Short But Mighty: How to Dominate Muay Thai as a Shorter Fighter Posted on January 2, 2025January 2, 2025 By Angela Chang Being a shorter fighter, height may be a disadvantage, but it’s not an obstacle you can’t overcome. With the right strategies and techniques, shorter fighters can overcome their height disadvantage and become successful in the sport.Work on Your FootworkFootwork is crucial for shorter fighters, as it helps you get in and out of range quickly. Shorter fighters need to be able to close the distance quickly and then get out of range just as quickly to avoid getting hit. Practice moving laterally and circling your opponent to create angles for strikes. Use your footwork to cut off your opponent’s movement and keep them within your range.Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via PatreonGet in YOUR Range, Not TheirsSpeaking of range, you need to be able to get in your range, not your opponent’s. As someone with shorter limbs, you will have to be closer to your opponent to land things. If you stay further out from your opponent, you will instead be in THEIR range, and they will easily land things on you instead of the other way around.Work on closing the distance quickly and then getting back out of range just as quickly. Use feints and footwork to create openings.Go LowYou may have a harder time reaching your opponent’s head. Instead, focus on targeting their body and legs. Because you’re shorter, it will be easier to land lower-range weapons with effectiveness. Body punches and low kicks can be effective weapons to formulate your game plan around. This will not only score you points, but also tire out your opponent and make it harder for them to move.Become AggressiveDon’t let your opponent dictate the pace of the fight. As a shorter fighter, you may need to be more aggressive and take control of the fight in order to get your range and rhythm. Be relentless in your attacks and don’t give your opponent a chance to breathe.Develop Good CardioIn order to get closer (and maybe more aggressive), you’ll need to do more. It’s difficult to pull off these if your cardio is garbage. Make sure you run, train consistently, and have a good S&C program for this to be able to maintain a high pace throughout the fight. Focus on interval training and other cardio exercises to improve your endurance and speed. Remember to also work on your recovery time between rounds.Work on DefenseBecause you will need to get “closer” to land your hits, you are more susceptible to getting hit on your way in, particularly with shots to the head.. Make sure you don’t skip on defensive drills so you can make your way in without them outscoring you. Work on your defense by practicing blocks, slips, and parries. Remember to keep your guard up and your chin down.Being a shorter fighter in Muay Thai can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. Remember that height and reach are just two factors in a fight, and that technique, strategy, and heart can often make the difference between winning and losing.Become a Patron!If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing.Listen to or watch this Instead! Fighting and Training height disadvantagemuay thai fightersshorter fighters
Fighting and Training The Power of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in Muay Thai Posted on April 6, 2023March 28, 2023Have you ever heard of the self-fulfilling prophecy? It’s the idea that our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities can actually become true simply because we believe them to be. We subconsciously take small actions to go towards this belief. Read More
Fighting and Training Short-Term and Long-Term Muay Thai Camp Stays: Choosing the Right Experience Posted on September 16, 2024September 16, 2024If you’re a Muay Thai enthusiast with dreams of training in the heartland of this martial art, Thailand, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. But there’s a crucial decision you’ll need to make even before you step onto Thai soil: Will you be embarking on a short-term stay, typically ranging from one to two weeks, or committing to the long haul, possibly months or even years? This decision can significantly impact your experience, as well as how trainers and gyms treat you. 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