Muay Thai is referred to as "The Science of Eight Limbs", as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art. A master practitioner of Muay Thai thus has the ability to execute strikes using eight "points of contact," as opposed to "two points" (fists) in Western boxing and "four points" (fists, feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts.

Like most competitive full contact fighting sports, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on body conditioning. Muay Thai is specifically designed to promote the level of fitness and toughness required for ring competition if the student decides work toward that goal. Training regimens include many staples of combat sport conditioning such as running, shadowboxing, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, medicine ball exercises, abdominal exercises, and in some cases weight training.

Training that is specific to a Muay Thai fighter includes training with teachers and working with student partners on Thai pads, focus mitts, and also working indivicually on a bag circuit, which includes heavy bags, speed bags, etc.  Thai pad training is a cornerstone of Muay Thai conditioning which involves practicing punches, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes with a teacher or student partner wearing thick pads which cover the forearms and hands. These special pads are used to absorb the impact of the fighter’s strikes and allow the fighter to react to the attacks of the pad holder.

Focus mitts are specific to training a fighter’s hand speed, punch combinations, timing, punching power, defense, and counter-punching are may also be used to practice elbow strikes. Heavy bag training is a conditioning and power exercise that reinforces the techniques practiced on the pads.

If the student desires to move to a level of fighting, sparring is a means to test technique, skills, range, strategy, and timing against a partner. Sparring is often a light to medium contact exercise because competitive fighters on a full schedule are not advised to risk injury by sparring hard.

 Muay Thai Class Guidelines

In order to maintain the standards of a professional classroom environment, we must enforce the following guidelines in the Muay Thai program: 

• Students enrolled in the Thai program are required to wear their uniform to each and every class.  The Muay Thai shorts that are provided as part of our uniform are required, as well as a "Choose your Weapon" or Kempo T. Shirt.  No low-cut tank tops/shirts, (loose fitting shirts) or pants are allowed in class.  Also, we cannot allow vulgar or obscene logos on T. Shirts in the classroom.
• No outside shoes are allowed on the training floor.  We recommend taking class barefoot or obtaining training shoes that are only worn for class and not used as "outside shoes".
• Use only approved boxing gloves and wraps that are either purchased or borrowed from PMATC.  Everyone must have an equal level of protection.  Please do not bring equipment purchased from outside sources.
• A courtesy bow is always done when working with a partner as a sign of respect, dicipline and humility.  Bow when beginning or ending a training session with a partner.
• If you have long hair it must be pulled back out of the way to prevent it from being accidently pulled.
• Jewelry should never be worn to class.  If you cannot remove all of your jewelry you must speak with the instructor running the class for that day.  Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. can break easily during normal class activities.  They may also unintentionally injure your partner or yourself during training.
• Stay focused on your instructor; please do not move or speak while the instructor is explaining or demonstrating concepts or techniques.
• Demonstrate proper posture at all times; no leaning against walls, poles or equipment.
• No foul language is permitted in the school.
• No gum or food is allowed in the training room.
• It is recommended that you always bring a clean towel and plenty of water for each class.
• Arrive approximately 15 minutes before class to warm up.
• Always come to class with a positive attitude.  Be encouraging and supportive of your classmates' efforts.  Come to class each day with a desire to learn something new!

The instructors reserve the right to dismiss any student from class at any time!!!