| There are 4 ways that you can practice your Muay | | | | A third way to train is with pad work. Again you can |
| Thai skills. One way is through shadowboxing. This is a | | | | use various pads for your training. Again make sure to |
| good way to practice your technique, flow and | | | | keep your technique and stance sharp and perfect. |
| footwork. Make sure that you move 360 degrees and | | | | Pad work is a great way to fine tune your defense. |
| that you also work your defense. Be mindful of your | | | | Just make sure that you have a decent pad holder. |
| chin position, how high your hands are and the | | | | Pad holding itself is an art form. The pad holder's job is |
| placement of your elbows; basically be mindful of your | | | | to place the targets in such a way as to simulate |
| stance. A lot of people use the mirror to shadowbox. | | | | appropriate targets, test the student's defense, work |
| The mirror is a good tool, but just make sure that you | | | | some foot work, and provide a good workout. |
| are using it to get some feedback on your stance and | | | | Sometimes it can be a lot of fun holding pads, maybe |
| technique. Too many times I see guys shadowboxing, | | | | too much fun, and it's easy to get carried away with |
| flexing their muscles, more concerned with their looks | | | | trying to "kill" the student by hitting them with the pads |
| than their technique. | | | | and by pushing the cardio to the extreme. Remember, |
| Bag Work is also another way to practice your Muay | | | | anyone can train someone to the point of exhaustion, |
| Thai. There are so many bags to practice your various | | | | but pad work should be about putting all of the tools |
| tools and skills. You are better off to ask an instructor | | | | together. As a pad holder always consider wearing |
| for their help when selecting the bag. When working | | | | groin protection. |
| the bag always be mindful of your stance. It's great to | | | | The last way to train your Muay Thai skills is with |
| smash away on the bag, working your power, but you | | | | crossfighting. This is when you do select drills on each |
| do not want to sacrifice your stance, guard and | | | | other. This is not sparring. Make sure to wear the |
| technique. The bag should not be flying all over the | | | | proper protection. The goal is to work proper range, |
| place; that usually means you are "pushing" the bag | | | | accuracy, timing, footwork and flow. Sometimes you |
| versus penetrating the bag. Make sure to eventually | | | | should work power, just make sure to keep the ego in |
| work up to combinations, simulate your defense and | | | | check before it turns into a full fledge sparring match, |
| work your footwork. | | | | or worse an actual fight. |