Approximately 3.58 million people in the U.S. participated in martial arts during 2016, meaning that the popularity of these ancient disciplines only continues to grow. If you’re interested in taking classes at a local martial arts studio, you might be worried about where to start. Muay Thai, in particular, can be quite intimidating for many people. Those who have enrolled in Muay Thai classes might feel encouraged by the words of wisdom we’re sharing in this post. If you take this advice to heart, you’ll be able to be relaxed and ready to learn during your first session.
Don’t Focus on Perfection
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re brand new to something, especially when you’re comparing yourself to others around you. Don’t fall into that trap or feel self-conscious about not getting everything right the first time. The reality is that this practice takes a lot of time and dedication to master. You shouldn’t expect to be a natural, nor should you beat yourself up for not being able to implement these concepts right away. You also don’t need to get hung up on bodily imperfections. You’ll likely lose weight and tone up thanks to your Muay Thai classes, but you don’t already need to be incredibly fit to participate. Cut yourself some slack and don’t get frustrated. Over time, you’ll get the hang of it.
Arrive Early and Stay Late
As a new student taking Muay Thai classes, you should be eager to learn everything you can about this discipline. If you don’t feel excited about coming to your next session, you might want to consider shifting your focus to another activity. Those who are dedicated to and passionate about Muay Thai are the ones who will be able to improve upon their skills and move up the ranks. As such, you should consider arriving to class early and/or sticking around for a bit afterwards in order to ask pertinent questions or receive some individual feedback. This personalized attention can show your instructor you’re serious about your involvement and provide the encouragement you need to keep going.
Prioritize Cleanliness
Many new participants might fail to realize the importance of cleanliness in martial arts. While you might not go to the gym in freshly laundered clothes or immediately after showering, you should show up to your Muay Thai class with sanitary conditions in mind. You should keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short to ensure no one gets hurt during class, for one thing. You’ll also want to ensure your feet are clean; since these classes involve bare feet, any dirt or debris you track into the studio could impact the experience of others. Take care to not wear any heavy perfume or cologne and take some time to clean yourself up for the sake of your classmates, who will be working in close proximity to you. If you want to make a good first impression, show that you care about your appearance and that you respect others and your surroundings.
Be sure to review these tips before enrolling in and attending the classes offered by Muay Thai Portland Oregon studios. For more information on the classes we offer or how to begin your martial arts journey, please contact us today.