5 Things We Need to Normalize ASAP In the Muay Thai Community [Coaches Edition]

It’s time to have a real talk about some things we need to normalize ASAP in the Muay Thai community. Coaches have a huge responsibility to our fighters and to the sport as a whole, and there are some things we need to change if we want to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Admitting Lack of Knowledge or Expertise

First off, let’s talk about something that should be obvious but isn’t always: coaches admitting when they don’t know something. It can be tough to admit that we don’t have all the answers, but giving bad advice or pretending to know something we don’t can be dangerous for our fighters. If a fighter asks a question we don’t know the answer to, it’s better to be honest and say “I’m not sure, but let’s look into it together” than to give them incorrect information that could put them at risk.

Your expertise is being a Muay Thai coach – it’s okay if you can’t also provide nutritional advice, or know how to best utilize weights to enhance athletic performance for fighters. You know where you excel at – and it’s unfair for your students to put the responsibility on you to know everything.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” Providing incorrect information can be dangerous. Be honest and seek answers together. Or, outsource to someone who is an expert of the topic at hand (ie, a nutritionist, S&C coach, medical professional).

Understanding CTE

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, and it’s a serious concern for anyone involved in combat sports. As coaches, we need to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them – whether that means encouraging our fighters to take breaks from sparring or discouraging head strikes in training. We owe it to our fighters to help protect their long-term health.

CTE can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Cognitive decline: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
• Behavioral changes: Aggression, impulsivity, and depression.
• Motor symptoms: Tremors, slurred speech, and coordination problems.

A concussion management course (taken by the Coach), setting contact and power level rules during sparring, or referring a fighter to see a specialist regarding possible concussion are a couple examples of encouraging your fighter to put their brain health first.

Avoiding Dangerous “Old School” Practices

Speaking of protecting health, being “old school” is not an excuse for dangerous behavior. Some “old school” practices, such as excessive punishment or verbal abuse, can have negative psychological and emotional consequences for fighters. These practices should be avoided at all costs. Just because something has been done for years doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Be open to new information and adapt your training methods to prioritize safety. This might mean rethinking the way we train or the way we talk to our fighters – but whatever it takes, it’s worth it if it means avoiding unnecessary injuries.

This might involve:

• Incorporating modern training techniques: Incorporating elements from sports science can enhance safety and effectiveness.
• Using advanced equipment: Utilizing modern protective gear and training aids can reduce the risk of injuries.
• Prioritizing rest and recovery: Ensuring fighters have adequate time to recover between training sessions is crucial for preventing injuries and optimizing performance.

Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via Patreon

Addressing Eating Disorders (and Disordered Eating)

Another thing we need to be educated on as coaches is how to speak to fighters with a history of eating disorders. Eating disorders are unfortunately common in combat sports. The pressure to maintain a specific weight, often through extreme measures, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders and disordered eating habits.

As coaches, we need to be aware of the signs of disordered eating and know how to support our fighters in a healthy way. This can be difficult to do because so many behaviors are normalized and seen as “just part of the fight game”, such as extreme food restriction when training for fights. This might mean consulting with a nutritionist or mental health professional, or simply being willing to listen and offer non-judgmental support. Professionals can help provide information to both fighter and coach about healthy weight loss strategies and the risks of extreme measures, and setting realistic sustainable goals.

Fostering a Positive Coaching Environment

Finally, let’s talk about the way we talk to our fighters. As mentioned in a previous section, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that toughness means being harsh or critical, especially if one’s own upbringing gave similar messages. But the truth is that kindness and support can be just as effective – if not more so. We need to be encouraging and uplifting to our fighters, celebrating their successes and helping them learn from their mistakes. We should be firm but kind, pushing them to be their best selves without making them feel ashamed or discouraged.

The way we communicate with our fighters can significantly impact their performance, motivation, and overall well-being. It’s essential to create a positive and supportive training environment that encourages growth and development.

Effective Communication Techniques include:

• Active Listening: Pay attention to what your students are saying and show that you’re engaged.
• Empathy: Try to understand your fighters’ perspectives and emotions.
• Clear and Concise Communication: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse fighters.
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback that is specific, actionable, and delivered in a positive manner.

As Muay Thai coaches, we have a unique opportunity to create a more positive and inclusive environment for our fighters. By instilling change through our own actions, continued education, and intentional efforts, we can build a community that is deserving of the highest standards. Let’s strive to be the coaches our fighters deserve.