Any Muay Thai fighters here? Need stretch advice

[Hayes88]

To handle the stress I have been turning more and more towards MT and away from the gym, and
so far it's working tremendously well. Not just for the intense humbling experience, but the quick
bro feeling you get with those around you - men and women.

However, I am getting injuries each time which renders training day after high risk (injuries).
One wrong kick and foot is gone 2-3 days.
Or hipflexors get overworked and I cannot kick at all.

I think I big reason to why I cannot follow the training as well as I want is because I've only been
in the gym, I am stiff as F. So what they state is easy, I cannot do, and if I can do it I cannot do
it while holding balance.
How important is hard stretch in MT and how often should I do it?
Trainer tried helping me stretch today and I literally got tears lol... I rather be beat up than stretch,
hurts way less.

 

[mae_geri]

Hey mate

I did over 20 years Kickboxing and Karate, stretching is important yes, especially if you do martial arts. Static stretching to prevent injuries (e.g. at the beginning of a training session) and dynamic stretching during or shortly after training. However, I have to say that I got my high kicks so high through these kicks and not through the stretching itself. Stretch my hips 2-3 times a week, hamstrings....max 15min. That's all you need. Injuries with kicks etc. you only get as a beginner in MuayThai, kickboxing etc. with time there are more sprains, bruises. Logically, things like “wrong kicks you described” should no longer exist.

 

[laclark89]

Hey mate

I did over 20 years Kickboxing and Karate, stretching is important yes, especially if you do martial arts. Static stretching to prevent injuries (e.g. at the beginning of a training session) and dynamic stretching during or shortly after training. However, I have to say that I got my high kicks so high through these kicks and not through the stretching itself. Stretch my hips 2-3 times a week, hamstrings....max 15min. That's all you need. Injuries with kicks etc. you only get as a beginner in MuayThai, kickboxing etc. with time there are more sprains, bruises. Logically, things like “wrong kicks you described” should no longer exist.

Oh come on 1 wrong kick and the guy can’t walk for week? Your bones are weak have not hardened and nerves are too sensitive, and u think u can do muy Thai for fun? Lmao
I have friends that are pro fighters been in belator pride ect. A good friend of mine beat the 4th or 5th Muay Thai guy in the world I won’t name drop. He said the banana tree might work but he usto chill watching a movie or something while hitting his shins or rolling them with a baseball bat lol.

Those kids start at 5 years old.

 

[laclark89]

Hey mate

I did over 20 years Kickboxing and Karate, stretching is important yes, especially if you do martial arts. Static stretching to prevent injuries (e.g. at the beginning of a training session) and dynamic stretching during or shortly after training. However, I have to say that I got my high kicks so high through these kicks and not through the stretching itself. Stretch my hips 2-3 times a week, hamstrings....max 15min. That's all you need. Injuries with kicks etc. you only get as a beginner in MuayThai, kickboxing etc. with time there are more sprains, bruises. Logically, things like “wrong kicks you described” should no longer exist.

So the more u stretch out the more explosive tension you loose , I remember from foot ball with ridicules 20 30 min stretches before a game or practice. I think Louie Simmons says the same thing. I need to be a little too loose but not fully loose stretched out. Then all the tension is gone. The tension u need for power

 

[Benf15harp]

Lol. I’m not sure what kind of idiotic advice is being thrown around here but ffs do not do static stretching prior to training. It’s called dynamic warmup for a reason.

 

[laclark89]

Watch this

 

[Hayes88]

Hey mate

I did over 20 years Kickboxing and Karate, stretching is important yes, especially if you do martial arts. Static stretching to prevent injuries (e.g. at the beginning of a training session) and dynamic stretching during or shortly after training. However, I have to say that I got my high kicks so high through these kicks and not through the stretching itself. Stretch my hips 2-3 times a week, hamstrings....max 15min. That's all you need. Injuries with kicks etc. you only get as a beginner in MuayThai, kickboxing etc. with time there are more sprains, bruises. Logically, things like “wrong kicks you described” should no longer exist.

Great answer and info, thank you! Will follow this advice.

The guy who trained me yesterday was a big boy, and not in muscles. But he was great, and impressively flexible and explosive.

