Sound corrected version!! Many fighters and coaches misunderstand just how much Muay Thai training is really needed to achieve the best performance possible.***Apologies for having to re-upload this episode! I completely messed up the audio with the background music on the original... Doh! A huge thanks to everyone who provided feedback—it really h…

In part 4, scientific skills training for fighters is enhanced with deliberate play! We discuss a continuum from deliberate practice – where skill training is structured and effortful, to deliberate play – where skill training is creative and enjoyable. And how there's a need for both! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Power of Play! 00:19 Deliberate Practice v…

In part 3, scientific skills training for fighters becomes STRUCTURED! We discuss placing skills training in a periodised progression (as you approach a fight), skills training RPE, and take a closer look at a training session worked example too…TIMESTAMPS00:00 RPE For New Skill Development 00:22 TUF – Technique Under Fatigue 00:48 Skill Training P…

In this second part, we continue to apply scientific skills training for fighters to fast-track Muay Thai skill development… We explore how to best practice new skills in a training session, to ensure you not only: Acquire skills quickly, cleanly, and retain them long-term, but also… Retain skills in a way that carries over into practical, real-wor…

In this first episode, we begin looking at how scientific skills training for fighters can accelerate your Muay Thai skill development by answering two fundamental questions: What’s the quickest way to learn a new Muay Thai skill with the highest quality? What’s the best way to practice so you don’t lose that skill? As a fighter, you might not like…

Coaching for your first fight can make or break your competitive Muay Thai aspirations – whether you're sharpening up with non-decision bouts or aiming for titles someday. World-class Muay Thai coach Damien Trainor shares his philosophy on introducing students to competition. He emphasises the importance of getting to know your fighter and, crucial…

Pro fighter Angela Chang opens up about a critical mistake she made during her Muay Thai training in Thailand: pushing herself too hard and hitting the burnout wall. Discover how she learned to understand her limits and maintain peak performance without overstepping. Many fighters don’t push themselves hard enough, missing their full potential. Con…

Is watching teammates before your fight a mistake? Coach Bryan Popejoy discusses the potential consequence of doing so on your energy levels in your own fight.Your body is a holistic system, mobilising energy based on your brain’s perception of your environment.The more emotionally invested you are, the greater the level of autonomic system arousal…

I’ve always been able to take a body shot. A bulletproof core has always been my superpower. It allowed me to become a dominant Muay Khao fighter, completely unfazed by trading the heaviest of knees in the clinch… Confident I could inflict much more damage than I would take. To take a Muay Thai body shot you must both develop the prerequisite core …

Unlike many sports, in Muay Thai you can excel regardless of your stature or body type. It's possible to find a personal Muay Thai style for you. Tall fighters, short fighters, strong fighters, fast fighters! With so many tools in the box, Muay Thai allows you to play to your strengths. Develop the Muay Thai skill to fight using a style that suits …

Now in my fifties, the training mistakes I made as a young fighter are finally catching up with me... If some training is good, and more means quicker results, then even more training is even better, right? That's how it felt at the time. However, time and scientific evidence have proved me wrong! The fact is, I'm part of an emerging demographic of…

Why can't you fight how you spar in training? Why are you so stiff, clumsy, and fatigued? The key to understanding your first fight performance is to recognise the undeniable influence of your psychology on your physiology! Yerkes-Dodson anyone? In this episode, we discuss the tipping point between the optimal amount of stress to achieve your best …

Are you a fighter training around injury? Should you be resting up or smashing on regardless? I've pushed on when I shouldn't have, and needlessly backed off too. There are lessons to learn here. Injury is part of any athlete's journey. But for fighters, managing injury well can separate you from the competition... In this episode: 00:00 Two Types …

Even for fighters, running efficiency matters! Wasted running effort hurts more than just your running time… Injuries will catch up with you sooner or later. And don’t assume your running technique is good – even if you’re fast, and you don’t currently have injuries. I did, and I was wrong! Although combat sports athletes don’t need optimal running…

The secret to training fighter endurance is to plug the gaps in fighting fitness typically left behind by regular bag work, pad work, and sparring practice.Don't do more of the same, develop what's missing.For most fighters, that means targeting GENERAL ENERGY PRODUCTION – the heart and lungs – rather than LOCAL ENERGY UTILISATION at the muscles th…

Fighter performance testing …It’s cool to see how you measure up… But, if you don’t use the results to personalise your training, then don’t bother testing! Progressing beyond the previous two episodes (weaponising your Anaerobic Threshold), let’s shine a light on how the 12 minute Cooper Run can plug into a battery of performance testing for fight…

When it comes to heart rate training, your maximum heart rate is far less important than knowing your anaerobic threshold heart rate. Most of the time, I don’t care what a fighter’s max heart rate is. But it’s vital I know their anaerobic threshold heart rate… Was that a hard training session? Your heart will tell you – if you know what you’re doin…

