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

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 from short trips to Thailand, but the reality of navigating through cultural nuances and blatant sexism can be daunting.

As a woman who has experienced these challenges firsthand, I want to shed light on the obstacles women may encounter and aim to offer insights to help them thrive in their training journey. I believe that understanding these nuances can empower women and help set realistic expectations for their training journey.

This article isn’t about urging women to shrink themselves to fit societal constructs or conform to outdated gender norms. Nor is it about abruptly imposing norms or communication styles onto a different culture. Rather, it’s about equipping women with the knowledge and insights to navigate the complexities of training confidently while respecting the cultural context in which they find themselves.

It’s important to remember that this article offers a glimpse into my experience, not a one-size-fits-all picture of every Muay Thai gym in Thailand. Every camp will offer different experiences. Having trained and lived here for over eight years, and with the ability to understand and speak Thai, I believe I can offer a more nuanced perspective than someone who can’t grasp the conversations happening around them, from trainer gossip and sexist comments to discussions within the Muay Thai community.

It is also important to note that gym structures in traditional camps that buy/sell Thai fighter contracts are different than places that have mostly non-Thai fighters who are there by choice.

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Perpetuating Attitudes

To discuss this topic in-depth, let’s first examine the historical context of the fight scene in Thailand. Over time, Muay Thai gyms in the country have perpetuated a cycle that reinforces specific attitudes towards women in the sport.

When it comes to Thai fighters, the focus of many gyms has been primarily on male fighters due to the lower demand for female fighters. Resources such as training and development are heavily invested in male fighters, driven by the allure of higher purse sizes, longer careers and paths of development and, subsequently, more fight opportunities. Consequently, most gyms do not even include Thai women on their professional rosters, further marginalizing female fighters and restricting their avenues for growth and recognition.

The few gyms that do have women fighters often struggle with limited resources, fewer trainers, and lower quality of training. With lower fight purses for female fighters, many Thai women are forced to retire from Muay Thai by the time they reach their early twenties or finish university. The prospect of finding alternative employment that offers better pay without the risk of injury becomes increasingly appealing, further diminishing the pool of female fighters and perpetuating the cycle of underrepresentation.

This disparity in training quality and investment translates into a perception that women are less capable fighters or less appealing to watch. Consequently, opportunities and purse sizes for female fighters remain limited, contributing to a scarcity of high-level Thai women in the sport.

While there has been progress in recent years with increased opportunities for women fighters in the modern fight scene, deeply ingrained attitudes and beliefs about women in Muay Thai persist. So although there is a vast improvement now, especially in places that have mostly non-Thai fighters representing the gym, don’t mistake this for a lack of sexism. Despite the growing visibility and success of female fighters, it may take at least another generation for attitudes towards women in the sport to evolve fully.

Confronting Sexism in Thai Gyms

One of the harshest realities women face when training in Muay Thai gyms in Thailand is the prevalence of sexism. Trainers often lower their expectations for female trainees, providing less rigorous training and opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Women may find themselves relegated to less challenging sessions or dismissed as incapable of more simply because of their gender.

It’s not uncommon to see trainers bring women through a fitness-centered regimen instead of teaching them applicable skill and technique, regardless of the women’s skill level or experience in Muay Thai. Women are often lumped together and forced to train with each other, regardless of significant differences in size or skill level, while men are more accurately grouped based on these factors. Additionally, there’s a noticeable lack of opportunities for women in fights and training sessions, with some trainers refusing to train women altogether due to their gender. Trainers usually get a cut of the fight purses of their fighters, so many trainers only want to train those with high purse sizes.

That being said, will you view your training experience sexist in any way if you are only there for a few weeks? Most likely not. Will you notice the underhanded comments people make about you and other women if you don’t speak Thai? Probably not. If you are willing to accept the answer “that’s just the way things are done here”, will this issue matter to you? I’d say no. The longer you stay in Thailand, the more you observe, the more patterns you put together, and the more likely you will be able to see what is just, what is unfair, and what are cultural norms. Only then will you be able to make a judgment of whether or not things seem sexist to you.

Cultural Obstacles and Nuances

In addition to sexism, women training in Thailand must navigate through cultural nuances that may seem foreign or even discriminatory. Some women may even be discouraged from fighting because they are considered “too pretty,” with trainers expressing concerns about their appearance or perceived femininity. This reinforces harmful stereotypes about women’s roles in combat sports and further perpetuates the notion that fighting is incompatible with traditional notions of femininity.

Dress codes may require women to cover up more than men during training sessions. Certain customs, such as not entering certain rings, may further restrict women’s involvement in gym activities. If the (male) fighters go into one of said rings to clinch, then women are subsequently left out of clinching altogether with the group.

