Do You HAVE to Move to Thailand to Succeed as a High-Level Muay Thai Fighter? Posted on May 28, 2023August 7, 2023 By Angela Chang Thailand is where Muay Thai originated, and it’s where some of the best fighters in the world train and compete. With many non-Thai fighters choosing to stay long-term in Thailand, many aspiring fighters wonder if they also need to move there in order to become a high-level fighter.Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via PatreonLet’s get some cold hard facts out of the way: Will being in Thailand allow you to focus on mainly Muay Thai? Sure. Most people who go there go primarily for Muay Thai and do little else aside from train and fight.Is it easier with the abundance of fight opportunities there to become a better fighter? Yup. You get better from training, but you get better at fighting from ring experience. Less red tape in Thailand means you get to fight frequently – much more than most other places of the world.But do you absolutely HAVE TO be in Thailand to improve and (if it’s your goal) become a high-level fighter? Absolutely not.While it’s true that being in Thailand allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and training of Muay Thai, it’s not the only way to become a high-level fighter. There are plenty of fighters that have made it to a high-level fight scene without uprooting their lives to be in Thailand long-term – Janet Todd is has a fulltime career as an aerospace engineer and resides/trains in the US. Liam Harrison and Iman Barlow train for their fights predominantly out of their respective home gyms in the UK.Living in Thailand long-term isn’t for everyone for a multitude of reasons, and that’s okay. Factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, familial obligations, and financial constraints can make it difficult for some people to be there for more than a few weeks. However, these factors should not prevent you from pursuing your dreams in Muay Thai.The pillars of success are the same for every fighter, whether they live in Thailand or not. To become a high-level fighter, you need to focus on several things: consistent training, strong work ethic, working with high-quality coaches, and staying humble.Training ConsistentlyWhether you’re training in Thailand or elsewhere, training consistently is crucial to becoming a high-level fighter. You need to make Muay Thai a priority in your life and be consistent with your training. That means showing up for class regularly, following a structured training plan, and taking your rest days seriously.Work EthicTo become a high-level fighter, you need to have a disciplined mindset. This means being focused on your goals and willing to put in the hard work and sacrifice required to achieve them. It means having the mental toughness to push through difficult training sessions and setbacks and to stay committed to your training over the long-term.If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing.Experienced Coaches and TrainersWorking with experienced coaches and trainers is essential to becoming a high-level fighter. Whether you’re working with a trainer in Thailand or your home country, it’s essential to have someone who can guide you and provide feedback on your technique and progress. They can also help you develop a training plan that’s tailored to your goals and abilities.Staying HumbleIt’s very easy to get swallowed up by the local fight scene and lose sight of the big picture. We’ve all seen it or will at some point – the local fighter who beats everyone in their hometown and thinks they’re the best in the world. It’s very easy to have your experiences to paint your reality, but that’s all the more reason to stay humble and realize that the fight scene is much broader than your backyard.Even if you are in one of the countries where there is an active Muay Thai scene with high level fighters, it certainly does not mean that someone elsewhere can’t catch up or isn’t already better than you.While being in Thailand can provide you with a unique experience and abundant opportunities to train and compete, it’s not the only path to success. Living in Thailand long-term isn’t for everyone. The pillars of success remain true for fighters who don’t live in Thailand. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals in Muay Thai, regardless of where you train.If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing. Muay Thai Thailand moving to thailandpro muay thai fighterthailandtraining in thailand
Fighting and Training A Guide to Fighting Muay Khao: Practical Tips to Overcome Knee Specialists Posted on February 3, 2025February 2, 2025In the world of Muay Thai, each fighter brings their unique strengths and fighting style to the ring. One of the most challenging styles to face is that of the Muay Khao, or knee fighter. People with this fighting style are renowned for their dominance in the clinch, relentless forward pressure, and devastating knee strikes that can overwhelm even the most experienced opponents. Legends like Saenchai have lost to Muay Khao because they could not utilize their long-ranged weapons and gassed out from the pressure.If you’re preparing for a match against a Muay Khao fighter, regularly sparring with one, or struggling to deal with the clinch in general, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to not only survive but thrive against this powerful fighting style. Read More
News Thai Fighters Have a Clear Message Regarding Social Distancing Posted on April 2, 2020Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University in Bangkok started a video campaign on March 26, featuring doctors and other healthcare professionals each holding up a sign with the text, “โรคติดต่อจะไม่ติดต่อถ้าเราไม่ติดต่อกัน”, which translates into, “Infectious diseases will not be communicated if we do not communicate with each other.” They are featured one… Read More
Food Eating Kosher in Thailand Posted on November 11, 2020July 31, 2021While the term “kosher” is barely heard within Thailand, it’s not completely unknown within the country. In this Thai Language multi-article series, we explore the basics of Muay Thai and what you need to get around and get what you need while in the country! Welcome to Thai Language – Part 4d. Read More