Muay Thai Footwork Mastery

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

#Sports #Muay Thai #Don Heatrick

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

about a year ago 11:10

MP3•Episode home

Ever feel like you’re a step behind in sparring? Is your Muay Thai footwork letting you down?

You throw a combo, step in, and suddenly—bam! You’re off balance, eating a counter. Or worse, your opponent angles off, and you’re left chasing them–like a beginner at their first dance class.

Muay Thai footwork isn’t just about moving—it’s about controlling the fight. And if your movement isn’t sharp, everything else suffers.

I know how frustrating that is. You drill your strikes, sharpen your clinch, but when it comes to footwork, it’s easy to overlook the details.

Most fighters focus on power and technique but overlook the one thing that makes it all flow: balance. Without it, your attacks weaken, your defence slows, and your movement becomes predictable.

Footwork isn’t about speed—it’s about control.

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of Muay Thai footwork—why it matters, how to fix common mistakes, and the drills that make all the difference.

Check it out now and level up your game.

KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction

00:24 Shadow Boxing: Your Secret Weapon for Muay Thai Footwork Mastery

01:17 The Muay Thai Stance: A Balance Between Defence and Offence

02:16 The Role of Stances in Effective Muay Thai Footwork

02:55 The Role of Footwork To Transition Between Stances

04:05 Yang Sam Khum: The Underrated Drill That Transforms Your Game

04:53 Old-School Training Methods That Still Work

06:10 Synchronising Hands and Feet: The Key to Power Transfer

08:22 Reorientate and Control the Fight Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/31/muay-thai-footwork-mastery/

151 episodes

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

Muay Thai Footwork Mastery

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

26 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Ever feel like you’re a step behind in sparring? Is your Muay Thai footwork letting you down?

Muay Thai footwork isn’t just about moving—it’s about controlling the fight. And if your movement isn’t sharp, everything else suffers.

I know how frustrating that is. You drill your strikes, sharpen your clinch, but when it comes to footwork, it’s easy to overlook the details.

Most fighters focus on power and technique but overlook the one thing that makes it all flow: balance. Without it, your attacks weaken, your defence slows, and your movement becomes predictable.

Footwork isn’t about speed—it’s about control.

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of Muay Thai footwork—why it matters, how to fix common mistakes, and the drills that make all the difference.

Check it out now and level up your game.

KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction

00:24 Shadow Boxing: Your Secret Weapon for Muay Thai Footwork Mastery

01:17 The Muay Thai Stance: A Balance Between Defence and Offence

02:16 The Role of Stances in Effective Muay Thai Footwork

02:55 The Role of Footwork To Transition Between Stances

04:05 Yang Sam Khum: The Underrated Drill That Transforms Your Game

04:53 Old-School Training Methods That Still Work

06:10 Synchronising Hands and Feet: The Key to Power Transfer

08:22 Reorientate and Control the Fight Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/31/muay-thai-footwork-mastery/

151 episodes

#Sports #Muay Thai #Don Heatrick

Все серии

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Asking the Right Questions During a Fight 3:46

5 days ago3:46

3:46

Are you asking the right questions during a fight? The fight isn’t just about power—it’s about strategy and problem-solving...Your brain is wired to recognize patterns and make split-second decisions based on experience.Sometimes, that gives you razor-sharp reactions. Other times, it leads you straight into danger.Every weight class has its own typical balance of strength, speed, and reach—and every fighter instinctively calibrates to those expectations.But the best fighters don’t just recognize patterns–they break them.A Muay Thai fight is a race to figure out your opponent before they figure you out.So when your opponent seems like that monster with all the answers, don’t panic.They don’t have you figured out—you just haven’t figured them out yet.KEY MOMENTSFollow along using these quick timestamps:00:00 Introduction 00:32 Fighting Is Like Driving a New Car 01:37 Respecting Differences in Relative Range 02:12 Three Questions That Shift the FightFurther notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/03/21/asking-the-right-questions-in-a-fight/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Muay Thai Fight IQ – Master Switching Fight Modes for Any Opponent 6:17

