The Muay Thai Professor

What are Thai Pads?

Have you ever wondered what the pads that Muay Thai trainers wear were? Those are Thai pads, also known as kick pads, they are large rectangular pads that are worn on the forearms of a training partner or coach. They are made of durable materials such as leather, vinyl, or synthetic materials and are designed to absorb the impact of the fighter’s strikes. The pads are held in place by adjustable straps that wrap around the trainer’s arms, allowing them to withstand even the most powerful strikes. However, those new to holding pads may find the impact jarring at first, but it is nothing a little bit of practice can’t fix.

During a typical Muay Thai training session, a fighter will work with a partner or coach to practice various striking combinations using the Thai pads. The trainer will call out a series of strikes, and the fighter will execute them on the pads, focusing on technique, power, and speed. This type of training is essential for developing proper form, technique, and coordination; which are critical to success in the sport of Muay Thai.

Benefit of Thai Pads

One of the main benefits of using Thai pads in Muay Thai training is that they allow fighters to practice their striking skills with a partner in a controlled and safe environment. Unlike hitting a heavy bag or a stationary target, using Thai pads provides a more realistic training experience that closely simulates a real fight. The trainer can move around and change angles, forcing the fighter to adjust their technique and footwork on the fly. This type of dynamic training helps fighters develop their reaction time, speed, and precision, which are essential components of success in Muay Thai.

In addition to honing their striking skills, training with Thai pads also helps fighters build their endurance and stamina. Holding the pads requires a great deal of energy and strength, and trainers will often rotate partners to ensure that both the fighter and the trainer get a good workout. This type of training also helps fighters develop mental toughness and resilience, as they learn to push through fatigue and continue to deliver powerful strikes even when they are tired. Not to mention, holding pads also gives you an introduction to the power of the strikes. As mentioned early, even with the pads, there is a great deal of impact that still transfers.

Defense

Unlike a heavy bag, trainers with pads can also hit back. Thai pads are an important tool for improving a fighter’s defensive skills. During pad work, the trainer can simulate different types of attacks and combinations, allowing the fighter to practice their defensive techniques and counters. This type of training is especially important for fighters who compete professionally, as it helps them develop the ability to react quickly and effectively to their opponent’s attacks. Trainers also usually wear shin pads to kick back too, making the the training even more dynamic.

Fighters can practice their defense and guards to strikes with a trainer with pads. An important aspect of striking is countering an opponent. With pads, a fighter can practice defense and immediately fire back with a counter, something that cannot be done as well with a heavy bag.

Strikes and Combos

Like a heavy bag, you can perform a variety of strikes and combinations on Thai Pads. Thai Pads can be used to work your punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and pretty much every other strike in Muay Thai. Another benefit of this is that your trainer can implement defense drills in between combinations to keep your guard honest. Your trainer incorporating attacks and testing your defense also gives you an opportunity to practice your counters. A common counter drill that is practiced is a counter to a switch kick to the body, which you would check and then return a heavy cross and hook. Being able to practice counters is a main advantage of thai pads over the heavy bag.

Lastly, your trainer can also help pinpoint mistakes in your technique since they are directly facing you. If you are constantly dropping your hands after a kick, your trainer has the ability to correct it by returning a strike to you. Similarly, if you are not returning your kicks fast enough, your trainer may use that as leverage to catch and sweep.

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Our Recommendations

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Thai pads are an essential tool for Muay Thai fighters of all levels. They provide a realistic training experience that allows fighters to develop their striking skills, endurance, and defensive techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, incorporating Thai pad training into your regimen can help you improve your technique, build your strength and stamina, and prepare you for success in the ring.

(Last tip of advice is that when you are working with pads, make sure to start slow and gentle then work into harder strikes. The one holding and the one training both need to adjust to each other. Holding pads can be dangerous too…)

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