Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is a combat sport that combines clinching with a variety of stand-up striking styles. We can trace the history of Muay Thai to the 16th century, when it was deemed a peacetime martial art practised by the soldiers of King Naresuan. However, the sport began gaining global popularity and recognition in the late 20th to 21st century. Owing to the amalgamated use of elbows, fists, shins, knees, Muay Thai is also known as ‘the art of eight limbs.’ One of the lesser-known facts about the sport is that there are different types of Muay Thai styles, and it is essential to be acquainted with them before you join the top Muay Thai gym in Toronto. 

What are the five different types of Muay Thai? 

1. Muay Femur (Technician) 

A Muay Femur is a technical fighter with a high fight IQ. They are adept in all techniques and weapons of Muay Thai. The forte of Muay Femur fighters includes movement, defence, and winning battles by outscoring the opponent. The distinguishing aspect of Muay Femur fighters is that they always adopt a calculated approach to fights, pick their shots meticulously, and never put themselves in danger. Notable Muay Femur fighters include –

• Sam-A Gaiyanghadao 
• Superlek Kiatmoo9
• Saenchai 

2. Muay Mat (Puncher)

Being a Muay Mat fighter is all about aggression and explosive fighting styles, represented by heavy punches and plentiful knockouts. Muay Mat is a relentless forward-forward style comprising hard punches and low kicks. A Muay Mat expert prefers to trade blow for blow and usually follows the simple strategy of ‘go for the knockout.’ If you are interested in learning the Muay Mat style, you can consider joining classes for beginner’s Muay Thai in Toronto. Renowned Muay Mat fighters include –

• Sagat Petchyindee 
• Rodtang Jitmuangnon 

3. Muay Dta (Kicking)

In the realm of Muay Thai, kicking is a brutal weapon. Kickers or Muay Dta experts can attack from any range – short, medium, or long. A Muay Thai fighter inclined towards kicks has immense kicking power generated through solid form, top-tier balance, and steel-like shins. One of the most hard-hitting kicks in Muay Thai is the roundhouse kick. It is interesting to note that Muay Dta fighters usually go well against punchers. Renowned Muay Dta fighters are – 

• Petchdam Gaiyanghadao 
• Samkor Kiatmontep, 
• Buakaw Banchamek 

4. Knee Fighter Muay Khao  

The fourth style of Muay Thai focuses on knee strikes. Muay Khao fighters are adept in knee techniques, which they deliver from different ranges. It is common to see many Mau Khaos which complement their strategies for knee-fighting with top-tier clinching as the combination allows them to throw close-range knees to the torso. Muay Khao is an impeccably technical variant of Thai Boxing and requires massive strength and cardio training. To learn more about Muay Khao, you can enrol in the top Muay Thai gym in Toronto. A revered Muay Khao fighter is Diesel Noi.

5. Muay Sok (Elbow Fighter)

The fifth style of Muay Thai is the Muay Sok, which focuses on the elbow. Within Thai boxing, the elbow is an incredibly masterful weapon that can quickly end fights. The fact that the elbow is one of the strongest and sharpest parts of the human body is incorporated within Mauy Sok’s fighting techniques. It is common to see Muay Sok experts get in the elbow range of their opponents and let loose, resulting in significant cuts and huge knockouts. A few notable Mauy Sok fighters include – 

• Karuhat Sor Supawan 
• Muangthai PK Saenchai Gym

6. Muay Lopburi

This style focuses on boxing and quick movement and is more or less a traditional form influenced by modern Muay Mat. Fighters are light on their feet and rely on quick movements.

7. Muay Boran (Traditional Muay Thai)

While it’s not a style of Muay Thai, Muay Boran deserves an honorary mention as that’s where the sport finds its origin. It was purely designed for survival, such as joint locks, sweeps, and takedowns and is more combative as well. Read all about Muay Boran in this blog here.

So, there we have it, the seven Muay Thai styles. Interested in learning Thai boxing in Toronto? We have new beginner’s Muay Thai in Toronto classes starting soon at Montrait Muay Thai.

