What Clinch Strength Is & Isn’t Of all the Muay Thai tactics, the clinch demands the most raw strength. If you layout all Thai boxing techniques on the force-velocity curve, you’ll have clinchwork at one end (strength) and punches at the other (speed). BUT - Good clinch work comes from relaxed, efficient application [...]
I first published this in 2013, and it’s been my most popular video on YouTube even after all these years. So I’ve decided to update it and re-publish it for newer readers and anyone who wants to run it again, as it’s still as effective as ever in helping Thai boxers build functional strength [...]
This guide is for both Beginners & Competitive Fighters looking to grow as quickly as possible... For those looking to take advantage of every training potential, specifically to accelerate their Muay Thai performance and take their game to the next level. Contents: The Role of S&C in Muay Thai [...]
I’m often asked how I choose exercises for a fighter’s gym session. So I’ve broken down the steps I mentally run through when planning a strength and conditioning session – to ensure productive progress for every minute in the gym. So let’s get to it... My 9-step logic to selecting the best/most appropriate [...]
There are many myths and misunderstandings when it comes to fighters using heart rate monitors in their training... And despite many Instagram posts showing fighters wearing heart rate straps during training, many aren’t using this tool effectively at all. So I’m going to debunk these myths, and explain how to use heart rate [...]
I’m often asked if it’s good training for fighters to throw punches and kicks with resistance bands connected to their arms and legs? You know, like in the Instagram posts? The short answer is no! Loading up skilled Muay Thai technique is never a good idea, because it changes how you move. An [...]
The Heiden and Stick exercise is an important progression in a Thai boxers speed and plyometric training. It targets sideways, lateral movement, involving adductors and glute medius muscles at the hip to control the knee, and multiple muscle groups in the feet, ankle and calves. And it not only trains unilateral (single leg) [...]
Back in 2012, I won what turned out to be my last fight, but was taken by ambulance to hospital immediately afterwards to spend the night under observation.Of all my fights, this one felt the most physically gruelling… my trademark strength and physical fitness had suddenly abandoned me – as if my opponent was wearing [...]
For a Muay Thai newbie, gains are quick, and therefore motivation is high. But inevitably, progress slows and only those that continue to feel progress will keep at it. In this video I show you practical strategies to remain “on it” even if you don’t have a fight coming up… [...]
If you can throw a good shoulder butt, you can throw an awesome punch or elbow! This drill coordinates explosive power from the ground up, and really tells you if your timing is good enough. In this video I share with you a foundation drill that I use to teach fighters to connect [...]
I’ve been asked why I thought Jonathan Haggerty, at only 22 years old and 16 professional fights to his name, managed to defeat Thai legend Sam-A (with 336 wins and only 46 losses) to claim the ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai world title. So here are my thoughts... I’ll begin by putting fight [...]
Coaches are often asked for help, and frequently give it. But despite this, sometimes the results are less than desirable (for both parties). In my experience, the result depends where the fighter sits on a “self-determination continuum”. There’s a balance of commitment between the coach and the fighter, and if this tips the [...]
Harry, an experienced, old-school Nak Muay messaged me today – it went like this... “A lot of the greats of the current day have lost big. Nuegelek not only knocked out Kulabdam with a kick to the head… but a couple of weeks later, he knocks out Muangthai with an elbow over a [...]
Last October, I was privileged to speak with FSC Muay Thai’s Jake Purdy and head coach Sonny Perez, ahead of Jake’s battle with Bad Company’s Joe Craven for the UK #1 spot on the Yokkao 32 show in Bolton… What with computer hardware failure and a hectic personal schedule recently, it's taken me [...]
I’m often asked "What other exercises should I use for the Optimal Fight Camp Blueprint?" So let’s get straight into it... VIDEO TRANSCRIPT WITH FURTHER LINKS As I’ve laid it out, the Optimal Fight Camp Blueprint highlights the principles of training – the underlying truths of effective training. Fail [...]
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my competitive fighting career. And they’ve shaped me both as the person and the coach I am today. Although I’ve ultimately used these mistakes to my advantage, if I can save you learning the hard way, then that’s a huge win. So here are my top 3 mistakes, [...]
My background is mechanical design engineering. I spent 18 years designing, prototyping, testing and developing video camera mounting products – from tripods through to robotic television camera pedestals. Serving companies like the BBC in the UK and ABC in the US. And when you’re an engineer, you very much work [...]
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Complete fighters aren’t only masters of all fighting modes and fighting ranges – they’re also masters of 3 intrinsic qualities that truly complete them as a fighter. They’re masters of the Mental, Physical and Emotional, or the classic Mind, Body and Spirit. And in this episode, I’m going to [...]
by Don Heatrick @donheatrick Muay Thai fighting styles can be broken down into something far more useful. Something you can use to train your own personal style, and develop one that can beat whoever is in front of you. Let me show you how... VIDEO TRANSCRIPT In this episode, I'm [...]
by Don Heatrick @donheatrick When it comes to developing a successful Muay Thai mindset, it all starts with these simple (but not easy) points... VIDEO TRANSCRIPT I’m often asked about my psychological approach to Muay Thai training. So today I’m going to start by sharing how to mentally set yourself [...]