Welcome back to part 2 of Training Youth Fighters! In this episode, we continue our exploration into the art of training youth fighters, focusing on the crucial concept of finding balance.Join me as we dive deep into the intricacies of youth training methodology. We'll dissect the common pitfalls of early over-specialisation and the detrimental eff…

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic that concerns many coaches, parents, and young athletes alike: is weight training safe for youth Muay Thai athletes?As a seasoned coach with a deep understanding of athletic development, I break down the nuances of incorporating weight training into the training regimen of young Muay Thai enthusiasts. W…

Join me in this video coaching session as I share a series of Muay Thai pad work drills using a concept I call “Observation Clusters”.I'll guide you through advanced techniques designed to sharpen your combat skills and enhance your ability to read and react to your opponent's movements effectively. We'll explore the art of throwing combinations wh…

Dive into how my passion for Muay Thai triggered my transformation from engineer to Muay Thai pro and discover how you can fast-track your own journey to success!In this compelling video, I share my pivotal decision to leave behind stability for the thrill of Muay Thai. Learn how I merged modern science with tradition to create a winning formula.Fr…

Want to get better at slipping punches and angling off attacks?In this video, I break down my go-to combo for drilling evasive head movement - the classic 1-2-3 of jab, cross, hook. The key isn't just bobbing your head, but using footwork and hip rotation to naturally shift your head position as you step into your punch.We start by throwing the 1-2…

You asked. Here are the answers! In this episode I answer your burning Muay Thai questions, covering topics like:* The benefits of Zone 2 cardio training and how to implement it into your Muay Thai training* Optimising for faster in-between round recovery* The ideal sparring frequency for casual and competing Nak Muays* The biggest weaknesses I see…

Growth mindset for fighters? I used to believe my abilities were fixed - until sporting achievements opened my eyes to growth mindset.After childhood math trauma, I was convinced I lacked numerical talent. But unexpected successes in sports showed me that with strategic practice, I could improve dramatically. My fixed mindset began to crumble.I rea…

Muay Thai sport specific training has it's place. But there are hidden risks. 😱Many fighters don't realise there's a tipping point where more sport-specific training stops helping and starts increasing overuse injury risk instead. 🛑The more training hours you put in, and the more years you’ve been in the game, compounds this risk.And the older you …

Skip the outdated bro-splits and use the essential exercise patterns to start training like combat sport athlete…It's not enough to just lift weights - we need to train our bodies in a way that transfers directly to better striking, clinching, and evasion.In this video I break down the 8 fundamental exercise movement patterns that every fighter mus…

Fighters achieving goals! Feels awesome right? Well, yes and no… If you’re struggling to feel fulfilled and find direction after reaching a big goal in the sport, you’re not alone. In this episode, Muay Thai aficionado Matt Lucas shares his personal experience running a marathon but feeling indifferent after finishing. Reaching goals can be anticli…

Fight training without a fight? It may seem counterintuitive, but you CAN capture the performance benefits of a fight camp without ever stepping foot in the ring.The secret lies in periodisation - strategically planning your training into blocks that progressively build strength, power, speed, and Muay Thai specific skills. This optimised structure…

Supersets done the right way pack twice the punch into your workouts without hogging gym space. Learn clever superset strategies to boost resistance training in half the time. Learn the ideal gym setup, pick the right exercises, and master timing for efficient workouts. Listen now to elevate your strength game without annoying your gym buddies! TIM…

Fighters and front squats don't initially tend to get on so well. But, with some perseverance, this relationship transforms!In this episode, I share my journey from hating front squats to making them one of my favorite lifts.Discover how to create a solid "meat shelf" with your shoulders, drive those elbows forward, and activate your lats to own th…

🔥 Ironically, a fighter's enthusiasm to dominate in the ring might lead them down the wrong path—both in training and strategically on fight night.By making smarter decisions regarding how you train your Muay Thai conditioning, you'll not only enhance your physical performance but also elevate your fight IQ.👊 Insights Explored:* Strategic Endurance…

Struggling to find the perfect weight increments for your dumbbell workouts? Forget about expensive fractional plates and discover a game-changing trick to fine-tune your progressive overload and hit your target loads with precision. No more struggling with too-light or too-heavy dumbbells. In this episode, I'll unveil the secret weapon I use with …

Want to know how to use a short fight camp in Thailand to boost your fight performance for a fight immediately when you return home? The secret lies as much in what you DON'T do as much as what you DO do!In this episode, a behind-the-scenes of an in-depth coaching session where we dive into unlocking the full potential of your short yet intense Mua…