12 days ago6:17

6:17

Your Muay Thai fight IQ isn’t just about what you do best—it’s about what breaks your opponent. The key? Adaptability.You can’t force your favorite game onto every fighter. Instead, you need to recognize their style and adjust accordingly.Winning a game of rock-paper-scissors against someone who only ever throws rock is easy!Now, imagine stepping into a Muay Thai fight with someone who does the same thing—same attacks, same rhythm, same predictable game plan.If you know what’s coming, it’s only a matter of time before you crack the code and take over.But what if you’re the one stuck in a pattern? What happens when your favorite strategy isn’t working?I’ve been there. And so has every fighter who’s ever stepped into the ring.The problem? Sticking to one fight mode instead of adapting.The solution? Understanding Muay Thai Fight IQ—knowing which mode to use, when to use it, and how to switch gears mid-fight.Too many fighters think their style is set in stone.But this week’s episode breaks that myth—showing you how to fluidly switch fight modes and become your opponent’s worst nightmare.KEY MOMENTSFollow along using these quick timestamps:00:00 Introduction 00:44 The Aggressive Fighter 01:41 The Tricky Fighter 03:01 The Counter-Fighter 03:44 The Elusive Fighter 04:25 Fatigue and Switching Fight Modes 05:01 Fight IQ in a NutshellFurther notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/03/14/muay-thai-fight-iq-master-switching-fight-modes-for-any-opponent/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Fight Modes – Fight Strategy for Muay Thai 5:04

19 days ago5:04

5:04

Do you tend to fight on instinct, not quite sure what your actual fight strategy is? Maybe you’re great at pressing forward, but struggle against elusive opponents.Or perhaps you prefer to counter, but aggressive fighters throw you off your game. Every fighter has a natural, primary fight mode, and understanding it is the key to levelling up your game.Although, your fight mode alone isn’t enough. It’s when you combine your Fight Mode (how you engage) with your Fight Range (where you engage)—as discussed in last week’s episode—that your full fight strategy takes shape. This combination is what defines your fight style. The Four Main Fight Modes... At its core, Muay Thai fight strategy revolves around four key fight modes—aggressive, elusive, counter, and tricky. Most fighters lean heavily toward one mode, with a secondary they switch to when needed. But the rare ‘complete fighters’ can flow between all four seamlessly, adapting to any opponent. Understanding these modes is the key to reading your opponent and refining your own game. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 The Aggressive Fight Mode 01:02 The Elusive Fight Mode 01:18 The Counter Fight Mode 01:28 The Tricky Fight Mode 02:23 The Core Principle – Aggressive vs. Elusive 03:03 Aggressive Mode – Counter Fighters and Tricky Fighters 03:44 Elusive Mode – Counter Fighters and Tricky Fighters Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/03/07/fight-modes-fight-strategy-for-muay-thai/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Mastering Muay Thai Range Control 6:23

26 days ago6:23

6:23

Ever watched a Muay Thai fight where one guy just seems one step ahead the entire time? No matter what his opponent throws, he’s already gone—or already in his face, shutting everything down. It looks like magic, but it’s not. It’s range control. And if you’re not thinking about it, you’re giving away fights before they even start. Why Techniques Alone Won’t Save You... Most fighters get obsessed with perfecting techniques. Sharper combos. Faster kicks. Better defense. But here’s the thing: Techniques are just tools. If you don’t understand when and where to use them, you’re just throwing weapons into the void, hoping they land. Winning fights isn’t about memorizing moves—it’s about controlling where the fight happens. That’s what separates tactical fighters from brawlers. Strategy first, tactics second.KEY MOMENTSFollow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Strategy vs. Tactics: The Big-Picture Approach 01:17 Breaking Down the Ranges 02:18 How to Exploit Your Opponent’s Weaknesses 03:23 The Flow of Range Control in a Fight 04:38 Your Body Naturally Selects the Right Weapon Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/02/28/mastering-muay-thai-range-control/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
How much running? How fast to cut fat? Let’s settle this! 6:47

