Training in Muay Thai at Tiger Muay Thai & Mixed Martial Arts

Tiger Muay Thai & Mixed Martial Arts in Phuket, Thailand, offers an intense training experience for anyone willing to invest around $1,300 and venture to Thailand. For a month, participants train rigorously and eventually face off against another student in a three-round match, all within a ring and before a crowd. This experience promises a deep dive into the world of Thai kickboxing, a discipline that combines a variety of strikes, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

The author, Dan Brooks, initially hoped to showcase a natural aptitude for the sport despite being 48 years old. However, his expectations were tempered by the physical challenges laid bare during training. Many individuals drawn to martial arts share a common origin story, often learning to defend against larger peers. Brooks recounts his journey through various fighting styles, including taekwondo, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, despite sustaining several injuries along the way. His interest in Muay Thai stems from a desire to keep growing and defying the limitations imposed by aging.

Muay Thai stands out for its use of knee and elbow strikes, as well as leg kicks where the shinbone serves as a key component for striking and blocking. These elements contribute to its reputation for brutality and make Thailand a hub for mixed martial arts fans worldwide.

Located on Fitness Street, also known as Soi Ta-iad, Tiger Muay Thai was the first gym of its kind in the area. Fitness Street resembles a busy strip filled with various gyms, marijuana dispensaries, and stores specializing in Muay Thai gear. It is dubbed the safest street in Thailand due to the number of trainers and fighters present, although scooter accidents remain a reported occurrence.