Even my hernia and shoulder has improved. Limping today, but still makes me want to go back and learn more.

 

[iris]

View attachment 297750Watch this

Love it that you put this here, Laclark.
Louie, bless him.
Deffo not a yoga bunny, lol.
He is like: there you are, wasting time stretching, when you are weak to begin with. You are stretching whaaaaaaat?

Fine, but also one must recognise sport specific skills and requirements.
Like, a martial artist will need to achieve a superior flexibility than an nfl player.
Stating the obvious, but just to say different things, depending on the scenario.
His point remains valid, though: address your functional weaknesses, otherwise stretching will do sod all.
For Louie, it was all about a heavy bar and posterior chain.
Easier said than done. Lol.

I hope El Senor Youknowwho doesn't see me writing about his hero Mr Simmons, in case this is just a load of rubbish and so this would be the time I finally end up on his shit list.
Hasta la vista.

 

[mae_geri]

say what you want but a bodybuilder who can do a split and the double biceps pose is just awesome

 

[Hayes88]

Like that Jujimufu guy, holy moly..
I love when you have a stereotype what look goes with what abilities and someone breaks that and impresses beyond belief.

Yesterday was strange.. Limping, pain all over, a short cold and even tightening in chest at night. Today I feel nothing and fully fresh. Guess I am going too fast into this^^

 

[JACNZPP]

Oh come on 1 wrong kick and the guy can’t walk for week? Your bones are weak have not hardened and nerves are too sensitive, and u think u can do muy Thai for fun? Lmao

I’ve been in Muay Thai on and off for 5-10 years. My most recent fight I made a “wrong kick” and literally blew my foot into pieces. Broken metacarpals, ovulation fractures and shards of bone fragment everywhere. So just for devils advocate reasons know matter how conditioned your bones are these do happen.

I have friends that are pro fighters been in belator pride ect. A good friend of mine beat the 4th or 5th Muay Thai guy in the world I won’t name drop. He said the banana tree might work but he usto chill watching a movie or something while hitting his shins or rolling them with a baseball bat lol.

Those kids start at 5 years old.

I started at 24 last fight was at 34 three months ago. If you haven’t done it personally then your logic is spot on. Give it a go.

 

[JACNZPP]

To handle the stress I have been turning more and more towards MT and away from the gym, and
so far it's working tremendously well. Not just for the intense humbling experience, but the quick
bro feeling you get with those around you - men and women.

However, I am getting injuries each time which renders training day after high risk (injuries).
One wrong kick and foot is gone 2-3 days.
Or hipflexors get overworked and I cannot kick at all.

I think I big reason to why I cannot follow the training as well as I want is because I've only been
in the gym, I am stiff as F. So what they state is easy, I cannot do, and if I can do it I cannot do
it while holding balance.
How important is hard stretch in MT and how often should I do it?
Trainer tried helping me stretch today and I literally got tears lol... I rather be beat up than stretch,
hurts way less.

Hey Brother,

Congratulations on diving into Muay Thai! It’s a tough sport that truly tests your mettle. I just wrapped up a nine-month training camp myself, although I had a couple of fighters drop out at the last minute before I finally got my chance to compete a few months ago.

I also added a weekly stretch day with an incredible dancer and yoga instructor, which made a world of difference. I scheduled it for after my Friday Muay Thai session (I train Monday to Friday), and I can’t recommend it enough!

Keep pushing yourself; it’s all worth it!

 

[Hayes88]

Hey Brother,

Congratulations on diving into Muay Thai! It’s a tough sport that truly tests your mettle. I just wrapped up a nine-month training camp myself, although I had a couple of fighters drop out at the last minute before I finally got my chance to compete a few months ago.

I also added a weekly stretch day with an incredible dancer and yoga instructor, which made a world of difference. I scheduled it for after my Friday Muay Thai session (I train Monday to Friday), and I can’t recommend it enough!

Keep pushing yourself; it’s all worth it!

Thank you brother!
Happy to hear! How did the fight go?

