On the road with Sammy Jo: My first Muay Thai experience
On Tuesday, November 5, I took my very first Muay Thai lesson at the Martial Arts Center in The Hague. From 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, I got an intensive introduction to this special martial art. It was a fun, challenging experience and above all a great workout. Curious about how the lesson went? I'd love to take you along on my first Muay Thai lesson!
A warm start with footwork and jabs
The lesson started with footwork , an essential part of Muay Thai. Our coach explained how important it is to master the basic footwork, such as stepping in and out. This movement helps you to keep the right distance to your opponent. Step by step we worked through the exercise and added a jab, for a beginner like me this was immediately a nice exercise to combine rhythm and technique.
After a few sets of footwork, we moved on to shadowboxing. Our coach taught us how to check a lowkick, this was of course not new to me, you also learn this in kickboxing. The check followed by a left teep , some also call this a push kick or a front kick. This movement is an important part in Muay Thai, because you guard the distance and keep control.
The first combination in the air
Next we practiced the knee technique : a left toe followed by a right knee. To fully master this technique, we did a specific exercise where we were on our knees and had to come up to give a knee with each count, with the hip fully extended. This was a tough exercise, especially for the leg that was still on the ground, I had less balance because we had to sit on our knees.
When everyone had mastered the knee exercises, we built up the technique to a full combination. This involved: left check , left teep, right knee and then turning away. Shadow boxing, but with full focus. Muay Thai is all about coordination, balance and timing. When we were able to perform this movement well, it was time to practice with a partner.
Partner work and clinching: A new challenge
For the partner work I was paired with a girl who was a little younger and, like me, a beginner. We started with clinching , a technique where you grab your opponent and try to dominate. Clinching is a common technique in Muay Thai and is seen a lot during matches and sparring sessions. The goal is to gain control, but it takes a lot of strength and technique to hold your partner well. (A strong neck is crucial.)
My partner went on the attack and pushed my head down, while I wanted to come up and try to turn to the inside. After a few tries I got the hang of it. This exercise demands a lot from your body, you are busy trying to get out of your partner's insides while she tries to push your head down. Then we practiced a sweep , a technique to work your partner to the ground. This went like this: you clamp one arm and try to bring the other arm up a little, step out with your right leg and kick your partner's leg away with your left leg. This felt surprisingly fluid and I enjoyed doing it.
Then we went back to clinching but added knees . I slowly started to feel the tension in my neck and I knew the muscle pain would be unmistakable the next day. But that was part of it, Muay Thai challenges you in every way.
Sparring with focus and control
The last part of the lesson was sparring. I put on my gloves and shin guards and we sparred for 5 rounds of 2 minutes, this time in the Thai fighting stance . In Muay Thai you stand differently than in kickboxing for example. The stance is more straight and less diagonal and your hands are facing forward, which took some getting used to at first . The focus during sparring was on technique and control, especially as a beginner it is important to relax and focus on good execution. Hard sparring comes later when you are experienced.
Because my partner was underage, I didn't spar on the head. During sparring, I could focus on the techniques I had learned earlier in the class, such as the toe, knee and footwork. It was an energetic session. I was tired but satisfied.
What I learned from my first Muay Thai class
At the end of the class I was exhausted, but also incredibly happy. I had learned a lot, both about Muay Thai and about my own endurance and perseverance. Muay Thai is a unique sport that combines technique, strength and mental focus. Every technique requires practice, but step by step I feel stronger and more confident in this sport.
What's the next martial art I'm going to try?
After this first lesson in Muay Thai, my interest in martial arts has only grown. There is so much to discover and learn within different styles. Are you also curious which martial art I will try next? Keep following my blog to read about my next adventures!
Have you ever considered trying a martial art? Which style seems most challenging to you and why?
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