Daily Training

Becoming a Thai boxer involves vigorous daily training in accordance with a strict and rigidly fixed program. A good boxer has to listen to everything his teacher or trainer says, and observe this teaching or training rigorously if he is to have a successful career and future as a Thai boxer.



Kindly note that these are just basic guidelines and ways to train are not limited to the ones mentioned below. Training can vary and depends very much on the style of the teacher or trainer.



How to train and practice



Getting started in training: This initial period is the student's entry into fighting circles. It is a critical period for the new boxer because it is during these early days that he must adjust to the fatigue that comes from so much strenuous physical exercise.



Warming up: This should not be overdone by individuals who are just starting off in Thai boxing. They should employ the principle of an easy warm up before beginning training exercises. Warming up will cause the muscles to loosen up. It is done by bending and twisting so that the arm and leg muscles are flexed and then relaxed to get the body in the proper condition. Then move on to some push ups and then do some running in place with the arms held at torso level. After this, jog around the camp to raise the body temperature.



All team leaders and Thai boxing trainers must understand the training of a boxer. In the event that the boxer is new and has never yet entered the ring, they should set up a training program as described below.



An appropriate time should be selected for training. When this time is decided upon, the training should be kept moderate in the initial period. The boxer should not push himself until he is overly tired as this will exhaust his training spirit when he experiences a sense of depleted strength instead of feeling more power and energy. For this reason, anyone in the position of boxing teacher should always bear in mind that the teaching and training should proceed gradually. Don't become impatient and rush from point to point. Let the boxer start off easily with relatively light training and increase it in increments. In the early days of training, the new boxer will lose his spirit if he is pushed too hard as the result will be physical exhaustion and muscle pain...the deciding factors for many boxing drop outs. Therefore, it is important to begin from the first day with shadow boxing, jogging, etc. for a week or so to give the body a chance to adjust to the new demands being made of it.



The first six weeks are the most important period in a boxer's training. His spirit should be observed during this time. If he passes it, he should be able to make a career as a boxer and the techniques of the art can be taught to him.



If the training is to be done out in the sun when the weather is hot, the following points should be observed:



-Try to find a way to accustom the boxer to local conditions and environment before training is begun.



-Weigh the boxer at the very beginning of his training, checking it before and after he boxes. The difference in the weights is equal to the weight of the amount of water he has lost through perspiration and this is how much water his body needs. He should be allowed to drink only boiled or warm water, never cold water.



-A boxer should never be allowed to remove his shirt while training. He should wear a shirt to soak up all the sweat and keep him cool. It will also protect him from contracting infections and diseases when in contact with other boxers during training.



In training, boxing gloves should not be worn too often as this will prevent the boxer from making the proper physical adaptation. Even though the gloves will increase quickness and strength, they also have a wearing and exhausting effect on the body.



During training, the boxer should be permitted breaks to relax. During these resting periods, he will generally want to drink a lot of water, but this is not advised as it will cause the body to feel bloated and cuts down on his agility. During breaks, the boxer should remember never to sit or lie down as it can cause him to pass out. Instead, he should walk or move around or jump lightly as this will facilitate the circulation of blood, relieving muscle cramps and alleviate tiredness more effectively than sitting down for a rest.