Increasingly, traditional sets of exercises aimed at gaining mass, stretching and strengthening muscles give way to martial arts. Recently, various types of martial arts have gained unprecedented popularity . The most relevant are boxing and Thai boxing, or, as the sport is also called, Muay Thai. The effectiveness of martial arts is tens of times greater than the benefits of classic fitness exercises. Fighters burn a huge amount of calories, work out almost all the muscles. And people who have chosen martial arts also train psychological health.
Boxing and Thai Boxing: Basic Information
Very often, beginner athletes are concerned about the question: what to choose - boxing or Thai boxing? To answer it, you should familiarize yourself with the types of struggle closer. The main similarity between these two types of martial arts is the technique of combat. It is based on bumps. Both boxing and Thai boxing are ideal for defense in real conditions. After all, strikes do not require holding the enemy, which means they provide mobility. In addition, both types require a correct attitude towards the enemy. Contestants are forbidden to use verbal and physical methods of insulting not only before and during the fight, but also after it. There is also a code of honor, according to which fighters are obliged to respect the laws and traditions of the country where the competitions are held, to be an example of honesty and nobility.
Duel styles: is there a difference?
Despite the similarities, boxing and martial arts Muay Thai have significant differences. For example, in boxing you can strike only with your hands, an attack with your elbows or shoulders is strictly prohibited! For safety reasons, boxers use special gloves. By the way, the range of blows is also limited - you can apply them only to the upper body of the enemy. A hook below the belt is a direct path to disqualification. In addition, boxers must not:
- hustle;
- bite;
- strike in the back of the head;
- beat on the kidneys.
Both boxing and Thai boxing are forbidden. The differences are that in Thai boxing, the “peaceful distance” between athletes is significantly reduced. Muay Thai is a much tougher kind of martial arts. In addition to fists, in Thai boxing you can strike with your elbows, lower legs, knees, feet. In the United States of America, because of its ruthlessness and effectiveness, Muay Thai was called "mortal combat." After all, the blows that the opponents deliver to each other are powerful and swift, it is extremely difficult not only to block, but even to see!
Another unique feature of Muay Thai martial arts is the musical accompaniment. The fabulous combination of flute and drums, which is traditional Thai music, gives a special entertainment to the battles.
Who would suit Thai boxing and boxing?
Martial arts are available to people of any age. However, it is better to start a sports career at the age of seven to ten years. Very often, parents are convinced that boxing is a synonym for high injuries, but it is worth noting that teachers competently build the training process, minimizing possible risks. Refuse classes, justifying the presence of excess weight, is not worth it. During boxing or Muay Thai, it’s very easy to get fit.
Like other sports, boxing and Muay Thai are not suitable for everyone. For martial arts, you need not only a healthy mind, but also a healthy body. There are a number of contraindications. The Thai boxing club will not accept people:
- with atherosclerosis of the brain;
- epilepsy;
- arrhythmia;
- coronary heart disease;
- heart disease;
- bronchial asthma;
- tuberculosis
- peptic ulcer disease;
- leukemia
- anemia
- hemophilia;
- diabetes mellitus;
- arthritis.
Martial Arts Rules
If you decide that you really need boxing or Thai boxing, you should get acquainted with the basic principles and rules of these sports and their history.
Muay Thai has been known to mankind since ancient times. Historians claim that Thai boxing appeared more than twenty centuries ago! Boxing is much younger - as a sport it was recognized only in the eighteenth century. And only in 1892 did the first professional fights begin to take place.
The Thai Boxing Federation of Russia in 1996 approved the first rules of the competition. The fifth edition of these rules is now in force, adopted ten years later, in 2006. All changes to the regulations were made in accordance with the recommendations of the world's largest Thai boxing organization WMF.
At amateur boxing competitions equipment is required. A helmet, a mouth guard, knee protectors, and shells in the groin can save you from serious injuries. But for professional Thai fighters, the use of equipment is optional. Amateur fights most often take place in a five-six-meter ring, professional meetings require a bigger ring - about seven meters. There is a division by weight in Thai boxing. With the intricacies of the rules of a novice athlete who came to a Thai boxing club, a trainer with extensive experience will introduce you. For example, only a professional can teach you how to hold your fist, strike. The trainer can also talk about why Thai boxing is also called the art of eight limbs or "eight-armed boxing."
Boxers, both professionals and amateurs, boxing trainers and veterans, are united by the Amateur Boxing Federation of Russia. This organization appeared in 1992. Its main goal is to popularize boxing and its development among the population of our country. The Amateur Boxing Federation of Russia is the organizer of boxing competitions at all levels, and is engaged in continuing education for athletes and coaches.
Competition rules severely limit boxers. The most important condition is one weight category. In addition, athletes are forbidden to turn away from the enemy and beat him with something other than a clenched fist. The age of fans performing at international competitions cannot be less than 17 and more than 34 years. But the restriction for professional boxers can only be physical condition.
Outfit of boxer and tie-boxer
Depending on what you choose - boxing or Thai boxing, it is worth considering the choice of high-quality equipment. Several centuries ago, the Thais needed only two strips of horse leather. Their fighters wrapped their fists. Today, in order to avoid serious damage, athletes use a whole arsenal of protective equipment. The mouth guard helps to preserve the tongue and teeth, ankle socks will protect you from spraining your ankles. An inguinal shell made of metal will not be superfluous. Shields and knee pads - essentials for sparring. In addition, the novice athlete will need bandages to help maintain the correct position of the hand, and light gloves. Thai boxing classes include light shoes and Thai underpants.
A similar set will be needed by those who choose boxing: a mouth guard and a bandage-shell, comfortable sportswear and shoes, bandages and gloves. A special helmet will protect you from shock and cuts. And special shoes - boxers - a real salvation from sprains and dislocations.
Boxer First Aid Kit
Athletes who choose boxing or Thai boxing are prone to various injuries. Therefore, it is important to choose the necessary medicines. The first thing you need to get - bandages, cotton wool, bactericidal plasters, hydrogen peroxide. Iodine, ammonia, warming and cooling ointments and sprays will not be superfluous. Antineoplastic and painkillers may also come in handy.
How to become a champion: 7 tips for beginners
Boxing is power, but Thai boxing is different in speed. The pros and cons of these two martial arts, each determines for himself. But athletes who have spent more than one year fighting can give newcomers useful tips:
- it is worth using deceptive movements with a subsequent attack;
- provoke an opponent to attack and attack him sharply;
- Do not expose the back of the head and back to the opponent;
- not to be motionless so that the opponent does not have time to find a weak spot;
- change the rhythm of the battle and position so that the opponent is not used to them;
- mix long and short attacks;
- monitor the external manifestations of pain and fatigue and in no case show them.
Weak sex: women in boxing and tae
Increasingly, the martial arts are chosen by representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. There are many reasons for this: firstly, boxing and Thai boxing is a good cardio training. Thanks to regular classes, you can lose weight, tidy up the cardiovascular system.
Secondly, women are attracted by the quick effect: the muscles almost immediately become embossed and toned. And thirdly, boxing and tie-boxing help to develop a reaction and learn the basics of self-defense. The main condition for women is the use of protection for the chest, made of elastic material with sewn-in plastic cups.