With the sluggish summer months finally slipping away, now’s the perfect time to restart your fitness regime. But if you’re bored of pounding the treadmill or want to knock your fitness level up a notch then Muay Thai (Thai boxing) could be for you. A demanding workout, both physically and mentally, the sport’s intensity and reputation for being one of the toughest martial arts out there has helped it grow in popularity over the past few years. We caught up with Mat Dryden, from Cobra Muay Thai Abu Dhabi to learn more about the sport.
So what exactly is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and is known as the Art of Eight Limbs, because you use your limbs as weapons from which to strike from. It is basically a form of kickboxing that involves stand-up striking along with various clinch techniques in an attempt to control your opponent.
It started as a very brutal and sometimes fatal form of fighting, before becoming a competitive sport. Before it progressed, Muay Thai started out as Muay Boran, an ancient art form where instead of gloves, a rope or twine was used to wrap around the hands and feet. There was no ring, just a patch of dirt and the fights would end with a knock out or death. Nowadays, Muay Thai is one of the world’s fastest growing and most popular combat sports.
What sort of physical results are you likely to see from training?
We have achieved amazing results with our clientele in terms of people coming in with a goal of losing a few kilos, and rarely do they not succeed. Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle Muay Thai does wonders for all-over fitness and conditioning.
How tough a work out is it?
Muay Thai is extremely intense and takes an enormous amount of discipline, yet it is not just for those who want to get into the ring. Muay Thai is one of the best workouts I have ever done because it really focuses on your whole body along with providing a huge amount of cardio. We have all different sorts of clients with different fitness levels in our gym and they love it, so really anyone can do it and gain results. We offer several different classes to cater for everybody’s needs along with private lessons. There are classes for kids, beginners and professional fighters, and a ladies class also.
Sounds intense but a lot of fun! What are the main benefits of Muay Thai?
There are so many benefits. It’s an excellent form of self-defence, it enhances flexibility, stamina, strength and speed, increases confidence and teaches discipline. It also develops assertiveness, self-awareness and a positive attitude. Muay Thai will relieve your stress after a difficult day in the office!
If you’d like to participate, contact chief instructor Mat Dryden at info@cobramuaythai.com or 055 616 0996. Boxing and kickboxing classes are also taught. People of all skill levels are welcome to join.
