What are Thai Pads?

Martial arts is a sport that is not usually practiced alone. While there are times when you would need to train on your own with the help of heavy bags at home, it would simply not be as educative and fun without the presence of a partner or a team that learns at the same pace as you do. Not to mention that another person training alongside you means there is someone to call you out on your mistakes or cheer you on when you need it.

Of course, training with a partner requires extra equipment and gear so they can receive kicks and punches from you like it’s no big deal. There are two kinds of non-striking gear used in partner training: Thai pads!

Thai Pads

Thai pads are most commonly used in Muay Thai and Kickboxing training. Thai pads are the centrepiece of a Muay Thai Coach’s arsenal, and for good reason. They are highly versatile, and provide the ability to quickly adapt for both boxing and kicks in ways that traditional boxing Mitts, martial arts paddles or kick shields simply don’t allow for.

Benefits of Pads Work

Pad training begins just as soon as one embarks on the journey of learning the art of 8 limbs. Here are some benefits of pad work in training. 

Stamina Pad work can be as intense, maybe even more intense, than an actual fight. A trainer may choose to mimic ring action with 3 to 5 rounds of 3-min pad training or stretch this up to 8 minutes. This helps to build up a fighter’s cardiovascular endurance so as to ensure tip-top performance. They are the best tools for improving overall fitness. 

Simulation For those about to enter the ring, trainers often study the fighting style of the opponent and simulate it during pad work. This helps prepare a fighter in developing the necessary defensive and offensive strategies for the fight. 

Reflex By reacting to the instructions or actions of a trainer, a fighter can sharpen his reflexes with pad training. This is a gradual process that improves over time. A fighter can react faster through repeated practice and training. 

Condition Contrary to misinformation, shin conditioning is not done with wooden bats or kicking banana trees. The hardness of these objects can cause serious damage especially to beginners. Along with heavy bag training, pad work can help in conditioning a fighter’s muscles and shins.

Aslan Sports Training Gear

Aslan Sports offers the complete range of training gear and equipment for Kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, or striking in general. For individuals, there are protective gear like shin guards, knee guard, safety kick, head guards and body vests. Fight gyms essentials like heavy bags, belly pads, and kick pads of the highest quality can all be found at our online store. 

Train and fight like a beast. Aslan only delivers the best!