay Thai world and has already impressed with his technique and speed. Superlek has achieved important victories in various weight classes.
- Rodtang Jitmuangnon: He is an aggressive and entertaining fighter known for his unstoppable style. Rodtang has a strong martial arts background and has won multiple championships.
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