DJmma

I want to join a martial art, and muay thai caught my interest, partly because i am a fan of UFC. But my dad is weiry...he thinks it could be dangerous. I am 15, almost 16 and am athletic. I'm 5'11" 165 lbs. I am on the swimming and water polo team at school and work out regularly. Over the last 6 months i have gained stength, muscle and endurance. I used to take TKD as a little kid, but lost interest after about a year. I want an effective style, and also fun, and i think muay thai could be good. I believe i can handle the intense work and training for muay thai, since I go through that every day with swimming. I think now that Im older I can take it more seriously...I talked with my dad, and he isnt exactly excited about me doing boxing, and would rather me do BJJ or something. He always says "I dont know if i want you doing a sport where the goal is to knock the other guy out." Neither of us know much about it, i just know it's like kickboxing, and ive heard its fatigueing, which i like. can anyone give me some insight on how it really is? I may be able to get an introduction class as well, at a local gym...thanks

Prince Vegita

I took TKD for a number of years. Somebody had an injury bad enough to warrant a hospital trip at least every couple months (be it a cut that needed stitches, or a concussion, or a broken nose). This is despite wearing all that padding.

Also studied MT. When we spar, we wear gloves, sometimes shin pads, and a head guard. In three years I've seen one bloody nose and that's it.

I think the reason is because in TKD, you spend half your time learning how not to hit things; how to stop short of striking a target, how to punch air. Line up and kick the floppy target and go to the end of the line. Do a marching kick drill across the floor. When it comes time to spar and actually hit something, you don't know how. You're as apt to danger yourself as you are your opponent.

In MT, you pound pads over and over. You strike your partner in a controlled setting over and over. When it comes time to spar, you're not as nervous and you know your limits when it comes to striking.

Ultimately it comes down to the mentality of the instructor, but honestly I don't think you or your dad needs to worry.