If you decide to learn the ancient art of Muay Thai, you must be aware of all the fundamentals that the sport incorporates. That way, you will know how to properly practice and how long does it take to master Muay Thai.
The basics of the sport include punches, knees, elbows, kicks, combinations, clinch work, and a proper stance. In addition to that, beginners should understand the importance of defense and avoid getting trashed in competition.
You can practice football or basketball, but the game is totally different when it comes to fighting. Being overly confident and stepping into the ring too soon can leave you with injuries that are hard to “shake off”.
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How Long Does It Take To Master Muay Thai?
How good you are in combat sports depends on how much effort you put into every training session and what you are trying to accomplish.
Is Muay Thai going to be something that will help you unwind after work, or are you trying to engage in pro-fighting? Maybe Muay Thai is your choice to lower your body fat and get in the best shape of your life.
How often you should train in Muay Thai simply depends on your personal goal. Since we are talking about mastering the sport, you can never really “master” Muay Thai.
This martial art form is constantly improving, and new moves and combinations are discovered each year.
A master of the sport can be considered someone with more than 15 years of consistent training.
MMAWhisperer encourages everyone to try Muay Thai. In our article, we will talk about how you can become competent in the sport and how many training sessions a week you should attend to polish your skills.
Check the best Muay Thai gloves you can get
Can You Get Black Belt In Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is a sport that originated in Thailand and involved a specific grading system. Muay Thai fighters wear a Pra Jiad, which is a type of arm or headband. The meaning of the Pra Jiad changed over time. At first, the band was designed by someone close to the fighter, like a family member, wife, etc.
As time went on, the Pra Jiad was used to show the fighter’s rank, like belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and karate. The legend goes that if a fighter loses the Pra Jiad, it will lose its mystical power.
The credit for using the Pra Jiad as a grading system goes to western organizations located in America.
Hypothetically speaking, for someone to receive a black belt in Muay Thai, they would need a minimum of 10 years of consistent training. The black belt is the hardest to earn in every martial art and is highly respected.
Sparring and ring experience are crucial to becoming worthy of a black belt. Because Muay Thai is a sport with eight limbs striking system, our estimation of 10 years is based on Jiu-Jitsu. Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu have some similarities, and both disciplines can never be mastered.
How Many Years Does It Take To Learn Muay Thai?
First, how long does it take to master Muay Thai and how long does it take to learn Muay Thai are two entirely different questions. Becoming a master in Muay Thai or any other martial art form can take a lifetime. The process goes even further than just acquiring the black belt.
There are many pitfalls on the way, and fighters must pour a lot of energy and focus into every training session.
Muay Thai students usually nail down the basic movements in three to six months. In the beginning, fighters must learn the fundamentals to develop a foundation upon which to build.
Because many moves are involved, you should expect to train for a couple of years before engaging in a professional fight. To become a professional in Muay Thai, it takes three to five years of consistent training.
Muay Thai requires a lot of discipline, so you must consider the sport a long-term commitment and a lifetime journey.
How Long Does It Take To Get Good At Striking?
As a beginner, every kick, punch, or strike that you learn seems difficult at first. However, the first thing you will learn in Muay Thai class is a proper stance and the perfect timing for a strike.
Every strike in Muay Thai starts with a proper stance, so you must master it before moving on to other attacks. The time frame of when you become good at striking depends on the focus, dedication, and training schedule.
In Muay Thai training, you will learn the basic kicks from the get-go and practice them on a heavy bag. The next step is sparring with a partner with gloves and headgear.
Overall you can feel comfortable striking in less than a year.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Good Muay Thai Fighter?
Muay Thai is a great martial art form that can be a part of everyone’s life. But how long does it take to master Muay Thai?
Not everybody is interested in becoming a professional, and many people train in Muay Thai without contemplating their future in the discipline.
To become a good Muay Thai fighter, you must incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle and train frequently. On the contrary, if you have a demanding job, want to start a family, and have a busy schedule overall, learning the basics of Muay Thai can take you up to three years.
The more you train, the better fighter you will become. The Muay Thai instructors also play a major role in the process. Some instructors like to spend more time with beginners and young people that show interest in the sport, while others only train with professionals. You must find the perfect instructor that is patient and will give you the attention you need to become good at Muay Thai.
Despite popular belief, training Muay Thai every day will not speed up the learning curve. Fighters have to properly rest and recover.
Can I Learn Muay Thai In 3 Months?
Many people like to train in Muay Thai as a hobby and don’t see the sport as a career option. Learning Muay Thai is not a walk in the park; how quickly you see an improvement is based on the effort you put in.
To learn every single kick, punch, or combination in three months is an impossible mission. However, in 90 days, you can gain an understanding of the basics, like proper stance and clinch work.
Beginners start with four training sessions per week, which is enough for improvement. If you work in a 9-to-5 job or are still in school, your body will, at some point, start to feel worn down.
There is never a final destination in martial arts, and you should enjoy the learning curve without time pressure. Everyone wants a shortcut, but the things that take time and discipline, especially martial arts, can drastically change your entire behavior and view on life.
How Long Do You Need To Train In Muay Thai Before Fighting?
Professionals never stop learning! This is particularly true in Muay Thai, a sport that has plenty of striking combinations.
After two years of constant training, you can start competing professionally and step into the ring. Success in a professional fight depends on many factors. Some people have a natural talent and have the perfect genetics for Muay Thai. Other fighters don’t have the talent but go for a run at four in the morning and train at night to become the best versions of themselves.
Ultimately, you can get a shot at a professional fight when you feel comfortable and confident in your skills.
A professional fighter will constantly try to improve and learn new things without repeating the same mistakes.
What Age Is Too Late For Muay Thai?
MMAWhisperer strongly believes that it’s never too late to start training in Muay Thai. When people think of the sport, they picture busted cheekbones and shin splints. However, Muay Thai is an extraordinary martial art form that can make a person more calm, healthy, and more disciplined.
Even without a long-term goal, people in their 60s can improve their health by training in Muay Thai. To be clear, the question of how long it takes to master Muay Thai is far from the spectrum of just training in the sport.
Practicing the sport and fighting professionally are two different things. The ring is big enough for everybody, and people as young as 18 and as old as 65 can train in Muay Thai.
Final Words
How long does it take to master Muay Thai? By reading our article, you can conclude that as a Muay Thai fighter, you can never stop learning. The skills can be polished and improved, but the “science of eight limbs” is still advancing.
Anyone can start Muay Thai training, but everyone must have realistic expectations. Becoming the next Buakaw Banchamek takes a lot of hard work, patience, and discipline.
