As a muay thai instructor, I’m often asked my opinion on muay thai videos and instructional DVDs and all I can say is watch them for entertainment. Watch them in addition to training at a gym with a qualified trainer. Do not think you can teach yourself muay thai.
Though, it may be cost effective and convenient to try and teach yourself muay thai, you will miss the feedback a qualified and experienced trainer can give. Instructional DVDs and online advice have become commonplace, but like a Big Gulp, just because it’s convenient and fills the void, doesn’t mean it can replace a more nutritional drink.
Can I Learn Techniques From a DVD?
The obligation of an instructional DVD is to get information to the buyer. The host of the DVD will usually show you a technique with a few verbal instructions. The host will demonstrate how he performs a move. He will repeat the move several times and may even add some slow motion replays. For that purpose, those videos and DVDs work just fine. However, the host will not be able to put your body in the right position, correct form or give you constructive criticism and pointers. They are simply showing you that one knee or one kick.
You can continue to study that same technique from the DVD, but you won’t learn how YOU should throw the technique, why you should use it or when. Those are all very important details that a qualified muay thai instructor will show you. Fighting styles are very personal. You won’t get individualized pointers from a DVD. You may also get a false sense of how much muay thai you know, which could lead to injury or bad habits.
What is Missing From an Instructional DVD?
Quality teaching is a major concern in instructional and internet videos and DVDs. There’s little doubt that the host of the DVD is usually a competent muay thai instructor, but you are not the host’s student. You are the purchaser or viewer of the DVD.
Instructional DVDs also lack the interaction among students and between students and their trainer. A good way to test your skills is to practice and perform techniques with your peers of all levels at the gym. That reminds you of where you were and gives you an idea of where you need to go in your training. That can’t be done when you are constantly performing the same drill of a DVD over and over.
And, what if you have questions? Who will you ask?
DVDs and videos can give you an idea if you want to begin muay thai. If after trying a video, you get excited and want to learn more, then join a reputable gym and start training. Just remember to leave the Big Gulp and DVD at home!!
Jane Mosley - Jane Mosley is a contributing writer for Suite101. She is a freelance writer and has many interests from muay thai to dogs to ...
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