It’s essential to note that while not all Muay Thai gyms in Thailand may adhere to strict dress codes or cultural customs, it’s crucial for women to be aware of these possibilities and be prepared to adapt accordingly. In general, dressing modestly is expected.

Overcoming Obstacles

While it’s essential to be aware of the sexism and cultural biases that exist in Muay Thai gyms in Thailand, it’s generally not advisable for women to confront these issues head-on. Thai culture values saving face, and there’s a complex social hierarchy at play. As a result, challenging deeply ingrained attitudes and behaviors may not always be effective and could potentially create tension or conflict within the gym environment.

Instead, women training in Thailand should focus on finding ways to navigate these challenges tactfully and diplomatically. One approach is to lead by example, demonstrating dedication, skill, and professionalism in training sessions and interactions with trainers and fellow trainees. By consistently showing up and performing at their best, women can gradually shift perceptions and earn respect within the gym community.

Additionally, building strong relationships with trainers and fellow trainees can help women navigate cultural nuances and biases more effectively. Establishing rapport and mutual respect can foster a supportive environment where women feel valued and respected for their contributions to the sport.

Ultimately, while it’s important to acknowledge and address sexism and cultural biases, doing so in a manner that aligns with Thai cultural norms and values can lead to more positive and constructive outcomes.

Edit: Of course, if there comes a point where it’s very clear that their attitudes and behaviors will not budge and you are constantly made to feel “less than”, consider going to another gym to train.

Addressing Harassment

In addition to facing sexism and cultural obstacles, women training in Muay Thai gyms in Thailand may also be at risk of experiencing sexual harassment. Trainers or fellow trainees may view women as sexual objects rather than fighters or students of Muay Thai, creating an uncomfortable training environment and detract from the focus on athleticism.

It’s essential for women to recognize the signs of sexual harassment and know-how to respond appropriately. This may include setting clear boundaries, speaking up against inappropriate behavior, and seeking support from gym management or other authorities if necessary. If a woman experiences harassment and is not supported by the people in power at the gym, it is the only red flag needed to tell her to go train elsewhere.

Seeking More Inclusive Places to Train

Inclusivity is not a binary concept; it exists on a scale, and some gyms may demonstrate a greater commitment to providing women with fair treatment and quality training.

When researching gyms in Thailand, women should look for indications that the gym values diversity and inclusivity. This could include:

• places that actively promote women’s participation in the sport
• female trainers on staff
• a large number of women that train/fight out of there
• camps that implement and enforce policies and practices that ensure women receive equal opportunities for training and advancement

Additionally, seeking recommendations from women fighters or members of the Muay Thai community can be helpful in identifying gyms and trainers who prioritize gender equality. Personal testimonials and experiences can provide valuable insights into the culture and atmosphere of a gym, helping women make informed decisions about where to train.

By choosing to train at gyms and with trainers who value inclusivity, women can create a more supportive and empowering environment for themselves and contribute to the broader movement towards gender equality in Muay Thai.

Personal Growth and Experiences

The diversity of experiences women encounter when training in Muay Thai gyms in Thailand range quite a bit – while some women may have positive experiences and encounter minimal sexism during short visits, others may face significant challenges and biases over more extended periods of training. It’s not uncommon for women to receive varying treatment based on factors such as the length of their stay, their level of involvement in the sport, and the specific gym or trainer they engage with.

It’s also crucial to address the response of some men who claim to support women in combat sports but dismiss or downplay the experiences of those who speak out about sexism. Statements like “all the men I train with aren’t like this” can undermine the validity of women’s experiences and perpetuate the marginalization of their voices. It’s essential for allies to listen to and validate women’s experiences, rather than dismissing or diminishing their concerns.

It’s essential to address the reality versus idealism of the situation. While it’s crucial to work towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in the sport, we must also recognize and navigate the existing landscape.

In an ideal world, Muay Thai gyms in Thailand (and everywhere else) would provide better opportunities, resources, and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender. Women would receive training, recognition, and support based on merit instead of gender, and sexist attitudes and behaviors would be eradicated.

However, the reality is often far from this ideal. Sexism and cultural biases continue to persist within many Muay Thai gyms in Thailand, posing significant challenges for women who wish to train and compete in the sport. While progress has been made in recent years, entrenched attitudes and beliefs may take time to change fully. Again, it does not help when, as a norm, the current society in Thailand does not challenge sexist remarks and norms.

As women navigate their training journeys in Thailand, there’s a delicate balance to strike between striving for an ideal future and navigating the current reality. While working towards greater gender equality and inclusivity within the sport, women must also learn to navigate and overcome the existing challenges they may encounter. By acknowledging both the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done, women can empower themselves to thrive in their training journeys while advocating for positive change within the Muay Thai community.

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