Russer

Hey im new to MT I have been intrested in it for a few years but never had the time or the money to train and i have recently aquired both so i decided to start training im going to be going strong trying for at least 4 to 5 days a week of training if not more. I was wondering how long you most of you would train before entering your first competion or tournament, nothing big but i would love to compete in like a year or so do you think i would have enough training under me? Its nice to meet all of you and i hope to get some great advice from you guys and girls in the future.

THT

One thing that's nice about muay thai is that one can compete and do well with skill in only a few basic techniques and in little time. Some would argue that you should wait two years, but I'm sure that with a four to five day a week schedule, and a lot of attention to your instructors, a year would be fine.

We have many people at our gym who will have their first fight after only six months of training and only sparring the last two to three. Keep in mind that this is usually at a smaller show and against other novices with a 0-0 or 0-1 record, not jumping right into the IKF. Although we have had people whos first fights were at a regional IKF event still do well. Many times we'll have newer people just spar at the show with another guy from our gym just to help get used to the crowd without the pressure of having to win or lose.

All in all, I'm sure it would come down to the effort you put into your training and your teachers ability to develop your skill. I think you should just train as hard and often as you can (safely) and let your trainer and you decide when you are ready.

teamfunzen

"Muay Thai in Thailand" DVD has a great overview of all aspects of Muay Thai. There are interviews with a training camp manager in Thailand and live fight footage from Bangkok. Amazon.com has it.

aseepish

There's also this DVD http://www.muaythailand.com/dvd/index.php

If you're training four to five days a week PLUS doing your roadwork, six months should be plenty.

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Timberwolf

Well you sound pretty positive about MT so I believe your readiness to compete will be a direct comparison with how determined and disciplined you are in training. A year is quite good. Try to gauge your performance or even ask your instructor. It's great to meet you. hope to se you around the martial arts community. I am currently in Iraq so I may not talk too much.

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