6 weeks ago6:47

6:47

Ever feel like there’s too much conflicting advice on training? One coach tells you to run every day, another says it’s a waste of time. Some fighters swear by cutting hard and fast, while others say slow and steady is the only way.So which is it?This week, while helping the new Heavy Hitters intake get set up, I pulled two big questions from our YouTube comments that cut right to the heart of these debates:* How much running actually benefits a Muay Thai athlete, and when does it start hurting performance?* Should you cut weight aggressively or focus on slow, steady body recomposition?Let’s clear things up.KEY MOMENTSFollow along using these quick timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:26 Question 1 How much running?01:01 Avoid More of the Same01:20 Plug Gaps in General Fitness Adaptations01:43 Targeted Cardio = 3x Sessions Per Week01:57 Avoid Long Steady Cardio Over 60 mins02:09 Fighting Demands 6–15 mins work02:30 Minimum Training Dose02:55 Aerobic Capacity–When?03:26 Question 2 Lean first or go for slow fat loss?04:24 Muscle is Hard Earned & Easily Lost04:43 Focus on Performance Not Body Weight05:12 Nutrition to Hold Onto Muscle05:46 My AdviceFurther notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/02/14/how-much-running-how-fast-to-cut-fat-lets-settle-this/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Muay Thai Footwork Mastery 11:10

8 weeks ago11:10

11:10

Ever feel like you’re a step behind in sparring? Is your Muay Thai footwork letting you down? You throw a combo, step in, and suddenly—bam! You’re off balance, eating a counter. Or worse, your opponent angles off, and you’re left chasing them–like a beginner at their first dance class. Muay Thai footwork isn’t just about moving—it’s about controlling the fight. And if your movement isn’t sharp, everything else suffers. I know how frustrating that is. You drill your strikes, sharpen your clinch, but when it comes to footwork, it’s easy to overlook the details. Most fighters focus on power and technique but overlook the one thing that makes it all flow: balance . Without it, your attacks weaken, your defence slows, and your movement becomes predictable. Footwork isn’t about speed—it’s about control . In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of Muay Thai footwork—why it matters, how to fix common mistakes, and the drills that make all the difference. Check it out now and level up your game. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Shadow Boxing: Your Secret Weapon for Muay Thai Footwork Mastery 01:17 The Muay Thai Stance: A Balance Between Defence and Offence 02:16 The Role of Stances in Effective Muay Thai Footwork 02:55 The Role of Footwork To Transition Between Stances 04:05 Yang Sam Khum: The Underrated Drill That Transforms Your Game 04:53 Old-School Training Methods That Still Work 06:10 Synchronising Hands and Feet: The Key to Power Transfer 08:22 Reorientate and Control the Fight Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/31/muay-thai-footwork-mastery/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
How To Improve Balance for Muay Thai 6:40

9 weeks ago6:40

6:40

Have you ever watched an elite Muay Thai fighter and thought, “They make it look so effortless”? It’s not just their technique or strategy that sets them apart—it’s their balance . You see, balance isn’t just about staying upright. In Muay Thai, balance is the foundation of composure —it’s the ability to dominate exchanges, win rounds, and control the fight. Under the Thai judging system, it’s absolutely crucial. Scoring in Muay Thai isn’t just about landing strikes—it’s about proving their effect . Cuts, bruises, or a limp demonstrate impact, but nothing screams dominance more than causing your opponent to lose balance. Think about it : A well-balanced fighter absorbs even powerful strikes without flinching. An unbalanced fighter stumbles—even from weaker hits—giving away points. Here’s the catch : if you lose balance after throwing a strike, it won’t score as highly either. Professor Tony Myers, in his 2013 research on elite Muay Thai fighters, summarises it perfectly: “The findings also point to the need for athletes and coaches to focus on balance before, during, and after technique delivery.” Balance isn’t optional–if you want to level up, it’s your 80/20 priority . How Do You Train Balance? This week’s video tackles this topic head-on... KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:22 What balance really is 01:35 Training for better balance 02:11 Using a heavy bag to practice balance skill 02:46 Using multiple kicks to train balance 03:19 Feeling your balance shift 03:56 Balance as part of the Optimal Performance Pyramid 04:27 Sport-specific balance example 05:27 Rounding things up Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/24/how-to-improve-balance-for-muay-thai/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Am I Ready For My First Fight? 3:41