Top-Rated Muay Thai Gym in Toronto

Discover a training experience built to help beginners feel confident and progress at their own pace.

At Montrait Muay Thai, every student begins with an Initial Performance Session (IPS). One of our coaches will assess how your body moves, talk about Muay Thai and your training goals.

From there, you’ll work with a coach in private sessions to learn the fundamentals at your own pace.

By the time you join group classes, you’ll feel confident in your form, technique, and understanding of Muay Thai.

We’re excited to talk more. Book your IPS today.

Let’s be honest. Self-defence has become an important skill. It’s not only for protecting yourself from danger but also to understand your physical capabilities. When you know what you’re capable of, you’ll handle a difficult situation more calmly. As a Muay Thai gym in Toronto, we highly recommend people of all ages and gender to learn self-defence. 

Here’s why you need to learn self-defence: 

1. Gives you a third option in a fight or flight situation 

When you are in a dangerous situation, you only have two options – fight or flight. But with self-defence, you get a third one. When you learn Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or any other MMA in Toronto, you’ll also learn to assess the situation and help you recognise when to fight or not. Remember, that every action has a consequence and learning self-defence would give you the power to decide. 

2. Helps you recognise when fighting is absolutely necessary 

Fighting and self-defence are two different things. In martial arts, you should use your self-defence skills only until you break free from the attacker and are no more in danger. When you get attacked, you only get a few seconds to make your choice and fighting should never be your first choice. It should be to diffuse the situation and get things back to normal. 

3. Keeps you calm and composed

There’s a big benefit to knowing your physical strength and self-defence skills play a huge role in them. A dangerous situation need not be violent always. It can be something as simple as walking down the road late at night or going on a trek by yourself. Though these aren’t scary, they can quickly become one. When you know self-defence, you’ll find yourself calmer and not panic if you see or hear noise. Even during a situation, you’ll handle yourself better, think clearer, and keep your emotions in check during and afterwards. 

4. Provides you tools and knowledge of protect yourself and others 

Women, children, and elderly need to be protected as they are the weaker members of our society. Don’t get us wrong. We truly believe in their strength and we have instructors and students who are exceptional at Muay Thai. We’re talking about those who don’t have any self-defence training. When you’re in a situation where you need to protect others, you also have to protect yourself. 

5. Teach your friends, family, and kids

With the knowledge and skills you’ll develop, you can teach basic skills to your loved ones, so they can defend themselves too. It is also a great activity for bonding with children and will boost their confidence. Make sure they’re aware and respect that these skills should be used only when absolutely necessary. This knowledge is something you can pass down generations and will become a happy memory. 

Want to learn self-defence over the winters? Head over to our class schedule page and book a Foundations class with us! We’re eagerly waiting to see you at our MMA gym in Downtown Toronto.

You’ve decided to take your fitness seriously. The first thing that comes to your mind is working out at home, so you’re comfortable and can save money on gym membership. At home, there are too many distractions like laundry, dishes, errands, and the television, that can keep you from getting a good workout in. Also, working out at home has many limitations. You’ll have to rearrange furniture, can’t use proper equipment, and there’s no way to tell if you’re doing a workout correctly or not. 

When you join a gym, you eliminate all the distractions and limitations, and can focus on achieving results faster and in the right way. 

Here’s why a gym membership in Toronto will help you achieve results faster: 

1. Motivation and accountability 

When you invest in a gym membership, you have to justify spending your hard-earned money. It’s rewarding to benefit from something you worked hard for. A MMA gym in Downtown Toronto will hold you accountable in many different ways. The trainers, the friends you make there, and the staff will hold you accountable and track your progress. 

At the gym, you see and meet people with different fitness levels, all trying to be their best selves. That’s a huge motivation to keep doing better and pushing your limits. 

