I take Muay Thai and am considering changing schools because I am moving.
The gym I am at now focuses on speed and "punches in bunches" to overwhelm opponents. The Muay Thai classes are more MMA-oriented in that, we keep our hands in a "western boxing" type of stance(elbows in close to the ribs)
The other gym I'm thinking of joining focuses much more on power than speed, and is more of a "traditional thai camp" type of place. Because of this, their stance is the traditional thai stance with the elbows out from the ribs and the hands high up at the temples.
I don't really understand this stance, leaving your ribs open like that. Don't they get kicked in the ribs all the time?
Also, from a self-defense standpoint, which is more important in your opinion? Speed or power?
I realize they are both important, and obviously it depends on who your opponent is, but I'm asking from a general self-defense standpoint as self-defense is the main reason I train.
Hope to hear from some thai boxers. Thanks!
The gym I am at now focuses on speed and "punches in bunches" to overwhelm opponents. The Muay Thai classes are more MMA-oriented in that, we keep our hands in a "western boxing" type of stance(elbows in close to the ribs)
The other gym I'm thinking of joining focuses much more on power than speed, and is more of a "traditional thai camp" type of place. Because of this, their stance is the traditional thai stance with the elbows out from the ribs and the hands high up at the temples.
I don't really understand this stance, leaving your ribs open like that. Don't they get kicked in the ribs all the time?
Also, from a self-defense standpoint, which is more important in your opinion? Speed or power?
I realize they are both important, and obviously it depends on who your opponent is, but I'm asking from a general self-defense standpoint as self-defense is the main reason I train.
Hope to hear from some thai boxers. Thanks!