Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide provides a comprehensive guide to the combat sport of Thai boxing and a fitness manual for general physical conditioning. It is a valuable resource for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are interested in learning more about Thai boxing and mixed martial arts.
- The most comprehensive guide available for entry into the fast-growing sport.
- Thai boxing coach and experienced fighter Chad Boykin leads you through every aspect of the game.
- Whether you’ve been participating in kickboxing for years or are new to the sport, this book will give you the edge you need to succeed.
Back Matter
In the most comprehensive guide available for entry into the fast-growing sport of Muay Thai kickboxing, personal trainer, Thai boxing coach and experienced fighter Chad Boykin leads you through every aspect of the game. Whether you long to test your mettle in the ring or simply get in the best shape of your life, this book will show you how. With clear, instructive photos and descriptions, Boykin demonstrates the conditioning exercises that provide the foundation for the power and speed of Muay Thai.
Then he takes you step by step through the brutal elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches and kicks that form your offensive arsenal, plus the blocks and evasion techniques that will confound your opponent. Training drills teach you to flow from one move to the next with accuracy and confidence. A veteran of the ring, Boykin gives novice fighters inside information on what to expect and offers advice on fighting styles and strategies. Whether you’ve been participating in kickboxing for years or are new to the sport, this book will give you the edge you need to succeed.
Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide to Conditioning, Training, and Fighting was originally published by Paladin Press in 2002.
History
It was one of the first English language books available in the United States on the subject, preceded only by Thai Boxing Dynamite: The Explosive Art of Muay Thai by Zoran Rebac in 1987 and Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting by Panya Kraithat and Pitisuk Kraitus in 1992.
Both Thai Boxing Dynamite and Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide were published by Paladin Press.
In winter 2017, after over 45 years in the publishing business, Paladin Press closed up shop. Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide underwent some simple revisions and a newly copyrighted edition was released in December 2017 by CreateSpace Publishing through Amazon.com, and as an ebook through KDP.
Crossover Appeal
Thai boxing and mixed martial arts training has strong crossover appeal. Training in these styles is popular among athletes from other sports and to fitness enthusiasts, generally. Likewise, Thai boxers and mixed martial artists have long used cross training with basic cardiovascular conditioning, weight training, and stretching to enhance and supplement their performance.
Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide provides a practical, hands-on approach to offer the best of both worlds – a reference guide to the combat sport of Thai boxing and a fitness manual for general physical conditioning.
Three Basic Sections
It’s composed of three basic sections.
The first section provides a brief basic background on kickboxing generally and a brief history of Thai boxing in particular.
The second section provides details on stance and footwork, striking and defensive techniques, fighter’s tactics and strategies, detailed training drills, conditioning methods, and sample routines.
The third section provides detailed information on physical conditioning, fitness, and cross training including sections on calisthenics, weight training, cardiovascular conditioning, stretching, motivation, goal setting, and documentation.
Back Matter
In the most comprehensive guide available for entry into the fast-growing sport of Muay Thai kickboxing, personal trainer, Thai boxing coach and experienced fighter Chad Boykin leads you through every aspect of the game. Whether you long to test your mettle in the ring or simply get in the best shape of your life, this book will show you how. With clear, instructive photos and descriptions, Boykin demonstrates the conditioning exercises that provide the foundation for the power and speed of Muay Thai.
Then he takes you step by step through the brutal elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches and kicks that form your offensive arsenal, plus the blocks and evasion techniques that will confound your opponent. Training drills teach you to flow from one move to the next with accuracy and confidence. A veteran of the ring, Boykin gives novice fighters inside information on what to expect and offers advice on fighting styles and strategies. Whether you’ve been participating in kickboxing for years or are new to the sport, this book will give you the edge you need to succeed.
Acknowledgments (v-vii)
Forward by Brad Donovan (vii-viii)
This is an inspiring, entertaining, and beautifully written firsthand account of a newcomer’s journey onto the training floor.
Chapter 1: Introduction (p.1-15)
Explains the difference between a few different styles of kickboxing, provides a brief history on the ancient origins of Muay Thai, and provides a small glossary of translated terms. The introduction continues with a look at the incorporation of Thai boxing into the world of mixed martial arts, before concluding with descriptions of some common protective equipment used in training.
Chapter 2: Strikes and Defenses (p. 15-71)
Details the stances, positions, and footwork needed to build the foundation for striking. Next, all of the basic punches, kicks, knee, and elbow strikes are broken down. The techniques described are an amalgam of Thai boxing, Dutch kickboxing, and western boxing styles.
Following the explanation of each individual strike are breakdowns of defenses to that strike, including evasion and blocking techniques. This section includes descriptions of the clench work and standing grappling that form the Thai boxer’s arsenal.
Chapter 3: Training Drills (p. 71-97)
Begins with descriptions of the basic training equipment and how it is used. Detailed breakdowns of several training exercises and drills follow. Special attention is paid to Thai pad and focus mitt work. Explanations of the techniques required on both sides of the Thai pads and focus mitts are provided, giving the perspective of both the striker and the trainer. Numerous striking combinations, pad drills, and sample workouts are provided for preventing monotony. Training drills are invaluable for developing technique, skill, timing, balance, power, and physical conditioning.