It truly is! What I love most is the humility and the bonding, while making yourself proud getting that hit or combo in better each time. I've been almost depressed at the gym as people are in their own bubble and I am one of those guys who wants to train with someone, or at least compliment them on their progress. Of 6 gyms only 1 has had any social people, and it's rare even there.

Every MT session has been a new experience, everyone says hello and provides feedback. Sometimes you are better and you slow down building their confidence, and sometimes they are way better and let you slowly catch up. If someone lands a hit too hard they apologize, even after a real fight they show respect and hug it out. It's incredible and well worth the pain.

Great advice there, I have a friend as well who is a yoga instructor and who has been wanting to help me, unfortunately I moved. Gotta find a new one as I've heard many of my fitness friends recommend yoga much more than e.g. deep tissue massage.

 

[JACNZPP]

Thank you brother!
Happy to hear! How did the fight go?

It truly is! What I love most is the humility and the bonding, while making yourself proud getting that hit or combo in better each time. I've been almost depressed at the gym as people are in their own bubble and I am one of those guys who wants to train with someone, or at least compliment them on their progress. Of 6 gyms only 1 has had any social people, and it's rare even there.

Hey mate,

It was a tough experience for sure. I couldn't come out of the corner after the second round—it was the referee's call. I was aiming for a low kick to his quad, having already landed two solid hits there, and I thought one more would finish it. Unfortunately, I either misjudged the angle or he moved just enough, and I ended up striking him with all my force right on the front of his kneecap.

By the time I walked back to my corner, it felt like I had a large apple swelling under the skin of my foot, and my toes had turned blue. The referee noticed right away and waved it off, so I ended up in the hospital. I was devastated by the outcome, but I really enjoyed the fight itself.

On a positive note, I’ve actually become good friends with the guy I fought, and he was in the hospital the next day for his knee.

Every MT session has been a new experience, everyone says hello and provides feedback. Sometimes you are better and you slow down building their confidence, and sometimes they are way better and let you slowly catch up. If someone lands a hit too hard they apologize, even after a real fight they show respect and hug it out. It's incredible and well worth the pain.

Great advice there, I have a friend as well who is a yoga instructor and who has been wanting to help me, unfortunately I moved. Gotta find a new one as I've heard many of my fitness friends recommend yoga much more than e.g. deep tissue massage.

Yeah bro there is no feeling like being apart of a good club! Keep at it bro and keep me updated.

 

[Hayes88]

Hey mate,

It was a tough experience for sure. I couldn't come out of the corner after the second round—it was the referee's call. I was aiming for a low kick to his quad, having already landed two solid hits there, and I thought one more would finish it. Unfortunately, I either misjudged the angle or he moved just enough, and I ended up striking him with all my force right on the front of his kneecap.

By the time I walked back to my corner, it felt like I had a large apple swelling under the skin of my foot, and my toes had turned blue. The referee noticed right away and waved it off, so I ended up in the hospital. I was devastated by the outcome, but I really enjoyed the fight itself.

On a positive note, I’ve actually become good friends with the guy I fought, and he was in the hospital the next day for his knee.

Yeah bro there is no feeling like being apart of a good club! Keep at it bro and keep me updated.

Ouuuch!! Damn! I am impressed that you even went in, I still don't have the guts to fight someone in the ring I think, I am not the angry type and even harder being calm and hurting someone... But, I aim to try! You made me want it even more now despite the injury..^^

I had a moment with my old mma trainer, he saw that I did something wrong and corrected me with force, and mistakenly cracked my ribs. That held me out from training at all for a long time. He's a great guy, but seeing a tattood man using muscles instead of technique, he wanted to prove a point and I learned fast how easily I could be beaten by him. Couldn't land a punch on the guy.

I love to see the guy Petchtanong, he is so fluent in his movements, especially in sweeps. It's all playful.
Was also recommended the IG Fightclubmt.ud for some solo learning.

Do you guys have other recommendations to watch and learn from?

