Learn To Utilize the Muay Thai Clinch

Muay Thai is famous for it's clinch work.

One thing I see a lot of, however, is guys who simply aren't comfortable being "clinched" and working in the clinch (which the Thais call "plumming"). Typically, these are folks from a non-Muay Thai background like American or K-1 style kickboxing or western boxing.

So, in today's video I want you guys to see a very simple, basic drill you can throw into your training to help you become more comfortable in the clinch and learn to gain/maintain a "dominant" position when clinching. I asked my Kru, Harun Raja of Raja Academy of Martial Arts here in Greenville, SC to teach this drills.

Enjoy -

Fighter's Tabata Drill

To be an effective fighter you need to develop many different skill sets and physical attributes. In addition to highly developed striking ability, grappling skills, and reaction & timing, you also need to have solid levels of physical strength and power as well as superior anaerobic power and aerobic endurance.

Today I'd like to talk with you about a simple, but very hard drill for developing both aerobic and anaerobic benefits: Tabata Intervals.

 Originally developed for Japanese Olympic speed skaters, Tabata style interval sessions can be an excellent method for fighters to utilize - if used properly. The tabata is a very short, but highly intense interval session developed by professor Izumi Tabata and speed skating coach Irasawa Koichi.

In this post I want to share with you why and how I utilize tabatas in my own training and with the fighters I work with.

Simple Focus Mitt Drill - The 8 Count

Wanted to show you guys a basic focus mitt drill, we use at Raja Academy Muay Thai here in Greenville, SC.

 


The 8 Count Drill -

Basic Muay Thai Pad Drill

Thai Pads are an essential training tool for any fighter. If you aren't using them, then you need to start - now.

If you're new to using thai pads and you want some good drills to get you started then you can certainly find some great examples on Youtube.

But I also want to share a video of one of the thai pad drills we use at Raja Muay Thai Academy here in Greenville, SC.

It's a great beginners drills that'll get you started on the right track.

How to Combine Swings and the Heavy-Bag for a Kick-Ass Workout!

I'm always looking for ways to save time when training.

In addition to my day job, family life, and social/community obligations I also have to juggle networking, blogging, and find the time to train and workout.

I get the impression that a lot of martial artists and fighters are having similar issues.

So, I want to share with you guys one of my favorite workouts. It combines two tools every fighter should be using: the heavy-bag and kettlebells.

Passed My Rank Test!

Well, I passed my ranking test with Raja Muay Thai/Universal Tactics here in Greenville, SC this past weekend.

Very happy about it.

For an entry level ranking test it was actually more difficult than I would have previously expected...The guys in the Thai Boxing Association don't mess around :)

Anywhoo...here's a couple videos from the test for any of you that are interested. Special thanks to my wife for taking the video:









Train Hard,
Josh Skinner

Heavybag Training Videos....

Hey guys!

As many of you know I've been training with the guys at Raja Muay Thai/Universal Tactics here in Greenville, SC for a while now.

Well, this Saturday I'll be testing for rank (white prajiet under the Thai Boxing Association) and to prepare I've been taking some video of some of my training to identify flaws in my technique.

Here's a couple of videos showing me doing some heavybag work:

First video shows me doing a standard 2 min. round with gloves -



Next video is really just a conditioning round (toughen my knuckles, work on "cardio", ect...) -



So...what do you guys think?

What do I need to work on?

Thanks in advance for the input!

Train Hard,
Josh Skinner

Essential Muay Thai Stance Work

Ajarn Paul Delfino in a Muay Thai stance.

So, I've been training with the guys at Raja Muay Thai/Universal Tactics here in Greenville, SC for several months now and I have to say I'm incredibly happy.

It's a great place to train: no egos, no macho/bad-ass attitudes, everyone wants to help each other succeed, and the instructors have a very open-minded view of the martial arts that is very much like my own.

One aspect I really like about training here is the emphasis on stance training and how it can make you a better fighter.