11 weeks ago3:41

3:41

Thinking about your first fight ? Knowing when you're truly ready isn’t about perfection—it’s about pushing yourself past your comfort zone. In this video, I’ll break down how to tell if your training has plateaued and why stepping into the ring is the next step in your growth. If your training isn’t challenging you anymore, it might be time to embrace the discomfort and get ready for your first fight—and the lessons that come with it. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Readiness for Your First Fight 00:26 Navigating the Perfectionist Trap for Your First Fight 01:35 The Comfort Zone and How It Relates to Your First Fight 02:39 Flow and Growth: The 104% Rule Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/10/am-i-ready-for-my-first-fight/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Muay Thai & The Quest for Self Discovery with Abasolo, Ten Pow, Ghazali, and Todd 5:44

12 weeks ago5:44

5:44

Every Muay Thai fighter embarks on the quest for self discovery, and it's a journey that tests you in every way. It's about pushing past physical boundaries, but also about evolving mentally and emotionally. In this video, we dive into how the fighters who’ve shaped their careers have embraced the quest for self-discovery, evolving through struggles, setbacks, and triumphs. Through the lens of Muay Thai, the quest is about building resilience, adapting, and uncovering deeper levels of potential. Watch as Eddie Abasolo, Asa Ten Pow, Johan Ghazali, and Janet Todd show us what happens when you commit fully to the pursuit of mastery—not just in sport, but in life itself. Ready to start your own journey? Then this is the video you’ve been waiting for! KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Self-Discovery 01:06 Eddie Abasolo: The Quest for Continuous Evolution 01:55 Asa Ten Pow: The Quest to Perfect His Craft 02:46 Johan Ghazali: The Quest for Experience and Mastery 03:40 Janet Todd: The Quest for the Perfect Farewell 04:29 Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Quest for Self-Discovery Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2025/01/03/muay-thai-the-quest-for-self-discovery-with-abasolo-ten-pow-ghazali-and-todd/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Embracing Imperfect Progress in Muay Thai with Kevin Ross 2:56

13 weeks ago2:56

2:56

In this video, Kevin Ross dives into the concept of imperfect progress and how it can be a crucial element in your martial arts journey. Following up on questions from our previous video, Ross shares valuable insights on navigating challenges and learning from mistakes. He emphasizes that while every fighter aims for success, it's the lessons learned through adversity that truly shape us. Are you tired of feeling stuck in your training? Join Ross as he discusses how to embrace the struggles and use them to fuel your growth in Muay Thai. He reflects on his unconventional path and highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 The Journey is Not Perfect 00:42 Imperfect Progress=Lessons from the Mistakes 01:32 Choice After Outcome Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/12/27/embracing-imperfect-progress-in-muay-thai-with-kevin-ross/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
The Power Of Muay Thai Play – Janet Todd 2:54

16 weeks ago2:54

2:54

In Muay Thai, the pressure to perfect every movement can hold you back from real growth. What if there was a more effective way to progress? Enter Muay Thai play—a mindset that combines structure with freedom, allowing you to experiment and adapt. In this episode, Janet Todd shares how embracing Muay Thai play helps break through mental barriers, encouraging faster learning and more fluid performance. Watch now to discover how you can enhance your skills by playing within your training, rather than striving for perfection. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Embracing the Flow: Muay Thai Play 00:23 Balance Between Structure and Freedom: Muay Thai Play in Training 01:26 Let Go of Perfection and Embrace Muay Thai Play 02:13 From Muay Thai Play to Fight Strategy Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/12/06/the-power-of-muay-thai-play-janet-todd/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Eddie Abasolo Applies Samart's Legendary Muay Thai Advice 4:41

