At the recreationalists/beginners level, thaiboksen / 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 fitness is significantly improved. During these lessons, sparring techniques are used that are not allowed to be fully applied. Overall sparring is certainly not mandatory at most gyms.
Thai boxing against stress
Sufficient physical exercise and therefore regular sports play a major role against, for example, stress. Someone who has never encountered this sport will notice during the workout that it is quite manageable. The lessons are easy to follow, and especially not scary, but actually very fun.
At the competition/advanced level, we speak of a group of athletes who receive more competition-oriented lessons, with techniques needed for matches. Sparring techniques are required during these lessons, which you must already master quite well. Not everyone can just participate in these lessons. You need permission for this first.
More self-confidence through thai boxing
A 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 teach them playfully to be assertive. The children learn to set boundaries, say NO, and stand up for themselves!
Youth who start martial arts or are sent by their parents often have a short temper. If they do it for a longer time, that significantly decreases, 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’.”
At all gyms, you can take a trial lesson; in that case, you only need to bring sportswear.
Materials for thaiboksen / muay thai:
- Mouthguard, this is to protect your teeth
- Handwraps (bandages, wraps), for strengthening your wrist, metacarpals, and knuckles
- Gloves to be able to throw punches
- Groinguard to protect the private parts
- Shin guards, to protect the shins
- Elbow pads, to protect the elbows
- A Thai boxing short
- T-shirt, bring an extra t-shirt in case of excessive sweating
Positive points of thaiboksen / muay thai:
- Promoting self-discipline: Most schools for martial arts / combat sports focus on self-discipline. Children today are so used to receiving ‘instant gratification’ where self-control and discipline are often lacking. Children involved in martial arts / combat sports are constantly reminded how essential (self)discipline is for them.
- Stimulating social skills: Children who find it difficult to meet new people and make friends in social environments can benefit from a space filled with peers and a common interest. Children in the playground don’t always have much in common, but when they share a martial art / combat sport, they are often better able to get to know each other. Exercises that must be done together can promote friendships because the children are ‘forced’ to work together on their skills.
- Encouraging physical activity: Martial arts / combat sports are a very good way to get a child off the couch and make them more aware of their physical abilities.
- Learning to set goals: Most forms of martial arts / combat sports use a ‘performance system’ where belts and stripes on belts (‘slips’) are earned. When your child strives for a new belt or slip, they learn valuable lessons about setting and achieving goals.
- Increasing self-confidence: The sense of self-worth gets a ‘boost’ because your child masters a new move or earns a new belt. Children struggling with low self-esteem usually gain more confidence as they spend more time practicing martial arts / combat sports.
- Promoting respect for others: During the practice of a martial art / combat sport, it is often required to show respect to the instructor and fellow students. In today’s children’s culture, respect for authority (parents, teachers, and other adults) is not always present. Through practicing martial arts / combat sports, your child will learn what respect is and be reminded of it.
- Encouraging conflict resolution without fighting: The idea that martial arts / combat sports can only solve problems through physical violence often comes from television and movies. In many martial arts / combat sports, you learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully and non-violently and the importance of avoiding physical contact.
- Improving listening skills: Martial arts / combat sports teach how to listen better and maintain focus. This increases concentration and improves development.
- Developing teamwork: Few things a child learns in martial arts / combat sports are done without help from fellow practitioners. Working together to learn new things is a very important life lesson taught in martial arts / combat sports.
- Improvement in other areas of life: The benefits of martial arts / combat sports often extend beyond the dojo (the space where martial arts are practiced). The self-confidence, improved fitness, and respect for others will also help your child find their way in learning and dealing with others at school, home, and in their overall development on the path to adulthood.