The article cites Matveyev’s model of periodisation, including what I thought was a fantastic graph showing not only how training volume (sets, reps and duration) and intensity (% of 1 rep max and % of max heart rate) should be phased to peak for an approaching competition (fight), but also the phasing of technical and specialized Muay Thai work. This wasn’t something I’ve seen so clearly represented before and had to pass it on.

Generally, strength and conditioning training, and Muay Thai training are handled by two separate, specialist coaches. Matveyev’s model clearly shows the contributions from both strength and conditioning and Muay Thai coaches working in concert together. What’s critical is that both coaches communicate and work together to ensure that adaptations don’t conflict. As both a Muay Thai coach and a strength and conditioning coach I can manage this collaboration well. My understanding of training to ‘peak’ for a fight allows me to manage training variables both in the weights room and in the Thai boxing gym.

These variables also relate to the amount, intensity and specificity of the training, not only in terms of strength, power and endurance, but also Muay Thai training. Structuring Thai boxing sessions to allow for peak technical and tactical performance should also be structured according to a longer term progression toward a fight. The graph shows the amount of technical Muay Thai work increasing as the fight approaches. To be clear, this is not the amount of total Muay Thai training, just the amount of technical work included. Periodisation builds generic, foundation qualities before converting them into specialised, killer performance in the ring.

To give you an idea of the progression I like to use with fighters; further from a fight, technical Muay Thai work will focus on using individual techniques efficiently, honing the basics predominantly using bagwork. Progressing toward the fight, more time is spent drilling these techniques in combination to create effective automated patterns with an increasing padwork emphasis. Finally training becomes more specific and personalised — technical and tactical drills focus on sparring work. It’s important to understand this summary explains the emphasis for each phase. For example, I’m not saying no sparring occurs early on, just there’s less of it and it’ll be less tactical in nature. Hopefully you can see how the amount of technical Muay Thai work increases as the fight approaches.

Thinking about how you structure your training leading up to a fight can make a massive difference to how you perform, you don’t want to peak too early! with this article from Mtcmma.com, the intention is to provide some food for thought regarding periodising Muay Thai training as well as your more general strength and conditioning work. They’re both different sides of the same coin.