Muay Thai

Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport and one of the most complete stand-up disciplines: alongside punches and kicks, elbows, knees and the clinch are all allowed. A fight has its own rhythm – five rounds, accompanied by traditional music, with a slow start and a decision that is often made in rounds three and four.

Character

• Long range: Long shin kicks and hard front kicks (teep) to control distance.
• Close range: Elbows and knees, plus the clinch, where balance and neck control decide.
• Stance: Upright, weight slightly back, so the lead leg can check and kick quickly.

Who is it for?

Anyone who enjoys stand-up fighting with a lot of tools and isn't afraid of shin contact. Getting started is straightforward in most gyms: gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, mouthguard – nothing more is needed in the first year.