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.
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Let’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 Consistently
Whether 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 Ethic
To 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 Trainers
Working 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 Humble
It’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.