2. Access to weights and equipment 

At home, the most you can use are weights, a treadmill, or a stationary cycle. At our Muay Thai gym in Toronto, you can access Thai-style heavy bags, a squat rack, and a full flight of kettlebells. All our equipment is high-quality gear and will elevate your training experience at the gym. 

3. Become part of a community 

At Montrait Muay Thai, we consider us as a community who motivates each other to push harder and get over self-imposed limitations. Respect for the trainers and other students is the most important. Why would you want to workout in silence by yourself when you can workout with a bunch of motivated individuals who share the same goal?! 

4. Access to instructors and personal trainers 

There are plenty of training videos on YouTube or fitness apps by highly trained and experienced fitness professionals. While they are great to watch when you’re a beginner, you won’t know if you’re doing the exercise correctly. When it comes to muay thai, you need a good grasp of the basic techniques, so you don’t pull muscles or damage them. At Montrait Muay Thai, we offer quality instruction and well-balanced, results-based training. We are constantly seeking the best information and creative approaches to keep classes fresh and you on your toes. 

5. Plenty of gym amenities for rest and recovery 

Most gym memberships come with access to some amazing amenities including sauna, swimming pool, weekly massages, and shower rooms filled with supplies. Some gyms offer daycare facilities, so you can drop the kids off and workout without worrying about them. 

We have some amazing membership offers running until the end of this month! Give us a call at +1 (416) 535-4269.

Starting Muay Thai in Toronto this summer? As a newbie, we know you’re super excited and can’t wait to learn a new and exciting sport. It can also be frustrating because you’ll make a lot of mistakes. As a Muay Thai trainer in Toronto, we can tell you, it’s only a phase and the more you practice, the better you’ll get. With that being said, you can use certain tips and tricks to learn Muay Thai faster.

Here are 9 essential tips for Muay Thai newbies in Toronto:

1. Run to build endurance

Running helps improve endurance and stamina, which will directly improve your performance. When you run or jog, your heart beats faster, pumping blood faster throughout your body, and pushing your lungs to increase their oxygen volume. It’s also summer now in Toronto, so enjoy the bright weather and outdoors. 

2. Take private sessions in the beginning

Get ahead quickly by taking a few private sessions. You can work with an experienced personal trainer at Montrait Muay Thai to learn the basic techniques, ask questions, and understand Muay Thai at your own pace. Give us a call or visit us at the gym and we can talk more. 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you are a shy person, leave your shyness at home! If your Muay Thai trainer teaches something and you don’t understand, ask questions. Everyone is here to learn and in that process, you’d help someone else who has social anxiety.  

4. Focus on learning the basics

You aren’t going to learn the right techniques or force in the first few classes, so only focus on the basics. Start slow and understand the process because you don’t want to injure any muscles by doing the technique wrong or with too much force. Trainers at our gym in Downtown Toronto will always go at your pace. 

5. Always keep your hands wrapped 

Hand wraps are self-defense tactics and everyone from newbies to pros have to wear them. They will protect you from wrist injuries and sprains. For added protection, you can also wear gloves on top of the wraps. 

6. Master the techniques

Techniques are always more important than power or force. The initial training can get overwhelming, so take things slow. Once you get the techniques right, you can speed up your movements gradually. 

7. Push yourself

Out of breath? Drink a sip of water and get back on the mat! Muay Thai is a very intense sport and most times you’ll feel like giving up. Don’t let fatigue stop you. If you’re given a drilling padwork set, don’t stop until the trainer tells you to! 

8. Learn how to defend yourself and then learn sparring

When you learn to protect yourself, you’ll survive. Get used to the strikes. Don’t be afraid of getting hit because it’s afterall a combat sport. The first few defense mechanisms that you should master are blocking, checking, and slipping. 

9. Know and acknowledge your limits 

Remember you’re only starting out and will eventually build on your strength and endurance. Adequate periods of rest, proper nutrition, and a good night’s sleep are all very important. Recovery is crucial, so you can get back and train even harder. 

Did you hear about our 12-class introductory pass? It’s valid for 4 months and you pay only $25 per class instead of our regular $30 price.

Are you trying to lose weight? It can be a struggle but you want nothing more than losing those extra pounds. When it comes to weight loss, you should first understand how it happens. The number of calories you consume should be less than your daily expendable calories. 

However, it’s not always possible to cut down calories. While a healthy and well-maintained diet is crucial for weight loss, pairing it with an intense yet engaging workout will help you reach your goal quickly. 

Here are 5 ways Muay Thai can help you lose fat:

1. Full body conditioning and workout 

At Montrait Muay Thai in Toronto, our classes are a blend of strength and conditioning, cardiovascular endurance training, and Muay Thai self-defense techniques. It is the ultimate full body workout and engages your fists and elbows, knees and kicks. That’s why it’s called the “Art of Eight Limbs”. 

A one-hour session at our gym burns 600-1000 calories. We incorporate a lot of strength and conditioning elements while focusing on Muay Thai’s traditional techniques.

2. Builds core strength and lean muscles

Muay Thai is a very intense martial art and requires you to have a strong core. When you join us, you’ll notice a lot of workout routines are made for core strengthening. On the other hand, exercises like running, jumping rope, kickboxing, and shadowboxing builds small but strong muscles throughout our body. 

3. Helps you commit to a routine 

A traditional gym workout is repetitive and easy to procrastinate. Gyms are open throughout the day, so you go anytime you want. That doesn’t help you build a routine, which is good to stay focused and productive. 

When you train with us at our Muay Thai gym, you’ll notice a change in yourself. We conducted limited classes throughout the week, which makes them special. Also, as mentioned earlier, Muay Thai is a high fat burning workout and can burn up to 1000 calories per hour. You don’t need to workout every day. Start training twice a week and bring it up to 3-4 times and you’ll see dramatic results. 

4. Boosts stamina 

Majority of Muay Thai workouts are aerobic, which are exercises that need oxygen. Some common examples include running, skipping, or cardio. As your body starts accepting the workout, you’ll notice increased energy levels, less tiredness, and lower mental fatigue. It’ll also improve your lung’s oxygen capacity. 

5. Become part of the Muay Thai community

We always say that Montrait Muay Thai is not just a gym, it is a community of people. We’re all about motivating each other to be their best selves and are a safe space for you to achieve your fitness goals. Also, there’s always great music blasting through the gym, which is a bonus! 

Book your first class here for only $15 today! If you have any questions, feel free to email us peter@stg-montraitmuaythai-staging.kinsta.cloud.

Most people think improvement comes from training harder, but that’s only half the story. What you do after class is just as important as the rounds you put in on the pads. Like any other sport, Muay Thai training can lead to overtraining and lack of recovery can lead to fatigue, muscle damage, and irritability.

Recovery is the phase where your body does the real work. Muscles that were broken down during pad rounds and heavy drills repair themselves and grow stronger. Energy stores like glycogen get replenished, which helps you push through the next session with higher intensity. Even your nervous system resets, sharpening reaction time and mental focus.

Here are 6 ways you can speed up recovery after a Muay Thai class

1. Stretch and relax your muscles

Stretching is the fastest way to recover from an intense session as it increases blood flow to the muscles. Focus on breathing deep and slow and hold every stretch for 60 to 90 seconds. You can also use SMR techniques with a foam roller, tennis ball, or lacrosse ball to release knots in the muscles and improve blood flow. 

2. Take a cold shower or bath

Nothing better than an ice cold shower or bath. In winter months, even a cold swimming pool will work. For summers, fill up your bathtub with cold water and add a couple ice bags. Maintain the temperature at 10-12 degree Celsius. Sit in the water for 6-12 minutes and you’ll feel your muscles relax. If you’re taking a shower, set at the coldest setting and shower for around 10 minutes. 

3. Engage in light intensity workouts

If you want to keep up the metabolism or don’t want to break the habit of working out, engage in light intensity workouts like yoga, brisk walking, swimming, or light cardio. Keeping a 7-day workout routine will keep you away from cheat meals, making it a great idea for those trying to lose weight. 

4. Focus on eating the right foods 

Eating the right nutrients will take your fitness journey across the finish line. If you’re training or fighting, include whole grains in every meal to replenish your glycogen reserves. Protein and healthy fats should still be a crucial part of your diet. Eat meals every 2-3 hours and include supplements like creatine, cod liver oil, magnesium, and protein powder. 

5. Keep your body hydrated 

Water makes 75% of your muscles, so if you’re dehydrated they’ll take a very long time to recover and you’ll feel fatigued even after rest. When training for Muay Thai in Toronto, you sweat a lot, so replenishing your fluids and electrolytes is crucial. A simple trick is to add salt and water to a couple glasses of water and drink them throughout the day.

6. Get a full night’s sleep 

Muscles relax only during the REM phase of your sleep, which makes getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night extremely important. If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, your muscles will remain sore and you’ll feel fatigued. It will also enhance your performance and give you a calm mindset while training. 

Working with experienced trainers adds to your recovery process. We at Montrait Muay Thai in Downtown Toronto alternate periods of intense workout and recovery, so our students are well-rested and ready to level up with confidence. Give us a call today or visit us at our location for a gym tour. 

Maybe you just started learning Muay Thai or are planning to start soon. One question that would have crossed your mind- “How long does it take to see results from Muay Thai? It takes around 3-5 years of Muay Thai to become a professional, if that’s the answer you’ve been looking for. 

If the reason you want to learn Muay Thai is to lose weight and build a lean muscular body, it should take you around a year. But that’s only if you follow a strict training schedule and diet plan. 

Everybody reacts to muay thai training in Toronto differently. But what’s more important is that you see an overall change. Not all results are quantitative, some will be qualitative including mood boost, feeling confident, and having fewer feelings of anxiety and stress. We’re sure you have a few other questions too! We’ve answered some here and if you have any more, feel free to reach out to us at any time. 

Use this timeline to understand your progress better:

After 1 Month:
You’ll start building basic stamina, coordination, and confidence with movement. Expect sore muscles, improved sleep, and increased energy.

After 3 Months:
You’ll notice fat loss, a more toned body, faster reflexes, and sharper mental focus. You’ll be more comfortable with basic combos and footwork.

After 6 Months to 1 Year:
You’ll likely develop noticeable lean muscle, improved cardio, and fluid sparring skills. Many students begin thinking about competing or grading for their first armband.

After 2+ Years:
You’ll have a solid technical foundation, enhanced mental toughness, and the strength to support heavier conditioning and advanced sparring.

Can you get ripped doing Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is one of the most effective fat burning workouts you’ll ever find. On average, you’ll burn 600 to 700 calories every session with us at Montrait Muay Thai. To build muscles, you need to perform anaerobic exercises like lifting, which isn’t something you do in Muay Thai. 

But that doesn’t mean you won’t build muscles at all. Through muay thai, you’ll build strong core muscles and lean muscles. If building big muscles is your goal, we recommend you lift a couple times every week along with muay thai classes. 

How many times a week should you do Muay Thai?

As a beginner, start by training 1-2 times a week to get your body used to the martial arts. Once you feel your body can handle the stress, you can bring it up to 3-5 times a week. If you want to turn professional, 5 times a week is a good number. 

How long should you train Muay Thai before fighting?

Before you decide to step into the ring, make sure you educate yourself the amount of time and energy it takes. You’ll have to go through extensive training for over 6-8 weeks along with major dietary changes and multiple mental and physical tests. 

Professional muay thai fighters train for 4-5 hours daily and are at the peak of their physical fitness. Talk to your trainer to understand your scope of turning professional. Only they will be able to guide you properly and provide the training you need. 

How many hours a day do Muay Thai fighters train?

