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Rebecca: Physically: go through the standard two to three
ghting rounds in your training session – your stamina
is important (I’ve seen a girl faint before). Mentally:
Determination and focus. Your body will be learning a new
form and posture. I struggled with this myself. My form
was aligned with what I learned in Taekwondo, and from the
rst training session itself, my trainers knew I had more
previous experience than a beginner. Adapting to this new
form and inheriting the right movements required a lot of
focus and determination to perfect the art and beauty of
Muay Thai. I’m still in the process of adapting.

Why do you think Muay Thai hasn’t gained popularity yet
amongst the Indian community as an exercise or way of
life? Would you recommend them to try it?
Kabir: I feel that Indians in our community prefer to take
part in activities and sports that require groups of people,
instead of doing things individually. We are social by nature
and in Muay Thai you only get to interact with your trainer.
It has also not gained as much media attention as other
sports, so there is a lack of exposure to our community.
Muay Thai can bene t just about anyone, and I encourage
anyone that is interested in learning the art, to try it.
punching bag at home which I practice on every day or other day.
Rebecca: In my opinion, I don’t believe it has anything to
Rebecca: After work, you have around six hours to do anything
— socialising, watching series, eating/drinking, reading — this do with the Indian culture or community we’re part of. The
interest has to come from within, and if there’s one thing
is up to you, but it’s those hours where only you have the choice
to do whatever you wish. It’s your time for personal growth and I’ve realised from training with a diverse crowd, it’s that
Muay Thai isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Let me put it this way:
development. Therefore, one to two hours of training in Muay Thai
only bene ts me, my wellbeing and my health. I have two left feet when it comes to dancing. I really don’t
have the moves, but isn’t that a popular thing amongst the
Do you do any other exercises to keep yourself t for Muay Thai? Indian community? Try Muay Thai and if it’s not your thing,
at least you know you tried.
Kabir: I try to keep myself physically active almost every
day either by running outdoors, weightlifting, swimming or
playing sports such as football or tennis. Strength and physical
conditioning are key elements to enhancing Muay Thai workouts, Want to try your hand at Muay Thai?
as it helps improve my overall strength, power and endurance. Choose between the following gyms,

Rebecca: Not necessarily. Since I don’t train in Muay Thai every
day, the days between my sessions, I try to hit the gym as much
as I can, squeeze in a run (on incline) with a mixture of some Cheeks Thai Boxing Gym
Ekkamai Soi 10
CrossFit and weights.
Tel: 087 296 9287
What can individuals who are interested in learning Muay Thai www.cheeksthaiboxing.com
do to prepare themselves physically and mentally?

Kabir: It is important to adapt the workout to your level of tness Thai Taniguchi Sports Life
when you’re starting out. There is no shame in taking a break, or Thonglor Soi 18
modifying a drill to make it t for you. There will also always be a Tel: 087 803 1317
risk of injury, so I highly recommend consulting with a healthcare www.fb.com/taniguchisports
professional before beginning any type of physical endeavour.
Muay Thai is an explosive and highly intensive sport and anyone
that is up for a challenge will surely enjoy it. No one will get it right The Fight Club Muay Thai Gym
the rst time, however, time, practice and consistency are key. Bangna-Garden Soi 6
Over time, your body will develop the strength, stamina and the Tel: 089 699 8958
right form which will only lead to better results. www.fb.com/the ghtclubtfc

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