How it started: From Therapy to Training
The initial reason for starting Muay Thai wasnโt as enthusiastic as I wish I could share. For me, it was more a form of therapy, a way to get out of my head and into my body. Hitting the pads felt empowering in a way I couldnโt even describe, and most Thai coaches were very friendly.
I didnโt fall in love right away. I think it was my third training, a private one after a long break, that made me realize: this is something for me. After that, there was no way back. I donโt fight myself, my journey has been about training rather than competing, but even so, Muay Thai has challenged me and helped me grow in ways I never expected.ย
Now, 1.5 years later, with many tears, a few broken and bruised bones, Iโm still here. Why? Because despite the hard parts, Muay Thai training keeps giving me new energy, resilience, and growth.
Inside the Gym: Culture and Hierarchy
Muay Thai gyms are a world of their own. It is the national sport of Thailand, and people are proud of it. A teacher receives a lot of respect simply by being a teacher. Some have belts, some donโt. Some just started teaching after a few fights, others are veterans.
The financial investment can be costly, especially in well-known gyms in Thailand. Thereโs often an underlying hierarchy between trainers. Most are eager to share and teach, though Iโve noticed that some seem to place more emphasis on their status as teachers.
Still, many trainers are genuinely passionate about teaching. They want to see you improve, they cheer for your progress, and when you meet the right ones, training can feel incredibly supportive and uplifting.
The internal gym culture also tends to have its own hierarchy, with the head coach being the most respected. Because of this hierarchy and the culture of โsaving face,โ it can sometimes be challenging to change trainers when you feel uncomfortable working with someone.
The reality: not every gym is the same. Some feel uplifting and supportive. Others, very competitive.
The People
Fighting naturally comes with aggression, and learning to stand my ground has been (and still is) one of my biggest lessons.
Not all experiences were easy. Iโve faced moments of bullying, exclusion, and intimidation, situations where training suddenly turned into a power battle. Itโs exhausting when someone fights just to prove they can win.
At the same time, Muay Thai also attracts incredible people. Fighters who have overcome struggles we can hardly imagine. The people who carry wisdom, humility, and an inspiring human spirit. Training or simply being alongside these female and male Muay Thai fighters is a gift, and itโs these people who remind me why I love this sport so much.
Would I Say Muay Thai is Good for Women?
Yes, but with nuance.
I donโt fight in the ring, my journey is rooted in training. Along the way Iโve found dynamics of respect, envy, empowerment, and joy.
Iโve also discovered supportive womenโs groups, such as Combat Collective, whichย create empowering spaces for women to connect and train with abundance rather than competition. Joining them for one day was already deeply inspiring.
Still, training as a woman can be draining if gym culture slips into the toxicity of unwanted power battles just for the sake of showing off who the ยดwinnerยด is. No place is perfect (nor am I), but when you find a gym that supports you, Muay Thai can be a healing, powerful, and transformative experience.
ย Also: are people welcomed and respected who train for other purposes than fighting?
The Finals
I hope this gives you an idea of what it takes to train Muay Thai as a woman in Thailand. My journey hasnโt always been easy, but it has been worth it. Muay Thai has given me strength, discipline, and a sense of presence I wouldnโt want to miss.
If youโre thinking about stepping into this world, Iโd say: explore, listen to your gut, and find a place where you feel comfortable enough to stay for a while and maybe try it out with a friend.
It can be tough to go through it alone. It wonโt be perfect, but it can bring you wisdom and inner power.
And pleaseโฆ be kind.
Have you trained Muay Thai (or another martial art)? Iโd love to hear your story, drop it in the comments or connect with me for more reflections on wellbeing, travel and creativity.
Thanks for reading,
Khop Khun Ka,
Anique
