OnlyAnEgg said:
That looks to be the best idea, that of a day trip for the basics. There are several schools within a 60 mile radius; but, regular attendance would simply be impossible. I will call around and see what can be found.
Aside from the heavy bag and a set of pads (the large 'Muay Thai' pads) there shouldn't be anymore equipment needed, would there (aside from a willing victim)?
Shin guards, either from fairtex or ringside, and hand wraps. For the wraps, get fairtex or ringside; but with ringside, make sure you get the "mexican style," long wraps. Just preference, any wraps will do, but the 180" will provide for greater support and the "stretchieness" of the mexican style wraps (the only style that fairtex sells) makes for more comfort than the other material offered. Eventually, you'll need gloves; I suggest 16oz, from fairtex, windy (which can be purchased through ringside), twins or ringside and a mouth-piece. As a trainer, you'll eventually get some gear, but it won't be necessary unless you're training for fights, nice to have, but not necessary. For equipment, stick to the brands I suggest for quality purposes. Fairtex is the best, with twins, windy and sandee coming in close behind. Fairtex is also more expensive, but I assure you the extra 10-25 bucks will add 2-5 years on to the life of your gear. (Yes, I am a fairtex groupie)
As for attendance, Muay Thai is an insane workout. In fact, IMO, the workout should be watered down for newcomers for the first 10-12 classes (about a month). But skimping of the training is not a Thai characteristic. Try and get at least two classes in every six months, then simply mimic what they do at gym. Mostly, classes are for discipline and equipment; if you have the equipment at home and the discipline to train, the classes are an unneccesary expense, unless you are training to fight. Otherwise, you're mostly paying for someone to wear you out and kick your *** (commonly referred to as fitness).
I am excited for you and your wife. Muay Thai seems to be fancied by females because it's not incredibly difficult to learn, and the strikes generate a high amount of power. Power is something that women deserve a little bit more of, I think. My GF loves training with me, and, despite my telling her in advance, the more she trains, the more she wants to train. You may soon find yourselves attending gym and training quite often, so be prepared. You realize, of course, that you are obligated, as a man, to keep up; I mean, we simply can't have your wife beating you to a pulp, now can we?