 

[JACNZPP]

Ouuuch!! Damn! I am impressed that you even went in, I still don't have the guts to fight someone in the ring I think, I am not the angry type and even harder being calm and hurting someone... But, I aim to try! You made me want it even more now despite the injury..^^

I had a moment with my old mma trainer, he saw that I did something wrong and corrected me with force, and mistakenly cracked my ribs. That held me out from training at all for a long time. He's a great guy, but seeing a tattood man using muscles instead of technique, he wanted to prove a point and I learned fast how easily I could be beaten by him. Couldn't land a punch on the guy.

I love to see the guy Petchtanong, he is so fluent in his movements, especially in sweeps. It's all playful.
Was also recommended the IG Fightclubmt.ud for some solo learning.

Do you guys have other recommendations to watch and learn from?

Hey Bro,

I wanted to share some thoughts from my years in combat sports, starting with boxing and Muay Thai. I know it takes time to muster the courage to step into the ring for the first time, but once you do, just remember to relax. I vividly remember my first fight—I won, but I put so much pressure on myself that I was incredibly tense. Now, I approach my fights with a much more relaxed demeanor, both in my stance and expression.

I constantly remind myself to stay calm, and it’s in those moments of relaxation that I truly start to flow, setting traps and moving seamlessly through combinations. One strategy I find helpful for managing nerves is to choose my first combination before stepping into the ring. It gives me a sense of security and preparedness that helps me focus.

Just keep showing up, mate. One day, it will all click. Your stance will become instinctual, you’ll find yourself ready to clinch, and throwing leg kicks will feel as routine as deadlift cues. When I throw a leg kick, I think, "arms down, twist the hips, slap the chest, arms back to guard," but now I do it almost automatically.

I also spend a lot of time watching Muay Thai trainers in Thailand and their students. The way they kick so effortlessly—and the sound it makes—provides great inspiration and insight.

At the end of the day, this is a brutal sport that demands aggression and resilience. Be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there. Keep us updated, and if you have any questions or need to chat, feel free to drop them here or DM me!

Take care,
JAC

 

[Hayes88]

Hey Bro,

I wanted to share some thoughts from my years in combat sports, starting with boxing and Muay Thai. I know it takes time to muster the courage to step into the ring for the first time, but once you do, just remember to relax. I vividly remember my first fight—I won, but I put so much pressure on myself that I was incredibly tense. Now, I approach my fights with a much more relaxed demeanor, both in my stance and expression.

I constantly remind myself to stay calm, and it’s in those moments of relaxation that I truly start to flow, setting traps and moving seamlessly through combinations. One strategy I find helpful for managing nerves is to choose my first combination before stepping into the ring. It gives me a sense of security and preparedness that helps me focus.

Just keep showing up, mate. One day, it will all click. Your stance will become instinctual, you’ll find yourself ready to clinch, and throwing leg kicks will feel as routine as deadlift cues. When I throw a leg kick, I think, "arms down, twist the hips, slap the chest, arms back to guard," but now I do it almost automatically.

I also spend a lot of time watching Muay Thai trainers in Thailand and their students. The way they kick so effortlessly—and the sound it makes—provides great inspiration and insight.

At the end of the day, this is a brutal sport that demands aggression and resilience. Be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there. Keep us updated, and if you have any questions or need to chat, feel free to drop them here or DM me!

Take care,
JAC

Thank you for this @JACNZPP ! It helps a lot reading this and gives me an idea what to expect and focus on, and will keep the combo advice in mind. It reminds me when I worked as a civilian security guard, arresting shoplifters. There was so many threats that I became paranoid (even to this day to a degree), but becoming calm de-escaled 90% of the potential fights.

Now it's tricky as my past had me learn that if I get a punch, I need to clinch or back away to work towards arm locks. We were at no circumstance allowed to be physical, even though law stated we could. I even had an old woman pulling my leg to save an assailant. Short to say, my fighting history and teachings has been far from good.

Now I get black eyes after a few punches to the nose. Angry at myself. It doesn't consume me, instead I take 20 seconds to breath and back at it. I've noticed though that each day changes black eyes to a smile and a "nice hit man, that would have been a knockout on me". It's all love in battle.

So seems stepping into the ring with more knowledge and experience will be an amazing personal growth factor.

Will work more on the hip. Have a hernia so requires a lot of warmup, but it absolutely works and helps.

Truly appreciate the answers all!