The Path to the Intermediate Level

I. Nomination Criteria

While the beginner/yellow shorts level focuses on building strength and basic skills, the intermediate/blue shorts level focuses on the application of these skills through sparring and clinching. Higher level of training requires a reliable physicality, a strong grasp on techniques and more importantly, a sound temperament.

Since each student’s goals and life schedules vary, there is no mandatory/expected timeline to move up in levels. Regardless of how long it would take for a student to achieve them, below is the criteria for yellow shorts students to be nominated by their instructor for the blue shorts level test:

1.STAMINA: Can endure prolonged periods of training with minimal breaks

2.FORM: Demonstrates proper technique for exercises and weapons (see Strong Body and Effective Skill for full move list)

3.EFFICACY: Throws all weapons with controlled and effective power

4.ACCURACY: Lands all weapons with precision

5.CHARACTER: Displays a positive attitude throughout training (see Student Conduct for more details)

II. Blue Shorts Test Outline

The Blue Shorts Test is conducted by a certified gym affiliated with Muay Thai Ontario. The test is a demonstration of the resilience and competency needed to participate in higher-level training. Given the new setting, the test will also be a chance for students to meet the rest of the growing Muay Thai community across the province.

Students must bring their own equipment to the test: yellow Muay Thai shorts, skipping rope, hand wraps, bag gloves, water & towel.

  • 1. Skip (5-10 min.)

    2. Strength and conditioning workout led by a Kru Yai/Kru (45-60 min.) : Students must demonstrate proficiency in basic exercises, and weapon combinations

    3. Freestyle pads rounds with PC/Kru holding pads for nominees (10-15 min.): Students must demonstrate proficiency in all weapons throughout the rounds.

  • After the training portion, nominees will be presented with their certificate of completion for their blue shorts test.

The blue shorts level also opens more opportunities for students, as they are eligible to pursue competition and instructorship roles in the future.

III. Blue Shorts Equipment

Once students complete the blue shorts test, they can train in the intermediate classes, along with their regular classes. Since blue shorts classes include sparring and clinching, additional gear is key to staying ready and protected:

  • Sparring gloves* oz size is based on your weight class (12 oz: under 130 lbs, 14 oz: between 130-160 lbs, 16 oz: over 160 lbs)

  • Headgear

  • Mouthguard

  • Elbow pads

  • Rigid leather shin guards* avoid cloth shin guards as it lacks padding

  • Muay Thai belly pad

 
Katrina Velasquez