Muay Thai for Beginners on Koh Phangan
Never thrown a kick? You're in the right place. Most of our students started exactly where you are. Our Thai trainers break Muay Thai down into simple steps, give you plenty of one-to-one attention and let you build up at your own pace.
Do I Need to Be Fit Before I Come?
No. Every session is built to challenge all fitness levels, so you don't need to be fit before you arrive. Beginners are welcome at every session, and you'll train alongside people at every stage, from first-timers to stadium fighters.
The golden rule at Diamond is simple: listen to your body. All classes are optional, and there's no pressure to train twice a day from the start. You might start with one session a day in your first week, then add more as the soreness fades.
Not sure yet? Your first lesson is just 300B, so you can try our coaching and the open-air gym for yourself. If you're staying with us, the minimum Train & Stay booking is one week, which is a great amount of time to see how much you can learn.
What You'll Learn First
We focus on building a rock-solid foundation. Your trainer breaks each technique down into manageable steps, so it soon starts to feel natural.
- Stance and guard: how to stand, move and protect yourself.
- Footwork and balance: shadowboxing rounds in our mirrored, matted area.
- The four weapons: fists, elbows, knees and shins, the Art of Eight Limbs.
- The teep (push kick): often one of the first kicks to feel natural.
- Clinch basics: grips, balance and knees, with a patient partner.
- Technical sparring: light and controlled. It's for learning, not hurting.
Lessons change from day to day, with new techniques, drills and combinations, so training stays interesting and you keep progressing.
See the full class schedule →
Your Two Hours on the Mats
- Warm-upSkipping, jogging or cycling, then hand wraps and dynamic stretches.
- ShadowboxingFind your rhythm in the mirrored area while the trainers watch your form.
- Pad workOne-to-one rounds with your trainer. This is where beginners learn fastest.
- Bag workPower and shin conditioning on our mix of new and "old school" bags.
- Clinch and drillsPartner drills on the clinch, sweeps and simple defence.
- Cool-downA group stretch, then a protein shake at Carrot's Bar next door.
Trainers Beginners Love
Every class is run by our experienced Thai trainers, with a high ratio of trainers to students. Here are a few names you'll hear in your first week. Kru Mon, our owner and master, walks the gym floor during every session, watching and offering advice.
A cheerful personality and excellent English make him popular with beginners.
Happy to slow things down until you get it right.
Equally at home helping a first-timer find their stance or pushing you to the end of a round.
Holds pads with care and helps you build good habits from day one.
First-Timers on Their First Week
"Never tried Muay Thai before and spent a week at Diamond, loved it so much and wished we stayed longer. The trainers are friendly and good with beginners (you're thrown in but you'll pick it up quick)."
MagentaGoogle review"I came here as a solo female traveller to train Muay Thai for 1 month. The whole experience was better than I imagined!! The trainers are brilliant, super helpful, always teaching..."
Ines T.Google review"Superb teaching quality, but also flexible to accommodate beginners. A first class gym all round..."
Alim J.Tripadvisor reviewWomen train with us all the time. In shared rooms we try to place women together, although rooms are booked first come, first served.
Simple Ways to Start
All prices are per person. In high season (December to March) we limit drop-ins to keep a good trainer-to-student ratio, so please check at the front office before joining a class.
Beginner Questions
What should I bring?
Light training clothes, a gym towel, running shoes and flip-flops. Gloves, shin guards and hand wraps are free to borrow, but your own mouthguard and groin guard will fit best.
Is sparring safe?
Sparring is light and controlled, for learning, not hurting. Tell your trainer about any injuries and they'll adapt your session.
I'm over 40. Is it too late?
Not at all. We regularly have students in their 40s and 50s, and one of our sponsored fighters, Vicky, is in her 40s. Read our guide, Starting Muay Thai at 40 (or 50).
How do I recover?
Ice baths on Wednesday and Saturday, and Yoga for Muay Thai three times a week, all included in Train & Stay. See Recovery: Yoga & Ice Baths.
Ready to Train in Paradise?
Spaces are limited so every student gets proper attention. Book your spot or email us with any questions.