There’s an intricate relationship between managing life stress and training stress. In this episode, gain invaluable insights into how stress impacts your performance, both inside and outside the gym, from the unique perspective of a seasoned Muay Thai, and strength and conditioning coach. Join me as I decode the correlation between General Adaptat…

Welcome fellow enthusiasts and aspiring fighters. I’m here today to share my own story, one that I hope will resonate with many of you who have ever wondered, “Am I too old to pursue my passion for Muay Thai?” You see, I’ve asked myself that very question, and what I’ve learned along the way is that age is just a number; it doesn’t define your drea…

The untold truth about resistance training in Muay Thai. Learn more about incorporating resistance training seamlessly into your training routine. Discover why traditional Thai trainers have been skeptical, and how you can strike a balance between these two worlds. Resistance training isn't just about raw power; it's your body's insurance policy ag…

Let’s face it; Muay Thai is a world where form and function are inseparable... For fighters, it’s not just about how you perform in the ring; it’s also about how you present yourself. A well-built physique can boost confidence and even intimidate opponents. While muscle-building isn’t the primary goal for Muay Thai fighters aiming to dominate their…

Uncover the science behind a more powerful Muay Thai kick with Prof. Tony Myers! From ongoing research, get exclusive insights into elevating your kick’s power and mastering the art and science of Muay Thai. Dive into the nuance of speed, technique, and impactful strikes, exploring everything from relaxed effort to cultural differences in power app…

Explore the backstory of the highly-anticipated ONE Championship Strawweight World Muay Thai Title clash between Smilla Sundell and Allycia Rodrigues! In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Muay Thai commentator and aficionado, Matt Lucas, as we dive into the details leading up to this epic showdown. Before the event, we delved into…

Fight ready pad work isn't just about sweating out; it's about crafting a strategic approach that replicates the fight's intensity.Dive deep into the nuances of fight-specific training in this episode, as we uncover how to leverage pad work sessions for maximum psychological and physical benefit, ensuring you're sharp and agile for the big day.Whet…

Fight endurance management isn't just about lasting longer in the ring; it's the cornerstone of every champion's success story. It's the heart and soul of every bout, every grind, every win. Inside This Episode: The subtle dance of fight endurance management: Why it's the game-changer in Muay Thai. The Dynamics of Endurance: How it shapes every pun…

Doping... We're venturing into some controversial territory today, Muay Thai, with its rich legacy, finds itself at a crossroads, and it's time we address it head-on. Inside this episode: How the spirit of Muay Thai is being put to the test The insidious rise of performance enhancers in the world of combat sports The stark reality behind performanc…

Unlock the true potential of elusive footwork in Muay Thai to power up your counter strategy with lessons learned directly from Yodsanklai Fairtex. Dive deep into strategic footwork patterns, leverage them for fight-winning techniques, and comprehend the rationale behind each move. Inside this episode: Footwork Foundation: How the simple nuances in…

Muay Thai guarding is more of an art than a science, and is a critical skill that can transform your sparring and fighting abilities. Let’s dive into the key aspects that can help refine your defensive strategy to level up your protection, while downscaling your cognitive load – a winning combination for any fighter! In this episode, we unravel the…

Ready to consider a new fight camp mindset that will level up your Muay Thai game?Say goodbye to the old fight camp norms and embrace a path of continuous growth. Experience a groundbreaking shift in mindset that will elevate your performance to new heights.Challenge the traditional fight camp mentality and adopt a progressive approach that transfo…

One thing’s for sure, at some stage, every fighter will push their training too far and burn themselves out. Likely, getting sick or injured, along with feeling grumpy, depressed and lacking motivation to train at all. You can both catch this before it happens and recover from it quicker, IF you understand the three stages on the overtraining conti…

Heading on vacation in five weeks? Let’s make those weeks count! Join Lorenzo as he fine-tunes his standard 4-week training block to make the most of the FIVE weeks before his travels! In this episode, we review the proven 4-week strength conditioning structure: 3 weeks of progression and 1 DELOAD week… But how can you extend it to 5 weeks without …

If you fail the prescribed number of reps in your training program... why did it happen, and what should you do?In this episode, we delve into the intriguing nuances of rep max testing...We uncover the occasional phenomenon where exceptional performance during testing doesn't translate to sustained success in the training block. And highlight the i…

Gear up for an eye-opening episode as we dive into the fascinating topic of "Squats vs Muay Thai Kicks." Join us as we tackle James' query on integrating strength training with Muay Thai techniques. Despite boasting impressive lifting numbers, James finds himself trailing behind professional fighters in terms of fighting ability and technique. Shou…

Muay Thai is more than a martial art. Much more.Prepare to challenge your perceptions of Muay Thai as we uncover the unspoken truth – fighters are more than mere martial artists.In this eye-opening video, we explore the evolution of Muay Thai from a traditional martial art born of the battlefield, to a battleground for modern athlete warriors.While…