A professional Muay Thai fighter trains for 2-3 times every day with each session lasting 2 hours minimum. Other than Muay Thai training in Toronto, they also go on daily runs and weight training. If you’re interested in competing professionally, ask yourself whether you’re ready to dedicate the time. You’ll be tested mentally and physically but the returns will be worth all the effort!

What equipment do I need for Muay Thai as a beginner?

Most gyms provide basic pads and bags, but you’ll need hand wraps, gloves, and comfortable athletic wear. As you progress, investing in shin guards, a mouthguard, and personal gloves is recommended for hygiene and safety.

Can kids and teens learn Muay Thai?

Absolutely. Many gyms offer youth classes that emphasize discipline, focus, and fitness in a fun environment. It’s a healthy way for kids to build confidence and social skills while learning self-defense skills.

What should I eat before and after Muay Thai training?

A light meal with carbs and protein before class helps fuel your body. After training, focus on lean protein, healthy carbs, and hydration to recover faster.

Learn Muay Thai Gym in Downtown Toronto

Learn Muay Thai in a way that feels approachable, structured, and motivating.

At Montrait Muay Thai, every student begins with an Initial Performance Session (IPS). One of our coaches will assess how your body moves, talk about Muay Thai and your training goals.

From there, you’ll work with a coach in private sessions to learn the fundamentals at your own pace.

By the time you join group classes, you’ll feel confident in your form, technique, and understanding of Muay Thai.

We’re excited to talk more. Book your IPS today.

Picture this – you’ve been working out 3-5 times a week. You’ve lost more weight than you expected, you feel great mentally and physically, and you’re more active. However, recently you’ve noticed that your progress has slowed down. 

What could the reason be? 

You hit a fitness plateau! It is a great sign that you’ve been working out consistently but your fitness journey is yet not over. Our trainers at Montrait Muay Thai have put together a list of their best strategies to bust your fitness plateau. 

Top 4 Strategies To Break Fitness Plateau

1. Take a week’s rest to recover

Most people think you can only build muscles when you’re constantly training. But the truth is, your muscles need time to recover from an intense workout session, re-fuel with protein and nutrients, and build new tissue. 

Plan a recovery week every 6-8 weeks. Here are some benefits of recovery week:

– ensure muscle repair and growth

– relax your central nervous system from rigorous training

– get back to training with a fresh and motivated mindset 

– better focus 

2. Try modified “superset” training

A “superset” is when you combine two exercises either for the same muscle group or two different muscle groups. You perform the two exercises without any rest in between. By the end, you would have performed 15-20 total repetitions in total.

In modified “superset” you lower the repetitions to 6-8 reps for each workout. For the second set, add some weights to your workout. Keep increasing the weight for the remaining sets until the end of your workout. 

3. Try a new workout 

Spice your exercise routine and try a new workout, something you haven’t tried before. It could be something as simple as a 30-minute run or brisk walking, cycling, or some relaxing yoga. If you’re up for a challenge, Montrait Muay Thai has the perfect workout in mind for you! 

Join us for an intense session of Muay Thai in Downtown Toronto! Our sessions are 90-minutes long and we promise to make you sweat like you’ve never before. 

4. Focus on nutrition 

A common reason for hitting the fitness plateau is improper nutrition. If you’re on a weight loss journey and cutting back too many calories, your body is trying to “preserve energy.” And that’s the reason you aren’t losing weight. 

An average adult needs 2,000 calories every day. Use free calorie counting tools available online to find out your body’s needs. Remember, not all fats, sugar, or carbs are bad. You consult with a registered dietitian or work with a personal trainer at Montrait Muay Thai for better nutrition support and guidance. 

Make sure you don’t make any sudden changes to your workout routine or lifestyle. All the methods we’ve mentioned in this article should be introduced gradually, so that your body doesn’t feel stressed and progresses into a longer fitness plateau.

Muay Thai, the martial art of eight limbs, is a physically intense exercise. When training for muay thai, you learn to use your hands, elbows, knees, and chin as offensive weapons. You’ll be sweating in no time! But did you know that it is an excellent stress buster too? It makes you more confident, self-aware, and happy. 