17 weeks ago4:41

4:41

In this video, Eddie Abasolo dives deep into the timeless Muay Thai advice he received from the legendary Samart Payakaroon: "Never take more than two weeks off training." Eddie unpacks the meaning behind this wisdom, sharing how it shaped his mindset, training habits, and ultimately his career as a top Muay Thai fighter. Through a captivating story about training alongside Samart and Saekson, Eddie reveals the power of consistency, discipline, and staying ready—no matter what challenges life throws your way. He also reflects on the importance of balance, control, and technique in making a lasting impression on legends like Samart. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or a passionate enthusiast, this video is packed with actionable insights to help you sharpen your skills, maintain momentum, and stay ahead in your Muay Thai journey. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Breaking Through 00:36 Consistency: The Cornerstone of Samart’s Muay Thai Advice01:10 Samart Payakaroon, Elegant and Ferocious 02:06 Lessons a Legend: Samart and the Power of Discipline 02:39 Momentum: Sharpening the Blade Every Day 03:10 Small Actions, Big Impact: The Drip Effect 03:42 The Vow: Never Take a Break To Let Others Surpass You Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/11/29/eddie-abasolo-applies-samarts-legendary-muay-thai-advice/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Better Muay Thai Clinch Training – Focus On Your Elbows! 7:02

19 weeks ago7:02

7:02

If you're serious about dominating the Muay Thai clinch, you need better Muay Thai clinch training... You've got to go beyond random training and focus on what truly moves the needle. Too often, fighters add bits and pieces of technique or strength work here and there, hoping it’ll translate to success in the clinch. Instead, imagine training with each movement aimed directly at strengthening your clinch. When every session is part of a bigger plan, those small actions add up fast, turning your clinch into an overwhelming force. In this video, I’ll dive into what makes clinch training truly effective and how you can start stacking small wins that add up to major gains. We'll explore not just the mechanics of a strong grip, or “meat hook,” but the positioning of your elbows and the kind of strength work that lays the foundation for unstoppable clinch control. By the end, you’ll have a strategy that can take your Muay Thai clinch to new levels—right where it counts in the ring. KEY MOMENTS Follow along using these quick timestamps: 00:00 Set Clear Goals for Muay Thai Clinch Training 00:49 Focus on Specific Training Blocks 01:24 Master the “Meat Hook” Grip 02:01 Elbows: The Heart of Effective Clinch Control 03:20 Link Core Work To Your Elbows 03:52 Strengthen Your Clinch with Overhead Pulls 04:04 Place Techniques and Exercises on a Force-Velocity Curve 05:18 Clinch Mechanics From The Gym To The Ring 05:54 Make Your Training Count Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/11/15/better-muay-thai-clinch-training-focus-on-your-elbows/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Sparring in Fight Camp – Yes or No? 3:01

22 weeks ago3:01

3:01

Is sparring in fight camp a smart move or a dangerous gamble? As fight night gets closer, every decision you make in training counts, and few choices are as critical—or risky—as sparring in fight camp. On one hand, it’s an opportunity to refine your timing, reactions, and technique under pressure. But on the other, there’s always the looming risk of an injury that could throw off months of hard work. In this episode, we’ll explore whether sparring in the final stretch of your fight camp is worth it, or if it’s time to shift gears to safer, more controlled forms of training. You don’t want to enter the ring compromised. Let’s look at the best way to prepare without taking unnecessary risks. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Sparring in Fight Camp: Should You Risk It? 00:30 Two Weeks Out: Time to Shift Gears 00:44 Simulated Sparring: Getting the Fight Feel Without the Fight Risk 01:39 Sparring in Fight Camp: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/10/25/sparring-in-fight-camp-yes-or-no/…

Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

1
Fight Prep Sparring Tips – Specificity 2:27

23 weeks ago2:27