Thai pads originated
in Thailand for use in the sport of Muay Thai and now they have been
integrated into the world of MMA. The purpose that they are used in MMA
is essentially the same purpose that they would be employed for Thai
boxing.
Namely, these pads are the bridge between a heavy bag
and a pair of focus mitts. That is to say, the purpose of Thai targets
is to develop conditioning and endurance in the same way these
attributes would be developed on a heavy bag.
And, of course,
Thai pads come with a great deal of mobility in their training sessions
since they will be held by a workout partner. This way, the Thai pads
are used in a manner that is similar to focus mitts as timing,
distancing, and partner drills can be worked into the program in a way
a heavy bag cannot.
And while their origin may
have been in Thai boxing, these pads are effective in any sport that
integrates Thai boxing into the mix or employs strikes similar to Thai
boxing. Hence, these pads are critical for MMA training.
Focus
mitts simply cannot deliver in the same manner that Thai pads can be
used. This is because focus pads have been designed almost exclusively
as a target for punches. Yes, you can train certain kicks and elbows on
focus mitts, but they way you do so is limited.
Focus mitts are
much lighter and cannot handle the powerful shin kicks, knee strikes
and heavy elbow blows that a Thai pad is able to. Simply put, it is
dangerous to train knees and shin strikes with focus mitts since they
cannot absorb the impact as they were never designed to.
Also,
these pads have been designed in such a way that they are held on the
forearms which allows for mobility of the target around the torso. This
lets the trainer safely work with the fighter in a series of fast paced
drills without presented an injury risk to all involved.
And,
of course, the fighter can literally ‘blast away' on the pads since the
thickness of the pads absorbs all manner of impact. In traditional Thai
training, the rounds are very long. They are not the common 2 or 3
minute boxing rounds. They may train for 6 minutes straight per round
and work for 6 rounds with a one minute break.
Needless to say,
that requires great conditioning. Then again, the purpose of such
rounds is to develop great conditioning and it does so with extreme
effectiveness.
When you do purchase Thai pads, it
is of absolutely paramount importance that you purchase reliable,
heavy, leather pads made by a major name in the kickboxing/MMA
business. Stick with Twins, Revgear, Kwon, and other top name brands.
Cheap
or low grade Thai pads are dangerous to train with and do not deliver
and effective workout. However, with the right name brand of Pads, you
can have a solid workout that is delivered efficiently and effectively.
This is true whether you are headed to the ring or the cage.