If you’re looking for a sport that helps you both physically and mentally, join us at Montrait Muay Thai in Downtown Toronto! 

Here are top 5 reasons why Muay Thai is the ultimate stress buster: 

1. Best of all destructive therapy 

If you’ve watched videos of people destroying plates, mugs, and electronics and want to do it, muay thai’s exactly what you need. Whether it’s pent-up anger, stress, or sadness, martial arts has proven to be an effective therapy. All these trigger your body’s fight or flight response. Muay Thai offers an outlet to all these negative emotions and also promotes oxytocin and serotonin production, your natural feel good hormone. 

2. Helps you sleep better

Most of us spend the majority of our days working behind a screen. By the time you finish work your mind is tired but your body is still energised. Muay Thai workouts offer a good balance of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It’ll drain all excessive energy stored in your body. When your body’s tired and you’re relaxed mentally, you’ll sleep throughout the night. 

3. Easier to socialise and make friends

Ever tried making a friend only to realise you’ve got nothing in common? At Montrait Muay Thai, we’re a tight-knit family. You’ll make friends in your very first class! Muay Thai helps you break the barrier because you get to interact with people you’ve got something in common with. 

Many of our workouts and techniques are practised with partners, which gives you another chance to foster a strong friendship. 

4. Reduces muscle tension 

With stress comes muscle tension, eventually leading to a lower quality of life. You’ll find yourself feeling restricted all the time. It can also cause muscle cramps or soreness in the long run. At Montrait Muay Thai in Downtown Toronto, our classes are separated into three parts, the first one being warm-up. It’ll not only relax your muscles but also increase blood oxygen and nutrient flow throughout the body. 

5. Builds psychological resistance

Respect, perseverance, and patience are three important pillars of Muay Thai. You have to stay calm while learning new techniques and workouts. Even during partner training, you’ll have to be patient and guide each other throughout the workout. This helps build psychological resistance by lowering temper and rash decisions. 

The best part about learning Muay Thai is that anyone can learn it! Whether you’ve been training for years or just starting out, you’ll have fun. And more importantly, build mental and physical strength. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muay Thai a good option for people with high stress jobs and burnout?

Yes, if you start with the right pace. Muay Thai forces focus, releases tension, and builds routine. Most people sleep better and feel more confident within weeks. Train two to three times weekly and keep intensity moderate to support muscle recovery.

Does Muay Thai help with stress, or does it make anxiety worse at first?

It helps long term, but anxiety can spike early. New drills, loud pads, and fast pacing can feel intense. That fades as you learn fundamentals and your body adapts. If you have a tendency to feel anxious, 3-6 months of private Muay Thai coaching can help you ease into the sport.

Do you need private sessions before group classes, or can you start in a beginner class?

We recommend private sessions before and here’s why. Private training lets us fix stance, guard, footwork, and basic strikes early. At Montrait Muay Thai, you begin with an Initial Performance Session, then one on one coaching. Once technique looks solid, you join group classes or continue with private training.

How do you avoid injury and overwhelm when you start Muay Thai?

Prioritize technique over power. Warm up well, wrap your hands, and use proper gloves. Tell your coach about old injuries early. Take breaks when your form slips. Increase intensity only after you feel comfortable with basics and pacing.

You might have heard countless stories of how Muay Thai has helped people become stronger, mentally & physically.  Muay Thai is one of the more dangerous close-range combat sports, which might make you think it isn’t suitable for kids. Contrary to what people think, a majority of Muay Thai training is done with pad work (hitting pads with a partner), practicing forms in the air (shadowboxing), and working techniques back and forth with a partner with no contact to the head at any point.  

What most people see on TV or YouTube is professional fighters competing at the highest level, whereas most Muay Thai practice is done in a safe and friendly environment. When practiced correctly, it adds to your physical strength and skills, that’ll help you protect yourself and others.

