I want to go thai boxing classes but scared to join by myself...?

Question

I want to join a martial arts or thai boxing class and none of my mates will come with me or join with me, so looks like i will be doing it by myself. Anyone else joined by themselves?

I also want it as a new opportunity to make friends.

I am quite shy and feel embarrassed to join by myself. Any advice? Are these sort of places welcoming?

Answer 1

If you find a good boxing gym they are welcoming. You don't go to make friends but the will inevitably happen anyway if your at a good gym. your trainer their will certainly become your friend. If this is something you want to do then you have to put aside your fears and just go for it. it is understandable to be nervous about it. since you don't know what to expect I suggest you call the place before you go and ask some questions

Answer 2

Very much like sport of boxing, Thai boxing is also an aggressive discipline, so first I recommend you adjust your outlook/attitude and make things happen...When you climb into that arena, you're alone and that's just the nature of the sport/discipline...And very much like one of your previous responders mentioned, once you enter your activity and get involved, your passion for the training, will be embraced by others who share the same goal.. Much like the "New-kid-on-the-block" scenario.. Trust me, you'll be okay once you get your feet wet.. Just like other rites of passages in life.

You'll be fine!                     Good Luck,

   Ty Ty, former California Middle-weight

                                     Contender.

Answer 3

I've studied martial arts for years and moved a lot, so I have some experience here...My advice is to do some research first - Do you want to learn street defense, muay thai for sport, or just to get fit?  Figure out what you are looking for and make a list of things you want from a gym.  Be prepared to ask about fees, contracts, what equiment you will need to buy, etc.  Once you know what you want, search out an established gym and call them.  Ask your questions and see what kind of feel you get from the instructor you speak to.  Once you find a gym you like, ask if you can take a beginner class -  typically a good gym will let you take a free class to see if it fits your needs or not.

No need for feeling shy or embarrassed - remember the people in your class will probably be new as well, and you can and should learn from each other.

I believe that joining by yourself will be good for a shy person like you.  It will force you to interact (hold pads, spar, etc.) with folks you don't know.  You'll learn faster that way, and make new friends along the way.  Most fighters are actually nice guys when they aren't fighting, and are some of the most genrous athletes when it comes to sharing tips and training.  

Find a gym and train.  (Muay Thai is a great choice by the way, no matter what you are trying to accomplish.)

Good luck

Answer 4

Both my husband and I joined by ourselves and it changed both our lives.  It took my husband almost a year to get up the nerve to try it and I was shaking I was so nervous.  Now our lives revolve around fighting.  We love it love it love it!!!  We wouldn't have met if we hadn't taken the chance to do something new.  We even got married in the ring and were on TV(how fun)! I hope you push your fears aside and give it a try.  I am now a Pro and my husband wants to fight.  Good luck!