Reddit Muay Thai: Shin Questions Answered

After scanning Reddit’s sub-group for Muay Thai – we found some of the same questions being asked over and over. Muay Thai questions about shin pain tolerance, shin conditioning, and shin guards. So, you asked and Kru Chris of T.A.G. Muay Thai has answers:

Ajarn Bryan demonstrates a (shin) kick with Kru Chris

What is the best way to condition shins?

We’ve all seen it on YouTube, but the truth is that you shouldn’t be kicking down trees. You also shouldn’t be rolling glass bottles or metal rods over your shins. Those actions along with hitting yourself with a stick are totally different from the feeling of kicking someone. Practice throwing kicks at a heavy bag and Thai pads to develop both your technique and tough shins over time.

How bad are my shins supposed to hurt?

There’s a difference between hurt and pain. There will be some discomfort and pain in your shins, especially in the beginning. There is a difference in pain and hurt, hurt means damage. If you think you might be hurt, seek a medical professional’s opinion.

What is the best way to deal with shin pain?

Laugh it off and suck it up. Seriously, if you think you might be hurt or want the bruises to go away faster, check out WebMD for a few tips.

Is it normal to have dents in my shin after training Muay Thai for a while?

Yes, you might acquire dents as a result of repetitive trauma and increased pain tolerance in your shins.

Should I protect my shins in Muay Thai training?

The answer to this question can vary depending on the instructor answering it. At T.A.G. Muay Thai, we use bare shins  and pull up cloth shin and instep guards during Muay Thai training. I recommend not using any fancy or super thick shin guards because then you won’t know what a kick in “real life” feels like. No one is invincible, but shin guards can make you feel that way.

Can Muay Thai veterans feel pain in their shins?

Yes, if you stop training just like with weight-lifting or cardio – you have to work up to training again. Some Muay Thai veterans may have a higher tolerance level but can still feel pain.

Is it okay to train Muay Thai with shin splints?

This is usually from running, not training Muay Thai. Just like with any injury, ask a doctor if you should be training or not.

What are the best shin guards?

In amateur sanctioned fights, fighters use cloth shin guards. No one is using leather or top-dollar shin guards for amateur Muay Thai fights. If you are going to use shin guards, pull-up cloth and shin types are recommended.

—If you are new to Muay Thai, training will be uncomfortable, but repetitiveness will help you build both mental toughness and shin toughness. Also, T.A.G. Muay Thai should not be considered as a medical resource. There is a difference between feeling discomfort and feeling hurt. If you ever feel hurt – seek medical help.

—Want to learn more about Muay Thai [Related: Muay Thai Words Decoded (Thai to English)]? Visit the T.A.G. Muay Thai YouTubechannel to watch Muay Thai instructional videos by Chris Leben, Sanchai, Ajarn Bryan Dobler, John Wayne Parr, and others. Local to Northern Virginia? Stop by T.A.G. Muay Thai for a FREE 30-day trial.