Muay Thai questions, answered

Muay Thai is the national combat sport of Thailand. It is called the art of eight limbs because you strike with fists, elbows, knees and shins. Fighters can also clinch: hold each other and strike with knees.

Yes. Most gyms run beginner classes and many offer a trial class. You do not need to be fit to start: you get fitter by training. Tell the trainer it is your first time.

Sports clothes, water and a towel. Hand wraps and gloves help, and many gyms rent or sell them. For sparring you will also need a mouthguard and shin guards. Ask the gym what they provide.

No. Many people train Muay Thai for fitness and never spar or fight. Sparring is usually for students who have trained for a while, and it is always your choice.

Muay Thai allows elbows, knees and the clinch. Many kickboxing rule sets do not allow elbows or the clinch. Some gyms teach both.

Yes. Thai boxing is the English name for Muay Thai.

Yes. Many gyms welcome visitors for a single session, a week or longer, from beginners to fighters. Some camps also offer rooms. Popular places are Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Pattaya.

Look at the rating and the number of reviews, read what students mention, and check the location on the map. Ask the gym about class times, group sizes and whether they teach beginners. Many people try a few gyms in their first week.

Tap Muay Thai near me on our home page to see the closest gyms with the distance and whether they are open right now. You can also search your town.

Not always. We show the opening hours from the gym's public map listing with a live Open now badge. Class times are often set separately, so check the gym's website or call before you go.