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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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🔥 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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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In this episode, we dive into the necessity of adopting a new approach to Muay Thai training, where practically applied sports science compliments traditional methods.Join us as we explore the four compelling reasons why this new approach is essential for fighters looking to maximise their potential...From establishing clear definitions of training…
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Beating stronger Muay Thai fighters in your weight class requires strategy... Your natural attributes form the foundation of your fight style, and those attributes are relative to others in your weight class. If you regularly find yourself up against stronger opponents, you need a strategy that avoids your opponent's best assets and plays into your…
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Fight week peaking is an often misunderstood stage of an effective fight camp. Far too many fighters completely overdo it, scared they’ll lose their hard-earned fitness… Only to sabotage themselves at the last minute! Having the confidence to let your fitness shine as your fatigue declines, requires that you trust the training process. This excerpt…
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The world of Muay Thai is changing. Athletic performance matters more than ever. Gone are the days when Thai fighters had a monopoly on the sport. Today, Western fighters are using sports science and professional training methods to close the gap on their Thai counterparts. If you're a Muay Thai fighter or a coach who wants to stay ahead of the cur…
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Don't underestimate the importance of discipline in strength and conditioning. It's all too easy to become distracted by what's shiny and new, only to shortcut progress by playing your ace too early... Or, to charge headlong into overuse injury and the frustration of time out of training. You can look at that next block of training, but don't touch…
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The Muay Thai round kick is one most powerful kicks in martial arts. To avoid smashing your foot to smithereens when throwing your round kick, you must master range, kicking foot position, and tactical setup.This episode shares in-depth thoughts on getting these aspects right!Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2023/05/12/technical-…
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There's even more to motivation than you think... Winning by knockout is the best feeling in the world. Seeing the referee standing over your opponent waving off the fight, you feel almost immortal.But, in a well-matched fight, anything can happen. In an instant, one mistake can render you helpless – all your hard work cancelled out.Nothing else ca…
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Taking action is only half the battle. Your REASON for taking action is just as critical, and can either kill your determination off completely, or ignite your motivation along with your results.If you want to stay in the game long enough to find out how far you can really go, you must get under the hood of motivation and figure out which of the 6 …
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Those in Muay Thai, especially at the highest level, know that the public perception of fighters is wrong.Kevin Ross is a fighter. He may have retired from competition, but he IS a fighter.For him, Muay Thai is not just a ring tool, it's really a life tool....It makes you face your struggles in a way the world tends not to, and you come out differe…
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Most likely, if you ask your Muay Thai trainer what fitness training you should do outside of your Muay Thai sessions, you’re told to simply run a number of times a week, and maybe do a little weight training if you want to…It’s largely down to you. And aside from “do more” when you have a fight coming up, there’s little guidance and rarely any str…
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As fighters become more experienced, we must understand how to coach them so they don’t become stale. Experts in any field are ruthlessly good at the basics. What marks the best apart from the rest, is their ability to revisit and resharpen their foundational practice. It’s vital that those at the top of their game recognise both that skill is peri…
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What is authentic Muay Thai training now, and has it evolved for the better? Muay Thai has a deep history. And when it comes to the ring sport we’ve all come to love, the period between 1980 and 1995 known as “The Golden Era”, spawned arguably the most talented fighters ever. Names like Dieselnoi, Samart, Jongsanan, and Sakmongkol demand almost sup…
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Your work life and fight life are in conflict. I know you feel the clock is ticking, that you’re running out of time when it comes to finding out how far you can go in Muay Thai. It was true for me, and it’s true for everyone – regardless if they compete or not. We all have a “bucket list”, and although Muay Thai is on there, you feel that your wor…
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Losing a fight by doing too much? Paul Banasiak shares that losing his Glory debut fight taught him to not over-effort... That it's important to balance risk and reward, and that doing more or going harder in a fight doesn't necessarily equate to bigger, better results. Be aware of the "glitches" you suffer by overthinking instructions and losing y…
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When scheduling your weekly training plan for fighters, although many fighters and coaches are doing the right things, they organise their training weeks too haphazardly to get the full training effect or inadvertently cancel out performance gains entirely. At best this wastes effort, at worst, it burns out fighters and injures them. But, you can a…
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These days, fighter training has become more sophisticated. Coaches, fighters, and hobbyists alike all realise that to remain healthy, injury free and perform their best it takes more than steady runs, bag work, pad work, and sparring. But, what types of sessions are needed? How often should you train? What order should sessions go? Organising your…
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Some pre fight rituals boost confidence and performance, while others hamper it! Having established an understanding of why rituals and superstitions speak directly to your emotional mind in high-stakes situations to boost confidence and performance in part 1... In this episode, we lever this understanding to pick the best rituals and personalise t…
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