Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as “the art of eight limbs” because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the twentieth century, when practitioners defeated notable practitioners of other martial arts. A professional league is governed by the World Muay Thai Council.
Muay Thai gear is similar to that used in other boxing and kickboxing disciplines, with a few notable exceptions. The most obvious difference is the use of gloves: Muay Thai gloves are smaller and lighter than boxing gloves, weighing 4-6 oz (110-170 g) each. This allows for greater speed and precision in striking, but leaves the hands more vulnerable to injury. Muay Thai also makes use of shin guards, or “sox,” which are similar to those used in soccer. These help protect the shins from kicks, but can also be used to deliver devastating kicks of one’s own.
Muay Thai training is intense, and practitioners must be in peak physical condition to perform at their best. A typical training regimen includes running, shadowboxing, bag work, pad work, and sparring. Muay Thai gear is essential for a safe and effective workout. gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and groin cups are all necessary to protect the body from injury.
Muay Thai Gear
Here is a list of some essential Muay Thai gear that you will need if you want to train in this discipline. If you are just starting out, you may not need all of this gear right away, but it is good to be familiar with what is available.
Shorts
Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai shorts are designed to help fighters stay cool while they are training. The shorts are also short so that the fighters can show off their leg muscles when they throw kicks.
K-1 Shorts
K1 fighters wear shorts that look similar to Muay Thai shorts, but they have a slightly different design.
Boxing Trunks
Boxing trunks can be worn as an alternative to Muay Thai shorts. Boxing trunks usually have the boxer’s name or nickname on the waistband. Trunks may also have sponsors on them during professional matches.
Gloves
Muay Thai Gloves
Muay Thai gloves are designed to protect your hands. The gloves have foam in them so that when you hit someone, the impact is not as hard. There are many things to think about when designing gloves, like how they will feel and how they will look.
Grappling Gloves
Mixed martial arts gloves or grappling gloves are small, open-fingered gloves that are used in mixed martial arts bouts. They usually have around 4-6 ounces of padding and are designed to provide some protection to the person wearing the glove, but leave the fingers available for grappling maneuvers such as clinch fighting and submissions.
Bag Gloves
Bag gloves/mitts are designed for punching bags and boxing pads. They have less padding than regular muay thai gloves.
Protection
Shin Guards
Muay Thai shin guards are usually strapped on and made of leather or synthetic leather. They can also protect your foot and ankle when you kick.
- Best Overall: Venum Elite Shin Guards
- Runner-Up: Top King Shin Guards
- Budget Pick: Venum K Shin Guards
Head Gear
Many people think that you have to wear headgear while sparring in Muay Thai, but that is not the case. Fighters wear headgear while sparring to reduce the risk of cuts and injuries. Because Muay Thai sparring involves using all eight limbs, the number of cuts and injuries sustained is minimal.
Hand Wraps
Padding from proper hand-wraps will allow you to punch it harder and for a longer period of time. Wrapping your hands for Muay Thai, boxing, or MMA protects your knuckles and makes sure your bones don’t break. Wrist protection is also very important.
Ankle Wraps
What are Muay Thai ankle guards for?
Muay Thai ankle guards protect and support the ankle joint. They are not as essential as boxing gloves or Muay Thai shorts, but many Thai boxers wear them during training and fighting.
Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are a recommended piece of equipment for protecting your mouth when participating in contact sports such as Muay Thai. Mouth guards help protect you from an impact that could potentially cause dental trauma, oral soft tissue injuries, bone fractures or dislocation, or lacerations to your lips.
Elbow pads
For people who don’t grow up in the Muay Thai ring, elbow pads are a way to practice elbow strikes in training. Elbow pads are designed to help reduce the impact of elbow strikes and to protect fighters from getting cut.
Training Gear
Muay Thai Kick Pads
Kick pads help you to practice your kicks and make sure they are effective. By using these pads, you can see where you are landing your kicks and whether they have the desired effect. Most people prefer curved pads when kicking because it is easier to catch the kick with the natural shape of the pad.
- Best Overall: Fairtex Curved Pads (Pair)
- Runner Up: CombatSports Pads
- Budget Pick: Sanabul Battle Pads
- Premium Pick: Venum Skintex
Heavy Bag
The Muay Thai Heavy Bag is made from a durable vinyl shell and filled with impact fiber. It typically hangs from heavy-duty chains attached to web straps, and is over two feet longer than the traditional Boxing Heavy Bag.
Muay Thai style heavy punching bags provide a lot of different areas to target when practicing, including leg kicks and head and body shots.
Gym Bag
If you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you will need a gym bag to store all of your essentials. As a beginner, you will need boxing gloves, hand wraps, training attire, and a water bottle.
Jump Rope
Warming up before you work out helps your muscles and joints get ready. Skipping is a good way to warm up. It will help the body prepare which can help you avoid getting injured.
Belly Pads
Belly pads are padded protection you wear around your stomach. They are used by martial artists to help them learn how to kick and strike someone. They also help protect other people who may be training with the martial artist.
Focus Mitts
A focus mitt is a padded target that is attached to a glove. It is usually used in training athletes who box or do other martial arts. Some people say that the use of focus mitts began when Muay Thai and other Eastern martial arts came to the United States in the late 1700s.
Muay Thai Ring
The best Muay Thai ring for competition is the CMT 7040. This ring is designed to meet all the regulations of the WMC and IFMA federations. It has a strong construction and features a traditional design.
The ring for competitions will be 6.10 x 6.10 meters for small size and 7.30 x 7.30 meters for larger size. The ring floor must be placed at least 1.20 meters from the ground, but not more than 1.50 meters high.
Fight Gear
Muay Thai Robe
Unlike other martial arts, there is no uniform for Muay Thai. You are allowed to wear whatever you want when you train, but when you compete in a Muay Thai match, you have to wear shorts. They also often use a robes.
Arm Bands
Pra Jiad is an armband worn by Muay Thai athletes. It is used to give the athlete confidence and luck. Some fighters wear one, and some fighters wear two.
Head Bands
The headband worn by a Muay Thai fighter is called a Mongkon. It is much more important than simply keeping hair or sweat out of a fighter’s face. The Mongkhon is given to a boxer after their trainer has seen that they have become an experienced fighter and learned a lot about Muay Thai.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Muay Thai training last?
Most Muay Thai classes are 1-2 hours long, but some may be shorter or longer.
What is the difference between Muay Thai and other martial arts?
Muay Thai is a stand-up striking art that uses punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Other martial arts may use different techniques such as grappling or ground fighting.
Is Muay Thai dangerous?
Any contact sport has the potential to be dangerous. However, Muay Thai can be practiced safely if you follow the proper safety guidelines and use appropriate safety equipment.
What should I wear to Muay Thai class?
For your first class, you should wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. You will also need to wear boxing gloves, hand wraps, and a mouthguard.
Do I need to be in shape to start Muay Thai?
No, you do not need to be in shape to start Muay Thai. However, it is a physical activity and you will get more out of it if you are in good physical condition.
Am I too old to start Muay Thai?
No, you are never too old to start Muay Thai. People of all ages can benefit from the discipline and exercise that Muay Thai provides.
What are the benefits of Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is an excellent workout and provides a full-body workout. It is also a great way to relieve stress, improve balance and coordination, and increase flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Muay Thai is a great martial art for anyone looking to get fit, learn self-defense, or compete in MMA. It is important to find a reputable training school and to purchase the proper gear before you start training. With proper preparation, you can enjoy all the benefits that Muay Thai has to offer.
