Before I ever did Jiu-Jitsu, I did Muay Thai.
I was a wrestler growing up in South Dakota. In college I started training Muay Thai and JKD. It was actually my Muay Thai coach who brought over a VHS tape of UFC 1 in 1993. That tape changed my life. But the striking came first.
I went on to win The Ultimate Fighter 4 and fight in the UFC, and I've been running my gym on Camp Bowie since 1998. I hold a coral belt from Carlos Machado, so most people know me for Jiu-Jitsu. But Muay Thai has always been part of what we teach here.
If you've been looking for Muay Thai in Fort Worth and you're nervous about walking in, this is for you.
What Muay Thai is
Muay Thai is called the Art of Eight Limbs. Fists, elbows, knees, and shins. You punch, you kick, you knee, you elbow, and you clinch.
It's a striking art, but it's not just throwing your hands. The clinch is a big part of it. That's tying up with somebody up close and controlling their posture.
What your first Muay Thai class looks like
Your first class moves at your speed.
A normal class goes something like this:
-
Warm-up. Get the heart rate up and loosen up.
-
Technique. Stance, footwork, and basic strikes. Jab, cross, the round kick, a knee.
-
Pad and bag work. You drill combinations on pads with a partner or on a bag. This is where you start sweating.
-
Conditioning. Finish strong.
You'll be tired. That's normal. You won't be good yet. That's normal too. Nobody is good at their first class.
What to wear and bring
Wear workout shorts and a t-shirt. Bring water. Bring your own gear, like gloves and a mouthguard. We don't have loaners.
Is Muay Thai good for beginners?
Yes. No experience or fitness base required. The classes build both.
Muay Thai is a hard workout, and you're learning a real skill while you do it. There's a big difference between hitting pads with good technique and flailing around in a cardio class.
If you just want the workout and don't care about learning to fight, we also have fitness kickboxing. It runs Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 to 7:15 PM, Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 PM, and Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
Showing up regularly matters more than anything else. Two or three classes a week, kept up for a few months, makes a real difference. Related reading: My Top 3 Mistakes I See Beginners Make on the Mats.
Do I have to spar?
Not right away. Beginners start training right away in the Tuesday Muay Thai class or the Thursday MMA/Muay Thai class. Hold off on the Wednesday sparring class until you're ready.
Learn to stand, move, and defend yourself first. When you do spar, it comes with rules. Safety first. Nobody is here to hurt their training partner.
Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, or MMA?
Which should you start with? If Muay Thai is what pulls you in, train it two or three times a week. Excitement keeps you coming back.
If MMA is the long-term goal, Jiu-Jitsu first with Muay Thai layered in is the route I usually recommend. Muay Thai covers the stand-up. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu covers the ground. MMA puts it together.
More on this in Should you train Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or should you train MMA?
Muay Thai class times
Beginners should start with Tuesday (Muay Thai) or Thursday (MMA/Muay Thai), 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The two are very similar. Wait on the Wednesday 5:30 PM MMA sparring class until you're ready. Check the class schedule for the full week and the Muay Thai program page for more.
We're at 6913 Camp Bowie Blvd, Suite 133, on the west side of Fort Worth. We're easy to get to from Ridglea, Western Hills, Benbrook, White Settlement, and Arlington Heights.
FAQ
Do I need experience to start Muay Thai? No. Start with the Tuesday or Thursday class. They start with the basics. Wait on the Wednesday sparring class until you're ready.
What should I wear to my first Muay Thai class?Workout shorts and a t-shirt. Bring water and your own gloves and mouthguard.
Is Muay Thai a good workout? It's one of the hardest workouts you'll do, and you learn a real skill while you do it.
Can women train Muay Thai at Team Lutter? Yes. Our classes are open to everyone, including women.
What's the difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing? Muay Thai uses elbows, knees, and the clinch along with punches and kicks. A lot of kickboxing styles don't.
Conclusion:
Muay Thai was one of the first martial arts I ever trained, and it's still one of the best ways I know to get in shape and learn to handle yourself on your feet.
Come try it. Our $20 gets you a consultation and a trial class, so you can meet us, see the room, and get a feel for it. Reserve your first class here.
Or call or text 817-781-4243.
Travis Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 6913 Camp Bowie Blvd, Suite 133 Fort Worth, TX 76116
Hope to see you in class.
Travis Lutter