The author demonstrates the Khow Loy (Flying Knee).Equipment
For individual training in Thai boxing techniques, you’ll
need bandages, punching bag gloves, and training
equipment on which you can practice the techniques. In
shadowboxing you can certainly carry out the techniques
in the air, but to make progress in training, the body also
needs to feel resistance. It’s also fun to burn oʃ energy on
the punching bag. For training in techniques with a
partner, you’ll need protective equipment (see the book
Muay Thai Basics).
To avoid injury to your hand and ɹnger joints, you
need bandages for training on equipment such as the
punching bag and the speedball. You can buy two short
standard tapes from specialty stores; they start at about
$8. You also need punching bag gloves; acceptable-
quality versions can be obtained from specialty stores
starting at about $40.
A punching bag helps to develop strength and stamina
in your technical execution. Simple models, about three
feet in size, are ɹlled with pieces of fabric and cost about
$70 and up. Advanced Thai boxers use a heavy punching
bag, available for about $140.
A maize bag can be used for training in ɹst, elbow, and
high kicking techniques. It’s better to buy this kind of bag,
with maize ɹlling, from a specialty retailer. Make sure
that the ɹlling is not too soft. A ɹlled bag made of
synthetic leather will cost about $90.