Part of the guide: Muay Thai in Great Yarmouth: the complete guide
Your first Muay Thai class can feel like a big step. It does not have to. This guide covers what to bring, what happens and how to behave. It is a companion to our complete Muay Thai guide.
What should I bring to my first Muay Thai class?
Bring water and wear comfortable clothes. Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt are fine. You train barefoot.
You do not need your own gloves. We can lend gloves for your first session. Please do not buy kit before you have tried a class. Ask us and we will tell you what is worth buying later.
When should I arrive?
Arrive a few minutes early. That gives you time to say hello, change and meet the coach.
Tell the coach it is your first time. They will make sure you know where to stand and what to do. Check the timetable so you pick a session that fits.
What happens in the class?
The class has a clear shape. You warm up, work on technique, train with a partner and finish with conditioning.
- Warm-up and skipping
- Technique drills on pads
- Partner work and clinch
- Conditioning and stretch down
Skipping may sound easy. It is harder than it looks and it is a great warm-up. On the pads you learn stance, guard and basic strikes. Take your time. Good form matters more than power.
Will I get hit on my first day?
No. Not as a beginner. You start with technique and pad work.
Contact is built up slowly. Sparring is optional and only happens when you are ready. It never happens in your first session.
What is the etiquette in a Muay Thai gym?
Be on time, be respectful and look after your partner.
Listen when the coach is speaking. Keep your kit clean and your nails short. Take off jewellery. Work at a pace that suits your partner. If something hurts, say so. Thank your partner at the end. These small habits make a gym a good place to be.
How will I feel afterwards?
Tired, and probably pleased. You may also feel a bit sore the next day. That is normal.
Drink water, eat well and rest. Most people find the second session easier. Your breathing and balance improve fast.
What if I feel nervous or unfit?
You are not the first and you will not be the last. Everyone in the room was a beginner once.
You do not need to be fit to start. You get fit by training. Go at your own pace. Rest when you need to. Tell the coach if you are worried. They will help.
How do I pick the right session?
Choose a session on the timetable that fits your week. Pick a time you can make again next week.
Kids have their own sessions, so adults should check which ones are for them. If you are unsure, use the contact page and ask.
What should I eat and drink before class?
Keep it light. Eat a small meal or snack a couple of hours before. Do not train on a very full stomach.
Drink water through the day, not just at the session. Bring a bottle to class. You will want it. After class, eat something with protein and rest well.
How often should I train as a beginner?
Twice a week is a good start. Come more as you get comfortable.
Do not rush. Muay Thai rewards regular practice more than occasional hard sessions. See the memberships page for ways to pay. Pay as you go suits a first visit.
