Level 1 of 3
Beginner
- Stance, guard and footwork
- Basic punches and the roundhouse kick
- Straight knees and the teep (push kick)
- Checking kicks with your shin
The art of eight limbs
Muay Thai
Known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," it uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins for striking.
- Focus
- Stand-up striking
- Uses
- Fists, elbows, knees, shins
- Levels
- Beginner to advanced
- Price
- Pay per session
The basics
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is the national combat sport of Thailand. Known as the "Art of Eight Limbs", it uses fists, elbows, knees and shins for striking, so you have eight weapons instead of two.
It is also famous for the clinch: close-range grappling on the feet where you control your opponent's head and land knees. Classes mix technique with hard pad rounds, which makes it one of the most demanding workouts in combat sports.
- Striking power
- Full-body fitness
- Confidence
6Benefits
Why train Muay Thai
What people get out of it, round after round.
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Full-body workout
Kicks, knees and clinch work train legs, core, shoulders and cardio together.
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Striking power
You learn to generate power from your hips with every punch, kick and knee.
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Confidence
Knowing how to strike and defend at every range builds real self-belief.
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Endurance
Timed rounds on pads and bags push your stamina further each session.
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Focus
Reading kicks, checking and countering keeps your mind sharp under pressure.
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Tradition and respect
Muay Thai carries a strong culture of respect for coaches, partners and the sport.
8The eight limbs
Your eight weapons
Two fists, two elbows, two knees and two shins. Each one works best at a different range, and good Muay Thai links them together.
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x2
Fists
Jab, cross, hook and uppercut, as in boxing, used to set up kicks and close the distance.
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x2
Elbows
Short, sharp strikes at close range, thrown horizontally, upwards or downwards.
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x2
Knees
Driven straight up or in from the side, especially powerful from the clinch.
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x2
Shins
The roundhouse kick lands with the shin, to the legs, body or head. The signature strike of the sport.
Elbows and full-power knees are usually practised on pads and saved for advanced, supervised sparring.
3Progression
What you will learn
A typical path from your first class onwards. Each gym sets its own curriculum, so check the class description when you book.
Level 2 of 3
Intermediate
- Elbow strikes on pads
- Clinch entries, control and knees
- Combinations across all eight limbs
- Light technical sparring
Level 3 of 3
Advanced
- Sweeps and off-balancing in the clinch
- Counter-striking and timing
- Fight strategy and ring control
- Harder sparring and competition prep
4Parts of a class
Your first class
Most Muay Thai classes follow the same rhythm. Here is what to expect when you walk in.
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01
Warm-up
Skipping, shadow boxing and stretching, especially hips and legs for kicking.
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02
Technique
The coach demonstrates a strike, combination or clinch position.
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03
Pads and bags
Rounds with a partner holding pads, or on the heavy bag.
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04
Clinch and conditioning
Clinch drills and a conditioning finisher. Sparring is optional for beginners.
What to bring
Gloves and hand wraps
Wraps protect your wrists and knuckles. Many gyms lend gloves for your first class; check the class listing. Training is barefoot.
Shorts and protection
Shorts you can kick in (Muay Thai shorts are ideal) and a T-shirt. Shin guards and a gum shield are needed if you join sparring.
Ready to try Muay Thai?
Find a gym near you, choose your slot and pay for that session only. No membership, no contract.
?Muay Thai FAQ
Common questions
Something else? Send us a message.
What does "Art of Eight Limbs" mean?
Muay Thai uses eight points of contact for striking: two fists, two elbows, two knees and two shins.
Is Muay Thai suitable for beginners?
Yes. Classes are designed to meet your level of experience, from beginner to advanced. You start with stance, basic strikes and kicks, and build up from there.
Will I get hit in my first class?
Not unless you choose to spar. Beginner classes focus on technique, pads and bag work, and sparring is optional.
How is Muay Thai different from kickboxing?
Muay Thai adds elbows, knees and the clinch to punches and kicks, while many kickboxing styles limit or ban them.
Do I need a membership to train Muay Thai?
No. With Gear Up MMA you book and pay per session, so you can train as often or as rarely as you like.
