Learn punches, kicks, elbows, knees and clinching through a structured Muay Thai program designed for long-term development.

Train Muay Thai as a complete standalone martial art, or combine it with Jiu-Jitsu and MMA through the wider Apex system.

Beginner to Advanced. No experience required.

A Complete Muay Thai Program

You do not need to train MMA to study Muay Thai at Apex.

Many members focus entirely on Muay Thai. They progress through structured Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and optional Competition training.

Our program develops technique, fitness, timing and composure through clear systems and progressive training.

Whether you want to learn a martial art, improve your fitness, build confidence or eventually compete, Muay Thai provides a complete pathway.

The Art of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai is known as the Art of Eight Limbs because it uses punches, kicks, elbows and knees.

Training also includes defensive movement, footwork, balance and clinching.

Rather than learning techniques as isolated movements, students learn how to control distance, create openings, attack with purpose and return to a safe position.

The result is a striking art that develops both physical ability and tactical understanding.

Striking // Clinching

Muay Thai at Apex covers two connected ranges.

Striking

Striking takes place when there is enough distance to use punches, kicks, elbows and knees.

You will learn how to manage range, maintain balance, defend incoming attacks and create opportunities to strike.

Training develops accuracy, timing and control before power or intensity.

Clinching

Clinching takes place at close range.

You will learn posture control, frames, hand position, off-balancing, knees, elbows, sweeps and safe exits.

Clinch training allows you to remain composed when distance closes and connects technical striking with close-range control.

Systematic Muay Thai

Apex respects the traditions and roots of Muay Thai while using a clear, systematic approach to teaching the art.

Beginners first develop reliable foundations.

Intermediate students learn to combine those foundations, recognise reactions and make tactical decisions.

Advanced students refine their own style and learn to adapt it against different opponents.

This approach makes the program accessible to new students without limiting the depth available to experienced practitioners.

The Four Steps of Beginner Muay Thai

Our beginner system organises Muay Thai into four stages.

Control

Use stance, footwork and simple strikes to manage distance.

Controlling distance helps you decide when to engage, when to move and when to remain safely outside your opponent’s range.

Cover

Close the distance behind sound defensive structure.

You will learn how to approach safely rather than entering range without protection.

Attack

Use balanced combinations of punches, kicks, elbows and knees against appropriate targets.

Technique, posture and control come before speed or power.

Exit

Return to a safe position after attacking.

Exits may use footwork, angles, frames or further strikes depending on your distance from the opponent.

These four steps provide a repeatable framework for understanding striking exchanges.

Start with Our 12-Week Beginner Program

Our Beginner Muay Thai program is designed for adults with no previous martial arts experience.

The program runs across 12 weeks, with two beginner lessons available each week.

Classes introduce the core skills of Muay Thai through a clear and progressive syllabus.

You will learn:

• Stance and balance
• Footwork
• Distance control
• Punches
• Kicks
• Knees
• Elbows
• Basic defensive guards
• Entries and exits
• Introductory clinching
• Padwork and partner drills
• Safe training habits

Beginner classes have no head contact.

You will work with other beginners and practise through controlled partner exercises, padwork and technical drills.

You do not need to be fit before starting. Training allows you to develop fitness gradually while learning practical skills.

What to Expect in Your First Class

Before Class

Arrive around 10 minutes early so you can check in, meet your coach and become familiar with the academy.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing. Bring a water bottle.

Boxing gloves can be provided or arranged when you begin.

Let your coach know about any previous injuries or concerns.

During Class

The session begins with a relaxed warm-up and movement preparation.

Your coach will introduce the lesson’s main skill and explain how it fits within the wider system.

You will practise with pads or a partner through controlled exercises.

Beginners are not expected to spar or make head contact.

Your coach will guide you through each stage of the class.

After Class

The class finishes with a short recap and handshake.

You can ask questions and speak with your coach about the next suitable session.

Progress Through the Muay Thai Program

Beginner

Develop stance, balance, footwork, core strikes, defence and safe training habits.

The Beginner Program gives you a structured foundation without requiring previous experience.

Intermediate

Learn to combine techniques, recognise reactions and apply skills through more varied partner training.

Intermediate training introduces deeper work with guards, feints, fakes, rhythm, angles, targets and follow-up attacks.

Advanced

Develop a personal approach suited to your physical attributes, preferred weapons and tactical strengths.

Advanced classes involve more complex decision-making, technical sparring and adaptation against different styles.

Competition

Competition is completely optional.

Students who choose to compete can progress into dedicated Competition and Fight Team training.

Those who do not compete can continue developing through Intermediate and Advanced classes without being pressured to fight.

Build a Complete Striking Game

As students progress, the program develops several connected tactical areas.

Guards

Different guards change your defensive structure, available attacks and the openings you present to an opponent.

Students may work with high guards, long guards, open stances and other variations.

Feints

Small movements made outside range draw reactions and create information.

Feints may come from the feet, shoulders, hands or hips.

Fakes

Larger attacking movements made within range cause an opponent to commit to a defence.

This can create openings for a different strike or combination.

Advanced Targets

Experienced students learn to recognise more specific targets rather than attacking broad areas without purpose.

Rhythm

Changing the timing and rhythm of attacks makes combinations harder to predict.

Angles

Footwork and positioning allow you to attack from stronger angles while limiting the opponent’s response.

Follow-Ups

Effective striking does not always follow a one-for-one exchange.

Students learn to continue attacking when an opening appears while maintaining balance and control.

Exits

Every exchange should end with a return to a safe or advantageous position.

Clinch Training

Clinch training is a central part of Muay Thai at Apex.

The system is organised around four stages.

Entry

Close distance safely and establish useful grips or frames.

Off-Balance

Disrupt the opponent’s posture, base and position.

Attack

Use knees, elbows, sweeps and trips once control has been established.

Exit

Separate safely or return to striking range without giving away an easy attack.

Clinch training develops balance, posture, control and confidence at close range.

Technical Sparring Progression

Sparring is not mandatory.

Beginners first develop skills through pads, drills and controlled partner exercises without head contact.

Students may later progress into light and technical sparring after developing suitable control and defensive awareness.

Technical sparring focuses on:

• Timing
• Accuracy
• Distance
• Defence
• Decision-making
• Positional awareness
• Partner safety

Students invited into Fight Team training may undertake higher-intensity preparation when required for competition.

The goal is to develop skill while protecting the long-term health of everyone involved.