Skip to content
Muay Ying มวยหญิง
Muay Ying มวยหญิง

Muay Thai For Everyone

  • Muay Thai
    • Fighting and Training
      • Personal Experiences
    • News
    • Spotlight
  • Thailand
    • Gym Reviews
    • Food
      • Chow Down
    • Lifestyle
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Episodes
  • Directory
    • Gyms with Clear Sexual Misconduct Policies
  • Shop
    • The Ultimate Guide to Training in Thailand
  • About
    • What is Muay Thai?
Muay Ying มวยหญิง
Muay Ying มวยหญิง

Muay Thai For Everyone

Home » Muay Thai » Fighting and Training » The Importance of All-Women Spaces in Muay Thai (and Beyond)

The Importance of All-Women Spaces in Muay Thai (and Beyond)

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 By Angela Chang

While women have been practicing Muay Thai for decades, the sport has only recently begun to shift away from the male-dominated culture that has traditionally surrounded it.

One of the ways this shift has occurred is through the creation of all-women spaces within the Muay Thai community. These usually start with somen within Muay Thai that had similar grievances about not having enough sparring partners their size or having to deal with microaggressions from men coming together so create safe spaces for themselves. These spaces provide a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn and practice the sport.

Environment

All-women spaces in Muay Thai provide a safe and welcoming environment for women to practice the sport. Women who are just starting out may feel intimidated by the male-dominated environment of many traditional gyms. They may feel uncomfortable being the only woman in a group of men, especially when they are just learning the basics of the sport. All-women spaces provide a space where women can train and learn without feeling intimidated or out of place. They can ask questions, make mistakes, and grow in their skills without feeling like they are being judged by their male counterparts. They can wear whatever they want without worrying about unwarranted looks.

Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via Patreon
Photo property of Juniper Muay Thai

Community

All-women spaces provide a sense of community and belonging. Women who practice Muay Thai often share a common experience of being in a male-dominated environment. They may feel isolated or unsupported in traditional gyms where they are the only woman in a group of men. All-women spaces provide a space where women can connect with each other, share their experiences, and support each other in their practice. This sense of community can be especially important for women who are new to the sport or who may be struggling with self-doubt or confidence issues.

Women’s seminar @ Woodenman Muay Thai

Women Supporting Women

Another benefit of all-women spaces in Muay Thai is the opportunity for women to learn from and be inspired by other women. Women who practice stay consistent enough to get to a high level are common, but they still have issues finding fellow women to train with. Women who are recognized as leaders in the sport are even rarer. All-women spaces provide a space for women to learn from and be inspired by other women who have achieved success in the sport. This can be especially important for women who may not have access to female role models or mentors in their everyday lives.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malia At Woodenman Muay Thai (@malia_woodenman_muay_thai)

Authentic Progress

When women feel like they are in a safe space, they are also given the opportunity to explore the sport in their own way. All-women spaces provide a space where women can explore the sport in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them, without feeling like they have to conform to male-dominated norms or expectations.

Gender Equity

Muay Thai has traditionally been considered a male-dominated sport, and women have faced numerous barriers to participation and recognition. All-women spaces provide a space where women can challenge these barriers, and where their voices and experiences can be centered and heard. By promoting the visibility and recognition of women in the sport, all-women spaces can help to shift the culture of Muay Thai towards one that is more inclusive and equitable for all participants.

FightHers

All-women spaces in Muay Thai are an important and valuable resource for women who practice the sport. If you are a woman who is interested in practicing Muay Thai or feels the need to be surrounded by more feminine energy, consider seeking out an all-women space in your area. You can also join an online community for women in combat sports such as FightHers. FightHers aims to support and educate members while minimizing politics and gatekeeping.

“All-Men” Spaces

Note that the idea of the need for “all men spaces” as a comparable concept to all-women spaces is a false equivalency. Men do not experience the same level of discrimination, harassment, and barriers that women do in the Muay Thai world. Men have historically held the majority of leadership positions in gyms and promotions, and often occupy the most prominent and respected roles in the sport. This power dynamic can make it difficult for women to fully participate and feel comfortable in mixed-gender spaces, and highlights the need for all-women spaces as a means of promoting gender equity and providing a supportive environment for women to excel in Muay Thai. Long story short, there is absolutely no shortage of “all-men” spaces in Muay Thai or elsewhere that warrants this comparison.

There will be a separate article on the topic of healthy masculinity. Belen and I discuss this in a Podcast episode, so for the time being, if you’re interested, have a listen. We discuss all-women spaces and cover some of the counterarguments we’ve come across. Here’s the YouTube version of the same podcast episode:

If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing.

book on training in thailand guide
Fighting and Training all women spaceswomen only

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

Fighting and Training two women muay thai fighters, one throwing a knee

A Guide to Fighting Muay Khao: Practical Tips to Overcome Knee Specialists

Posted on February 3, 2025February 2, 2025

In 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
Fighting and Training

Setting Boundaries in Muay Thai

Posted on May 7, 2023October 17, 2024

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).

Read More
Fighting and Training man in black tank top and black pants

Women Training Muay Thai in Thailand: Navigating Sexism and Cultural Nuances

Posted on April 7, 2024September 19, 2024

For women venturing into the world of Muay Thai training in Thailand, the journey can be both exhilarating and challenging. This dream can be a double-edged sword – traveling to the birthplace of Muay Thai is a “rite of passage” seen by many, and many have had life-changing experience even…

Read More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Support via Patreon

Become a member!

Follow & Support

  • patreon
  • instagram
  • youtube
©2025 Muay Ying มวยหญิง | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes