Pad Work for Kickboxing and MMA

Kickboxing Thai Pad Training

How do we use pad work for kickboxing training?

Pad work (or mitt work) is a type of training for Kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. It requires two partners, one to hold the pads and one to strike them. Instead of hitting the heavy bag, kick boxers strike the pads (also known as Thai Pads). It is an excellent workout and teaches the student how to hit with power from all angles. The pad holder can also throw punches at the student forcing them to cover up, slip, bob and weave.

Only trained coaches should hold pads for students as it requires a great deal of skill to ensure a safe, proper workout. Coaches will often wear Thai pads, a belly pad and shin-guards. The Thai pads allow for the practice of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes to the head and body. Good coaches will also use the pads to throw counter-punches which force the martial artist to practice proper defense. The belly pad is a large, padded belt worn around the waist used to practice body shots such as hooks and upper-cuts to the liver & ribs. The belly pad is especially useful when practicing knees from the Thai Boxing clinch (also called the Plum). Shin-guards are used to attack the student, forcing them to protect their legs, body and head from kicks while protecting both partners.

This style of training can be used to drill and refine technique or get a killer workout. Unlike the heavy bag, the mitt holder is constantly moving, just like a real opponent. Heavy bags don't move much or hit back but pad holders do! Pad work is perfect for anyone in our Muay Thai, Kickboxing or MMA program.

At Fusion MMA & Kickboxing our coaches hold mitts and pads during our group classes. Trainers also use them during personal training sessions where members refine technique and intensify their kickboxing workout. We combine methods from Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing and Karate into one seamless striking martial art. All of the trainers at our Port Jefferson Station Kickboxing gym are a expert pad holders.

If you are interested in learning more about our pad work and kickboxing classes please visit us online at http://FusionKickboxing.com or call us at 631-219-8965.

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P.S. Check out this video of Coach Andre holding pads for Coach Jeff! Watch Jeff preparing for his first Muay Thai fight. This is how we prepare our fighters for Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai competitions!