If a student wants to compete at an amateur level, there are safeguards in place and pads that must be worn. Judges and referees prioritise the safety and well-being of students, especially young athletes.  We recommend to enrol them as young as six years old. Read more about our Kids Program here.  

Here at Montrait Muay Thai, all classes are conducted in a safe environment with padded floors and walls. Our younger students must wear safety gear for all Muay Thai training, and are not allowed to hard-spar. Instructors have passed background checks, and the space is monitored. We also invite parents to stay and watch or to enjoy a coffee and catch up on some reading while we tire out the little ones!

Still not convinced if Muay Thai is the right fit for your kids?  Let us walk you through some wonderful benefits of Muay Thai for kids:

Keeps children active & strong physically 

Now that school’s back on, your children will be sitting in class almost all day. Over the last decade, outdoor and physical activity time have been cut in favour of increased classroom learning. Enrolling them at Montrait Muay Thai will be a good change of pace for them! Our Muay Thai trainers will help them develop healthy habits that will become a part of their active lifestyle. The training will not only boost their cardiovascular endurance but also coordination & self-defence skills. 

1. Builds mental strength

Muay Thai is a technical sport, which means it is crucial to properly execute movements and techniques. To achieve this, our kid needs to be disciplined, confident, and focused. Over time, this focus translates to other areas of life, helping them excel in school or tackle challenges with confidence.

2. Makes kids more independent 

Bullying is so common in schools nowadays. It is typical for bullies to target weaker children, which can lower their confidence and self-esteem. Learning Muay Thai or any other active sports, will make your child athletic and in-turn more confident to protect them if they’re bullied. 

A stronger child is less likely to be bullied, and one who knows martial arts is much more capable of self-defense. In turn, this will fuel them with independence, make them self-reliant, and grow into a confident adult. 

3. Teaches kids mindfulness & respect 

Respect and discipline form the core of Muay Thai training. They get to build a connection with the buddhist culture, learning values like humility, patience, and mindfulness, which help shape their character both inside and outside the gym. Mindfulness and observation of tradition and heritage are tenets practiced side-by-side with Muay Thai training.  During class, kids learn to respect not only their trainers but also their peers. 

4. Muay Thai makes kids more attentive 

A high degree of focus and awareness is required to adapt to the ever-changing dynamic of Muay Thai.  The student is always improving their ability to read cues from their opponent, react to the situation, and to strategize on-the-spot.  The mental focus developed in these classes cannot be helped but to translate over to their everyday lives, helping your child become more attentive, and aware about their surroundings. 

Is Montrait Muay Thai in Toronto a good fit for your child? 

Montrait Muay Thai is a fun, safe, and engaging place for kids to learn Muay Thai. We conduct a special Muay Thai for Kids program, which is an 8-week long course. The program runs thrice a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and we only take 10 kids per batch. Learn more about our kids program today.  

The earlier you enroll your child into Muay Thai, the faster they will learn to be self-confident and focused. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at peter@stg-montraitmuaythai-staging.kinsta.cloud or call us on 647-889-5831.

Is Muay Thai good for kids with low confidence or anxiety?

Yes! Muay Thai helps children build confidence by improving their physical abilities, teaching self-discipline, and providing a supportive community. It offers an outlet to manage stress and anxiety in a positive way. 

Will my child become aggressive from training in Muay Thai?

No. Muay Thai teaches discipline, respect, and self-control, not aggression. Kids learn to use their skills responsibly and understand that martial arts are for self-improvement and self-defense, not bullying or unnecessary fighting.

Can girls train in Muay Thai too?

Absolutely! Muay Thai is for everyone. Many girls train and compete in Muay Thai, gaining confidence, fitness, and self-defense skills along the way. Everyone is well at Montrait Muay Thai.

How can parents support their kids in Muay Thai?

Encourage consistency, celebrate progress, and reinforce discipline at home. Attend classes with them, provide proper gym gear, and foster a positive mindset about training.