Intro to Competition: Part One

We all ask ourselves, “Am I strong?” And for most, we discover our strength through training while few are driven to test their strength through competition. And of those who wish to compete, only the committed and prepared can enter the ring. While only professionals receive compensation for competing, the experience of fighting is a rewarding journey in itself to discover your potential.

STEP 1: KNOW (OR FIND) YOUR “WHY”

Before you start committing to fight, dig first into why you want to compete. Take some time without any distractions to reflect on your why and use it to fuel and inspire your journey to the ring. Fight training and competing is not easy—and having a meaningful reason drives the necessary commitment and passion to train consistently and move forward despite setbacks.

STEP 2: CHARACTER TRAITS

Overcoming challenges requires change. The following are essential traits (exhibited both offline and online) that enable students to become competent athletes with character.

  • Fighting is a dangerous sport, and it comes with significant risks that can lead to both short-term injuries and potential long-term consequences. It’s essential for anyone considering competition to have a genuine desire to face these risks head-on. It's important to recognize that competing requires not just skill but also a strong mental resolve to confront and manage the inherent dangers of the sport. This mindset distinguishes serious competitors from those merely looking to participate without fully understanding the commitment involved.

  • Our school is dedicated to shaping a community through respect, camaraderie and growth. Even when controversial athletes are rewarded in popular organizations, we do not want these types representing our school as this conflicts with our values in shaping a positive community for everyone. Athletes with character nurture junior-level students, train with them in a supportive manner, ensure that their abilities are never used to cause injury or take advantage of less experienced individuals and avoid instigating verbal/physical conflict with others (yes, this means not starting drama with opponents on social media or during weigh-ins).

  • Fight training can become monotonous at times. To truly excel, you need to commit to drilling various moves and scenarios consistently, allowing your skills to become second nature. This dedication often requires sacrificing time that could be spent on other hobbies or social commitments. Athletes must make these adjustments to ensure they are properly prepared for competition. Embracing the grind and recognizing that these sacrifices are part of the journey toward improvement is crucial for any serious competitor.

  • Being open to feedback from your coach is crucial; it allows you to understand areas that need improvement. Dedicated athletes make a conscious effort to consistently practice without complaints because they accept that the journey towards excellence involves a willingness to adapt and learn. It is essential to approach each training session with an open mind and a positive attitude.

  • Fight competition has two avenues: before and after. Before competition, you must undergo additional training that pushes your skills and will to their limits—however, not all training days will go smoothly. If you decide to compete more than once, you may face losses. Whether it’s after a bad day of training or a loss, if your goal is personal improvement, you must learn to focus on your growth and embrace the challenges and setbacks to succeed or improve.

  • Unless an athlete has the goal and the means to pursue fighting full-time as a professional, amateur athletes recognize that their training is just one aspect of their lives. For athletes in high school or post-secondary, it is essential to prioritize their education while still committing to their training regimen. Professionals and/or parents face similar challenges, needing to find a balance between work, family life, and training. Effective time management is key to honoring responsibilities outside of training, which can lead to an overall healthier, more balanced lifestyle that enhances their performance in the ring or on the mat.

STEP 3: KNOW AND UNDERSTAND REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Competition is a privilege, not a right. And privileges come with responsibilities. Along with the training, athletes must understand and follow through with the personal and financial commitments of getting into the ring.

  • Minimum 6 months to 1 year* experience as a blue shorts level student and regular attendance to fundamentals, blue shorts/sparring classes & fight camp* timeline can vary for athletes based on their performance

    • Proficient in footwork, and basic offense and defensive exchanges

    • Fighter’s fight camp fee* this will cover additional fight camp training outside of the regular class schedule

  • Read and understand Muay Thai Ontario competition rules and regulations

  • Register as an athlete under Muay Thai Ontario (MTO) *only register once your Kru has confirmed your fight card

    • Register for tournaments (estimate $100+/tournament) and own accommodations if the tournament is outside the city (estimate $100+/day) *single show events generally do not require a participation fee but they can be located outside the GTA

    • Complete mandatory medicals and bloodwork a month before the competition *athletes without completed medicals will not be permitted to compete

  • Follow a strict diet, rest/recovery and training schedule

    • Three months before competition, athletes must weigh no heavier than 10 pounds outside of their designated weight class. This is to ensure athletes can realistically and safely lose weight (if necessary) without compromising their health and performance during fight camp.

    • Depending on how much weight you need to lose to meet your weight class, you may need to invest in a combat athlete nutritionist to guide you on the proper nutrition during fight camp and on the day of competition *optional

    • Consider check-ups with a physiotherapist, chiropractor or stretch/massage therapist to aid in your recovery during training camps, including treatment sessions before and after the competition day (estimate $80-100+/session) *optional



If you’d like to learn more on what you need on the road to competition, reach out! This will allow us to have an open and constructive conversation on the next steps :)

Katrina Velasquez