Are you wanting to learn Muay Thai? If so, there’s a good chance you searched “Muay Thai gym near me” on Google Maps. One of the Martial Arts we teach here at Absolute MMA in West Jordan, Utah is Muay Thai which you can try during your one-week free trial. Also known as the “Art of 8 limbs”, Muay Thai is a global combat sport with practitioners and gyms around the world.
Before we cover how to find the right Muay Thai gym for you in Utah, we’ll cover a brief history of Muay Thai. We also discuss key differences between Muay Thai and a handful of other Martial Arts.
History of Muay Thai
Muay Thai’s origins go back to southeast Asia in Thailand. Despite being a global sport today, Muay Thai’s early days saw the Martial Art used as a skillset in war beginning in the 16th century. Over time, Muay Thai became systematized for sport with the first official ring being built in 1921.
The art of 8 limbs began to take off to new heights in the 1980s and 1990s as the fan base grew. Today, Muay Thai is being taught in gyms around the world including right here at Absolute MMA in Utah.
What makes Muay Thai different from other Martial Arts?
As a standup striking art, Muay Thai is different from grappling arts that take the fight to the ground like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling. Muay Thai does not have the comprehensive ground fighting techniques of BJJ or the takedown arsenal of Judo and Wrestling.
Muay Thai has its own aspects that separate it from other standup striking arts. When compared to Boxing, Muay Thai is different since the Muay Thai ruleset allows for elbows, knees, kicks, and sweeps. The stance of Muay Thai fighters is square compared to the more bladed stances of Karate fighters and Kickboxers.
5 factors to consider when finding the right Muay Thai gym for you
There are a handful of factors for you to think about when selecting a Muay Thai gym to train at. Understanding what you need to weigh will help you make the best decision possible for you. Below are five things we recommend you consider from location to price range in beginning your Muay Thai journey:
- Location matters: It’s in your best interest to find a Muay Thai gym that is within 30 minutes or less of your work and home. Minimizing travel time will make it easier to train consistently. Absolute MMA within 30 minutes of much of Salt Lake County and part of north Utah county.
- Gym culture: Are people friendly and inviting? Do the coaches take time to answer your questions and help with technique? This type of culture is something you can expect at Absolute MMA in West Jordan. You won’t feel like you’re on your own since our coaches answer your questions and your teammates are supportive of your goals.
- Gym cleanliness: Is the Muay Thai gym you want to train at well-kept? Is it clean and is the training equipment in good condition? These are questions you need to ask since positive training environments are also clean.
- Price: Does the monthly membership work within your monthly budget? Doing some quick math to see how much you’d be spending on Muay Thai classes will give you a better idea of what your monthly finances would look like if you sign up.
- Trial classes: Most Muay Thai gyms offer at least one free class for you to try out. Here at Absolute MMA, we offer one free week of classes to give you feel for everything we offer. With your free trial, you’ll also be able to try out our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, Judo classes, and more!
What’s next when choosing a Muay Thai gym for you?
Now that you’ve searched “Muay Thai gym near me”, it’s time to weigh the factors listed above and get to work! If you’re located within 30 minutes of West Jordan, Utah, you need to consider learning Muay Thai at Absolute MMA! Our classes support the goals of families, beginners, and seasoned fighters. We’re focused on providing a great experience and learning environment.
Absolute MMA owner and head coach, Rob Handley, oversees the Muay Thai program. Rob Handley has more than 20 years of coaching experience and has received his instructorship from Ajarn Sakasem “The Punisher” Kanthawong. You can expect top-tier instruction that will help you accomplish the goals you hope to achieve through Muay Thai.
After trying out our classes for one week, consider one of our different membership options. We have different tiers of memberships such as month-to-month, one-year, and two-year plans. There are also family memberships available as well as options for law enforcement, military, and first responders.
Frequently asked questions about Absolute MMA’s Muay Thai classes
Here are a handful of common questions we receive about our Muay Thai classes:
Q: What do I need to wear to attend a Muay Thai class?
A: We recommend athletic shorts and a t-shirt for our Muay Thai classes. It’s an active class so it’s in your favor to wear clothes that allow for freedom of movement.
Q: Do you have a kids/youth Muay Thai program?
A: Yes, we have a Muay Thai curriculum specifically for our younger students. Our kids and youth classes at Absolute MMA are designed to help them learn self-defense, increase self-confidence, and more!
Q: Do I need to spar?
A: No, you’re not required to spar. However, if you want to begin competing, we recommend you start to spar in order to prepare to step in the ring. You will need shin guards, training gloves, and a mouth guard to spar.
Q: How long does it take to learn Muay Thai?
A: Muay Thai will take you several years of consistent training to master. However, you can learn basic techniques in a few months of regular training. You’ll begin to feel more confident and understand how to move your body by putting in the work.
Q: What do I need to do to begin my free trial at Absolute MMA?
A: Start your Martial Arts journey by signing up here! https://absolutemma.com/free-trial/
If you have other questions, call us at 801-255-1166.