Reviewed By: Chris Clifton
Muay Thai Kicking Boxing is a 207-page book dedicated to the Thai martial art and ring sport of Muay Thai. The author, Chad Boykin, has numerous years of experience in this system and his knowledge is shown through out this book. The book itself has 10 chapters that range from the history of Muay Thai to stretching and conditioning for bouts in the ring. Each of these chapters has a bounty of information for those wanting to learn more about this system.
Chapter One serves as an introduction to Muay Thai, vital equipment for training, a method of safely wrapping one's hands as to prevent breakage during training, and the author's views on martial arts, self defense and what it takes to be street effective. While the history, equipment descriptions, and hand wrapping method is excellent material for the introduction; the author's view on self-defense and martial arts should be reserved for a different portion of the book.
The author states that Mixed Martial Arts training is the best method for training a person for self-defense, while other methods have nothing to offer. Such a comment couldn't be further from the truth. Over the years there have been numerous people that survive assaults by relying upon knowledge gained in the very systems Mr. Boykin decries as worthless. In his view, Muay Thai, Brazilian JiuJitsu, and boxing are the sole tools a person needs to defend themselves if attacked on the street, since these systems have been proven "effective" in MMA competition. While Mr. Boykin is certainly entitled to his opinion, these views tend to take away from the focus of this book.
In Chapter 2, we are shown the actual techniques of Muay Thai. There are over 55 pages devoted to the stances, punches, elbows, knees and other tools used by the Muay Thai fighter. The author does an excellent job of explaining the principles of each technique, then includes several photos demonstrating a fighter doing the techniques. At various points there are also additional tips for truly important techniques.
A couple of techniques that are shown in this portion are slightly uncommon in most Muay Thai circles. The guillotine choke, single leg take down, and hip throw are techniques one would be more likely to find in a Mixed Martial Arts training manual, not a Muay Thai one. To a true beginner in the system, this may lead to some confusion.
Various training drills are the subject of Chapter 3. Here, Mr. Boykin really shines as a trainer. This chapter has numerous drills broken down into a step-by-step format along with pictures describing all the movements. These drills cover everything from footwork to combination strikes using various pieces of training equipment. Added at the end of the chapter are several boxing and Muay Thai workout programs, certainly a great addition.
While Chapter 4 is entitled "Advice for the Novice Fighter", it contains material for both the novice ring fighter and a section dedicated to self-defense. The portion for a ring fighter contains valuable information such as: what you should do in the ring as far as being active, avoid freezing up, etc, the various weight classes, and how handle different types of fighters. The different fighter types covered include: taller opponents, a fighter that rushes you, a shorter fighter, a fighter that jabs continuously, and a left-handed fighter. All of this is great information every fighter should know.
The second portion of Chapter 4 covers self-defense. At the beginning of this potion Mr. Boykin details various reason why people should be aware of the need for self-defense. He then goes on to give some tips regarding self-defense courses and some general guidelines for self-defense. After this short portion, a series of photos covering 12 pages, demonstrates various self-defense techniques. While the idea behind these are good, there are a few techniques that are not practical and would stand only a small chance of working if employed on the street. For starters, the "submissive pose" used in the very first photo looks too much like a fighting stance. I would venture to say not too many people would be fooled by this stance. Second, the sprawl (as shown) wouldn't slow down, let alone stop, a person attempting to tackle a victim to the ground. Finally, the eye gouges shown throughout the section are thrown with some of the poorest form I have seen. Instead of looking like an actual attack, it appears that the "victim" in each photo is simple spreading her fingers and placing them in the general area of the attacker's eyes.
Basic physical conditioning is served up in Chapter 5. The exercises in this chapter focus mainly on abdominal development and to more limited degree endurance building. The endurance building exercises are ones such as: skipping rope, mountain climbers, and several footwork drills. The rest of the exercises are meant to harden your abs and include: flutter kicks, leg raises, roman chair sit ups, and countless others. All of these exercises will certainly do the job of hardening your midsection. As with previous chapters, a sample workout is included at the end.
Chapter 6 serves as an introduction and safety guide to Chapter 7. In chapter 6, Mr. Boykin discusses weight training principles, lingo, and safety issues with the reader. Topics such as injury prevention and treatment, different types of workouts, amounts of rest, etc are covered in great detail. This is another area where the author's knowledge shines.
In Chapter 7, we learn how to hit the weights. Within the chapter are 35 pages of various free and body weight exercises. Detailed written descriptions and photos help guide the reader through the varying exercises. All the exercises can be done with a simple home gym. There is no need for a full membership at your local gym in order to get the full benefit of this chapter. For those that need sample workouts, Mr. Boykin has included 5 different workouts that focus on varying areas.
Getting the reader's aerobic base built is the topic of Chapter 8. While this chapter is short, it contains solid information about creating a running program. Running gear, various forms of running, as well as the importance of cool downs and stretching are discussed. The chapter closes with a discussion of determining how intense your runs should be.
Chapter 9 brings the reader over 12 pages of partner and solo stretching drills. Each of the 3 forms of stretching are talked about prior to any stretching techniques being covered. The exercises shown will certainly get the reader into a better state of flexibility. However, it should be pointed out that several of the lower body stretches shown, could cause damage to the knees of a person attempting them. It would be certainly advisable that the readers do some further research into the area of stretching before trying all of the printed techniques.
Chapter 10 is an appropriate end to this book. Goal setting is the subject being discussed and the ideas shared on these 3 pages are worth their weight in gold. The author covers the 4 aspects of goal setting one must pay attention to if they wish to make the most of it. A sample goal sheet is included to illustrate these ideals along with a blank one for the reader's use.
In closing, Muay Thai Boxing, while having certain flaws, is an excellent book for those readers that have an interest in the art of Muay Thai. This applies to those that are looking at the art for either ring prowess or self defense. Both groups will be more than able to gain large amounts of useful information from this text.
People interested in purchasing a copy of Muay Thai Kickboxing by Chad Boykin can order a copy from Paladin Press. Ordering information can be found at www.paladin-press.com or by calling 800-392-2400.
