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on May 3rd, 2019 in Muay Thai When starting a new martial art there is a lot to learn. From how classes are conducted to learning new techniques you are always learning something new. You will quickly see that a common occurrence in Muay Thai, as well as other martial arts, is using pads. Though it can seem intimidating to use and hold them at first, pad drills might soon become one of your favourite things to do. In this article we will give you an overview of what Muay Thai pads are for and how you can hold them.
What are Muay Thai Pads For?
Muay Thai pads are primarily used to practice hand and foot techniques. Pads come in a variety of different sizes but are most often rectangular in shape. Some bags are large and cover a significant area of the holder’s body while others are small and more easy to move around.
Unlike stationary bags that are weighted down Muay Thai pads need to be held by a coach or other athlete. The pad holder is able to move around and position the target into different areas. This allows for the person training to have a more sparring like experience while training. Using pads is a great way to practice techniques while moving around and can sometimes be used to simulate fighting an opponent.
How Do I Hold Them?
The versatility of Muay Thai pads makes them a lot of fun for both the trainer and holder. You will find that both using and holding pads is a regular occurrence during your Muay Thai classes. Although pads are used on a regular basis it is important to note that improper techniques for holding has risks. Both the person being trained and the bag holder can become injured if the pads are held incorrectly.
Always ask your coach to show you how to hold your pads before training with another person. Don’t hold pads for another person if you are unsure of how to hold them or are not confident in your abilities. Improper holding can result in injuries due to elbows of the holder being exposed or arms of the holder being in the wrong place. This is most important to know for foot techniques but also applies to hand techniques.
If you are a beginner and are not fully confident in holding pads it is a good idea to remain stationary. Moving around while holding pads increases the chance of injury as you may not always have a proper grip. Consider asking the person you are holding pads for, for feedback on your hold. Remember like anything else in Muay Thai practice makes perfect. Ask your coach to help you learn how to hold pads properly and always make safety your priority.
Try a Muay Thai Class
If you have yet to try out a Muay Thai class, what are you waiting for? Find a great gym like Grants MMA and start learning. We offer a variety of class options from beginner to advanced. Check out our Muay Thai classes.
