| Question |
Do you accept beginners? |
| Answer |
Absolutely! Our training syllabus is designed to develop students with no previous martial arts experience. |
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| Question |
I am a black belt in Karate; do you accept students from other disciplines? |
| Answer |
Yes, we already train several black belts. So long as our rules and etiquette are abided to, all martial disciplines are welcome. |
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| Question |
Are there any women in your classes? |
| Answer |
I am proud to say that we have the highest membership of women Muay Thai boxers in Cambridgeshire, over 40 on our books. |
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| Question |
What are your fees? I am a little concerned as some schools just seem to be taking money off me all the time for nights out and raffles etc.. |
| Answer |
I cannot speak for other schools, but we are the lowest priced in Cambridgeshire at £3.00 per class. With regards to social activities, we do not make any profit for our academy and our annual Christmas raffle is free. |
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| Question |
Do I need any special equipment? |
| Answer |
All the equipment you need is supplied by the academy. Just wear loose clothing, bring a towel and a water bottle. Later on you may want to purchase your own kit and can do so through our academy. |
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| Question |
How often do I need to train? |
| Answer |
That all depends upon you aims and level of fitness. For a beginner start once a week and build up to twice or three times a week. Some of our more experienced students train 6 times a week, including me! |
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| Question |
Are Muay Thai, Thai boxing and Kick boxing one and the same? |
| Answer |
Muay Thai and Thai boxing are the same, Thai boxing is the western name for the art. Kick boxing was developed in the 1970's in America and originally came from Karate with western boxing techniques. Kick boxers wear boxing gloves and fight in a ring but that's really where the similarities end! |
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| Question |
Do you have any age restrictions? |
| Answer |
For our classes we train students from 11 years to 60. Younger children will be catered for in our "Combat for kids" classes which will be opening later in the year. |
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| Question |
Will I be required to fight? |
| Answer |
Only if you want to and after an assessment by the Kru Yai. Generally most students want to get fit and learn to defend themselves. |
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| Question |
What about insurance and governing bodies? |
| Answer |
Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academy is fully insured through Surprendre Muay Thai Network (SMTN) and has membership and affiliation to IMTF, WMTO and USMTA (check out the membership page for more details). |
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| Question |
Do you have lineage with Thailand? |
| Answer |
Yes. My instructor, Kru Yai Byron Gibson, was taught in Thailand by Ajarn Phykadamn "Damn". In addition I have been trained several times at the Sitpholek Muay Thai Academy in Thailand by Ajarn Tee. |
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| Question |
Do you have a grading syllabus? |
| Answer |
Yes, students grade every three months (See academy page for more information). |
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| Question |
How long will it take for me to see any results? |
| Answer |
That all depends upon your commitment and enthusiasm! But you should generally show some basic improvement within your first month. |
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| Question |
Why do you kick with the shin and not the foot? |
| Answer |
The shin is an extremely solid weapon; you're not going to break your shin kicking someone, whereas the foot is made up of numerous small bones that can, and often do, break on impact. |
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| Question |
Does that mean you can get shin injuries? |
| Answer |
Occasional clashes of shin on shin can be sickeningly painful for intermediate and advanced students and do leave your shins a bit "bumpy" from time to time. The wearing of shin pads, while sparring, helps to prevent this. By kicking the pads and bags you are extremely unlikely to cause any real damage. |
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| Question |
Can Cancer develop from too much bruising? |
| Answer |
There are no confirmed reports of this ever happening within our art. However, physical impact to the testicles could assist towards cancerous cells developing in that area. Being a kicking martial art that is a worry, that is why a groin guard should be worn when sparring and is mandatory in competition. |
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| Question |
What precautions do you take in limiting any potential injuries or accidents? |
| Answer |
I am a certified, appointed person in First Aid and Health and Safety. A fully equipped First Aid box is always available. In addition to this I had over 13 years experience as a fireman. |
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| Question |
There are many schools to choose from, how do I know you are the best? |
| Answer |
I would never claim to be the best as I look at all the other schools as compatriots who are spreading the art of Muay Thai through their own individual efforts. To help you decide, use the following guide.
- Ask the instructor for his/her credentials:
- Instructors' certificate (This is essential and should be signed by their instructor)
- Licence
- Insurance
- Governing body
- How many years training
- Location Easy to get to, ample parking.
- Class times Reasonable training times.
- Fees Again, watch out for the money grabbers, a true instructor does not pester their students for money all the time.
- First Aid and Health and Safety certificates This is for your safety.
- A friendly class
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