Chapter 4: Advice for the Novice Fighter (p. 97-119)
A few insights are offered regarding in-ring tactics and strategies, behind-the-scenes tips and firsthand anecdotes for the novice fighter who may be stepping into the ring for the first time. This section concludes with a brief look at self-defense utilizing both Thai boxing, grappling, and mixed martial arts influenced techniques.
Chapter 5: Basic Physical Conditioning (p. 119-139)
This chapter begins the basic exercise and physical conditioning section of the book. Several body-weight exercises (requiring little or no equipment) are explained and demonstrated, with basic sample routines provided. These exercises and routines can be valuable as part of a training warm up, active rest between training rounds, post-training conditioning, or as means of maintaining a baseline of fitness during a layoff from training.
Chapter 6: Weight Training Basics (p. 139-147)
A background on the use of weight training as a supplement to Thai boxing and martial arts is provided. While weight training is not a necessity for fighters, it is useful for increasing muscle strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity, and bone density. Weight training principles, theories, and training methods are explained in detail to provide a foundation for effective cross training.
Chapter 7: Weight Training Exercises and Programs (p. 147-183)
This chapter breaks down several basic free-weight training exercises for all the major muscle groups. Exercise breakdowns include the technique description with accompanying photographs and an explanation of which muscles are trained by each exercise. Sample routines and training programs are provided at the end of the chapter, complete with sample exercises, rest times, set, and repetition ranges.
Chapter 8: Aerobic Training (p. 183-187)
Basic cardiovascular conditioning through aerobic exercise is detailed in this section. Descriptions of basic principles and methods of aerobic training, basic running technique, and methods of determining appropriate aerobic intensity follow in order to give a foundation for understanding the mechanics of improving cardiovascular stamina.
Chapter 9: Stretching (p. 187-197)
Descriptions of basic and advanced stretching techniques are provided in this section. Detailed stretches for all the muscle groups are detailed. Stretching is an important component of training and is used to increase flexibility, recover from workouts, and help to prevent muscle, ligament, and tendon injury.
Chapter 10: Goal Setting (p. 197-201)
A builder prepares a construction project with a blueprint. A traveler is prepared with a map. This short chapter provides a few practical ways to plan your training, monitor your progress, and document the results in order to evaluate and modify your routines.
Conclusion (p. 201-202)
Summary and final thoughts.
Additional Resources (p. 203-205)
Links to training equipment manufacturers, sanctioning bodies, gyms, and online Thai boxing resources.
Bibliography (p.205)
The following are brief excerpts of select reviews posted to Amazon, Amazon UK, and Barnes and Noble.
Select excerpts from Amazon reviews:
Lives Up To Its Title
“This encyclopedic text delivers on its promise and more. Overall the best text on this effective sport I have ever come across…Well done authors, well done.”
-Mark Hatmaker
Author, Boxing Like the Champs: Lessons From Boxing’s Greatest Rounds
Proprietor of Extreme Self Protection
Best Muay Thai book I’ve seen
“This book provides the tools to improve your Muay Thai…Nothing replaces a solid instructor, but this is a great book to reference and have on your shelf.”
– John Fedorjaka & Margaret Corrigan
Great Book for Kickboxers!
“An excellent book, a must for anyone interested in Muay Thai or other forms of kickboxing.”
-Scott
Next best thing to live instructional videos.
“It is very informative and if you’ve had several introductory courses in Muay Thai, this book will be a valuable training guide. I fully recommend it!”
-Anonymous
(Verified Purchase)
Five Stars
“Great book for beginners.”
-Shawn T
Great book on Thai boxing
“ This book is a great introduction to the art and will give you a good idea what it’s about..”
-Andrew Baye
Select excerpts from Barnes and Noble reviews:
Great Kickboxing Book
“This is one for the library; I have already utilized it while instructing students.”
Awesome training book!
“This book is just what I’ve been looking for…I got this book to reinforce what I learn in the gym and it does just that!”
Excellent and Well Rounded
“…did a splendid job of organizing the subject matter. This will go on my bookshelf, with my favorites.”
Select excerpts from Amazon UK reviews:
Fantastic
“This book is an excellent buy. I personally find this book fantastic. I have made use of it and still do even now. Anyone into striking arts won’t be disappointed with the purchase.”
-Liam Camm
Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide to Conditioning, Training and Fighting
“I think this is currently the best book on Muay Thai you can buy.”
-Phillip Bastians
Worth Every Penny
“The book itself is excellent. Written in clear, easy to understand English with a lot of pictures and illustrations.”
-E. O’Sullivan
Combat Sports/Martial Arts
Inside Kung-Fu Magazine:
Fighting Under Pressure, November 2006
Maximum Mitt Training, July 2006
Do You Have the Will to Win?: Circuit and Interval Training Basics, March 2005
Maximum Thai Pad Training, February 2004
Martial Arts Presents: Muay Thai:
Thai Boxing & Real World Self Defense, July 2002
Conditioning the Muay Thai Body, July 2002
Fitness/Health
Diabetes Positive Magazine:
Diabetes Fitness Exercise Column (Monthly), January 2005-August 2007
Dolfzine Online Fitness:
July 2002-February 2004
