Setting Boundaries in Muay Thai Posted on May 7, 2023October 17, 2024 By Angela Chang As someone who trains Muay Thai, it can be difficult to assert yourself. We’re often taught to be respectful and humble, espeically to our coaches and training partners. However, setting boundaries is essential for the sake of our mental and physical health, as well as our growth within the sport (and as people).Why Is It Important to Set Boundaries in Muay Thai?Setting boundaries is important for your physical safety. There’s a lot of contact in Muay Thai, and it’s essential that you protect yourself from injury.Setting boundaries is also crucial for your mental health. If you’re constantly pushed beyond your limits, or made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the gym, it can take a toll on your well-being. You should never feel like you have to tolerate inappropriate behavior, or stay silent when someone crosses a line. By asserting yourself and setting clear boundaries, you can protect your mental health and ensure that you have a positive experience in the gym. This article will also cover what to do if you’re setting your boundaries but people aren’t respecting them.Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via PatreonExamples of Setting Boundaries in Muay ThaiHere are some examples of how you can set boundaries during training. This is not a comprehensive list (if I receive enough suggestions as additions to this list, I will make a part 2 to this post).Telling Someone To Take it Down a Notch (or Two)Sparring can be fun but it’s important that both parties respect each other’s boundaries. If someone is going too hard in sparring and you’re uncomfortable, it’s important to let them know. You can say something like, “Hey, can we dial it back a bit? I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.” If they continue to go too hard, it may be necessary to talk to your coach or a gym manager. Hard sparring is something that should be agreed upon by both parties, not just assumed by one.Choosing a Suitable PartnerYou should never feel like you have to work with someone you don’t feel comfortable around. If someone makes you feel uneasy or unsafe, it’s perfectly okay to say no to them. You don’t need to explain yourself. Instead, choose a partner you feel comfortable working with. This will allow you to focus on what you’re there for – training!Slowing DownPadwork can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the sport or working on a new technique. A long or complicated combo can throw you off. You want to do your best to get it right. If your training partner is going too fast, let them know. “Can we slow it down a bit? I’m having trouble keeping up” is a good way to bring it up.Talking After TrainingIf someone is interrupting your training or trying to have a conversation during a drill, it’s perfectly fine to let them know that you can talk after training is done. Something as simple as, “Let’s pick this up after training” is short and will get the point across.Informing About your Conditions/InjuriesIf you have a pre-existing injury or condition, it’s important to inform your coach and training partners so they can modify the training accordingly. You should never feel like you have to do something that puts you at risk of injury or exacerbating a pre-existing condition. Your training should be modified to be safe so you can continue training.Asking QuestionsWhen in doubt, speak up. If you don’t understand something or don’t feel comfortable with a particular technique, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or an alternative. This will not only help you feel more confident in your training, but also prevent potential injuries.Reporting Inappropriate BehaviorReporting inappropriate behavior to someone in charge is necessary to ensure a safe and welcoming training environment. If you witness or experience any type of discrimination, harassment, or assault it’s important to speak up and make your concerns known to someone who can take action. This includes both coaches and gym owners.Calling Someone OutCasual sexism, racism, body-shaming, homophobia, or any other form of discrimination should never be tolerated in a gym environment. Speak up and let the person know that their language is not acceptable.Leaving a GymLeaving a gym that has shown red flags over and over is the ultimate form of setting boundaries, and it’s for sure one of the more difficult ones. People can grow quite attached to the place they train, their training partners, or their sense of familiarity and routine.If you’ve tried to address concerns and they have not been resolved or continue to occur, it’s time to find a new gym that better aligns with your values and needs. Remember that your mental and physical health should always come first, even if it means being unable to train during a transitino period.Keep in mind that you tell people how they can act with what you allow. This is no different when it comes to a Muay Thai gym. You have the power to set the tone for your training environment, and you deserve to feel safe, respected, and empoweredSet boundaries. Stand up for yourself. Respect your needs.Become a Patron!If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing. Fighting and Training healthy training environmentsetting boundariestraining muay thai
Fighting and Training Why You Should Attend a Muay Thai Seminar Posted on February 1, 2022August 7, 2023That said, there are plenty of people who train Muay Thai and haven’t or don’t attend seminars. Anyone who has the opportunity to attend a seminar should take it. The techniques and tips that can be learned from professionals have been the building blocks of my training.Going to seminars, whether by myself or with my team, we learn a lot. We bring that knowledge back to our gym to better both our training practices and training partners. We went to SIX seminars just this past year. Here are my takeaways. Read More
Fighting and Training Guide to Planning & Training in Thailand – Part 2: Preparing for Thailand Posted on September 19, 2019October 27, 2024In Part 1, we covered the initial steps of planning your trip. In Part 2, we will cover preparation prior to arriving to Thailand, from your suitcase to yourself. This is the part that many people don’t have any knowledge about, especially if they’ve never trained in Thailand. Being proactive will offset, or even avoid, a lot of issues that can come up during your trip. Read More
Fighting and Training Muay Thai Progression: Key Investments at Every Level Posted on September 23, 2024September 24, 2024Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned competitor, Muay Thai offers a rewarding and challenging journey. Regardless of how new or experienced you are, there’s always something you can—and should—invest in to make the most of your current stage. It’s not always about money; sometimes, the most important investments are in your time, energy, or mindset. Read More