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). To coincide with Sean Fagan's recent release of his Clinch King training video series (which is well worth a serious [...]
Following the Aerobic Plyometric Routine post, I've been asked to elaborate on just what 'stiff-ankling' is. So I've taken the opportunity to put together a short demonstration video and explained below just how this makes you explosive. Stiff-ankling is a plyometric drill to develop reactive power primarily in the calves and achilles tendon (the [...]
After explaining my reasons for selecting the exercises in session A of my 'Building Functional Muscle for Muay Thai' routine, here's the same for session B. To briefly re-set the scene, although weight training needn’t add unnecessary bulk (it depends on the intensity and the volume of lifts that you use), this routine does [...]
Here in the UK we’ve recently had a heat wave (I’m definitely not complaining, I love it — it’s been more like Bangkok than Bury St Edmunds), and the Muay Thai classes I’ve taught in such conditions have shown that movement economy needed some work. It has been an opportunity to focus on efficiency [...]
Thai boxers, like most athletes, don't have much time to dedicate to weight training sessions. It's therefore critical to train specifically in the gym — be the most productive and get out again. Fighters must focus on strength and power development in the weights room, as these adaptations aren't maximally stressed during Thai boxing training [...]
Following on from my last post, "Is Muay Thai Bad for Posture?", this time I look at some exercises that can counter balance the overuse and posture compensation that results from hours of Muay Thai training. These exercises strengthen and activate deep neck flexors and lower scapular fixators and stretch out the pectoral, upper trapezius [...]
High training volume in any sport will lead to overuse injuries and muscular imbalances, and Muay Thai is no exception. It's true, you really can have too much of a good thing! Fighting posture is designed to defend vulnerable parts of your body against imminent attack, not promote long-term health. And Thai boxers spend a significant [...]
Today at the gym we had a rowing athlete training Olympic lifting. In the rest intervals I took the opportunity to discuss with her the programme prescribed to her by her rowing club. As we chatted, the topic of exercise selection arose. Although rowing is predominantly a lower body movement, the upper-body contribution is [...]
