Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Performance

If you’re an orthodox fighter who’s never drilled in a southpaw stance, you’re leaving yourself open to attack—and trust me, that’s a vulnerability you can’t afford in the ring. Whether you’re throwing a punch, missing a strike, or just stepping off-line, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself in that unfamiliar stance. In that split second, you have two options: scramble to get back or confidently launch an attack.

In this episode, I’ll show you why mastering the southpaw stance—whether you’re naturally orthodox or vice versa—can be the difference between getting outmaneuvered or taking control of the fight. Stick with me as we explore how you can use stance-switching to control range, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and stay dangerous from every angle.

Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/09/27/learn-southpaw-if-orthodox-and-vice-versa-opposite-stance/

When it comes to calisthenics vs weight training, which is better for fighters? In today’s episode, we’re exploring both.

Calisthenics offers great benefits for mastering body control, stability, and movement patterns, making it ideal for fighters just starting out or focusing on form. But sometimes, even your body weight can be too much. When it comes to long-term athletic progress, free weights can take your training to the next level. Discover the part both calisthenics and weight training play in your fighter development...

Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/09/13/calisthenics-vs-weight-training-for-fighters/

Damien Trainor's method for drilling combos forms a foundation of his Muay Thai coaching.

In the world of Muay Thai, success isn’t something handed out freely; it’s earned through countless unseen battles. Even those at the top of the game haven’t had it easy. Overcoming struggles – paying your dues – is part of the journey for everyone.

Kevin Ross, a seasoned fighter, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to rise to the top.

Kevin Ross on the Reality of Success in Muay Thai: Paying Your Dues

Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/08/30/paying-your-dues-even-the-best-fight-unseen-battles-kevin-ross/

Sound corrected version!! Many fighters and coaches misunderstand just how much Muay Thai training is really needed to achieve the best performance possible.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 A great question!

00:32 How do Thais train so much?

00:48 Thailand training – the good and the bad

01:13 Damien Trainor's experience in Thailand

01:57 The reality for even a young Thai nak muay

02:31 Liam Harrison's experience in Thailand

03:08 Overtraining and burnout is real

03:31 Even the Thais struggle if training changes too much!

04:42 Thai fighters are adapted, not adaptable

05:27 Thai Muay Thai training has hit a ceiling

06:32 Dr Lynne Miller's experience of Thai culture and coaching

07:37 Merging the best of Thailand with a more progressive athletic training approach

In part 4, scientific skills training for fighters is enhanced with deliberate play!

We discuss a continuum from deliberate practice – where skill training is structured and effortful, to deliberate play – where skill training is creative and enjoyable. And how there's a need for both!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The Power of Play!

00:19 Deliberate Practice vs Deliberate Play

00:41 Using a Practice to Play Continuum

01:09 Deliberate Play on a Heavy Bag

01:29 Unleashing "Creativity"

01:54 A Playful Mindset is a Growth Mindset

Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/08/02/scientific-skills-training-for-fighters-part-4/

In part 3, scientific skills training for fighters becomes STRUCTURED!

We discuss placing skills training in a periodised progression (as you approach a fight), skills training RPE, and take a closer look at a training session worked example too…

00:22 TUF – Technique Under Fatigue

00:48 Skill Training Programming

01:31 Skill Training Everyday?

02:05 Multiple Skill Practices Per Week

02:40 Avoiding Local Muscular Fatigue

02:57 Worked Example: Round Kick

In this second part, we continue to apply scientific skills training for fighters to fast-track Muay Thai skill development…

We explore how to best practice new skills in a training session, to ensure you not only:

In this first episode, we begin looking at how scientific skills training for fighters can accelerate your Muay Thai skill development by answering two fundamental questions:

As a fighter, you might not like the answer…

But, there’s a wealth of scientific research on motor skill development, and if you practically apply the findings to your training, you’ll go further, faster!

Here, in part 1 we get that ball rolling…

TIMESTAMPS

Coaching for your first fight can make or break your competitive Muay Thai aspirations – whether you're sharpening up with non-decision bouts or aiming for titles someday.

World-class Muay Thai coach Damien Trainor shares his philosophy on introducing students to competition. He emphasises the importance of getting to know your fighter and, crucially, helping fighters understand themselves.

More Muay Thai enthusiasts than ever are taking tentative steps into the ring to further their development. There's immense value in testing your limits this way.

If stepping into the ring to face an unfamiliar opponent feels like a logical step for you, this episode sheds light on preparing for your first fight...

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Your Reason For Fighting

01:06 About Your First Fight

01:56 Fight Qualities Build Life Qualities