A fast-paced workout that’s sure to improve an athlete’s power
What it is: Muay Thai began in Indochina as a way to give an edge to soldiers fighting with clubs and spears. The “art of eight limbs” deploys not just feet and fists but also elbows and knees, a combination that has made it the most dangerous discipline on two feet.
What it’s like: A muay Thai class cuts right to the action. After 10 minutes of jumping rope, I stood on my toes and shadowboxed to develop jabs, crosses, and shin blocks. Then I drilled my knees into a heavy bag until my abs and hip flexors caught on fire. The most satisfying part was figuring out the signature roundhouse kick from Bunkerd Faphimai, a 5-foot-2 former Thai champion. Eventually, I learned how to plant the standing foot at the proper 45-degree angle and whip the shoulder, hip, and arm in such harmony that I kicked the bag with a whack reminiscent of a perfect golf swing.
Best for: Busy optimizers who want to learn how to throw a punch
Achieves harmony with: Twisting sports (golf, paddling, baseball) for the power it provides, and sports requiring lightness of foot (tennis, basketball) or strong kicking (soccer)
Only workout I’ll ever need? Yes, if done three or more times a week
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Roundhouse Kick
Step at an angle onto the ball of your left foot.
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Generate a powerful right-leg kick by rotating the hips and whipping the right hand downward.
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This article originally appeared in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.
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February 11th, 2010 at 1:32 am
Muay Thai is a well round art of fighting. although its known as a combat sport. applications are practical for actual self defense and are very effective.
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October 12th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Nice little informative post about Muay Thai. I’ve been doing it for years and its great for fitness and self defense.
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February 18th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
I’ve lived in Thailand a while now and the almost super human ability of the Muay Thai fighters here never fails to amaze me! They have children as young as 7 getting kicked, elbowed and punched in the face yet instead of crying they just do it back!
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February 18th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
btw checkout Saenchai Sor Kingstar, the best equipped Muay Thai technique on the planet
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April 23rd, 2011 at 5:49 am
Hi, Just want to say that I have been happily lurking around your site.. Keep posting!
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September 22nd, 2011 at 11:56 am
i like this article and the really nice pictures. hope to read more soon.
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