Ever have that frustrating feeling where the technique you JUST drilled disappears the second you start sparring?

It's one of the biggest challenges in Muay Thai. We're all taught to train hard, but we rarely talk about how to train smart.

The truth is, elite performance is just as much a psychological skill as it is a physical one. If your skills aren't transferring from pads to sparring, it's not because you aren't training hard enough. It's because you might be training in a way that your brain can't process and retain.

In this episode, let's get into the science of learning and skill acquisition. We explore how your brain learns complex movements and provide practical tools to make your training more efficient, effective, and permanent.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to avoid "Cognitive Overload" so you can actually absorb what your coach is teaching.
• The #1 Practice Mistake
• Skill Acquisition vs. Skill Testing
• The Science Behind Writing & Record Keeping
• Mental Toughness Tools
• The Undeniable Foundation to Everything

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• The 2026 Muay Thai Training Journal: Get the guided system I use to track my training, reflect on lessons, and build my "honest record." Check it out here.
• Sources and References:

• 1. Distributed Practice vs Massed Practice Explained – Sport Science Insider
  2. How Keeping A Journal Boosts Athletic Performance – Alchemy
  3. Pillars of Mental Toughness – Chris Stankovich
  4. Quantifying Contextual Interference and Its Effect on Skill Transfer in Skilled Youth Tennis Players – Frontiers
  5. Sports training in virtual reality with a focus on visual perception: a systematic review – Frontiers
  6. Stop Wasting Your Muay Thai Skills Training – Do This Instead – Heatrick Muay Thai Performance
  7. The Effects of Self-Talk on Shooting Athletes' Motivation – PMC - PubMed Central
  8. The Importance of Self Reflection – Player Development Project
  9. The Use of Group-Based Reflective Practice to Enhance Badminton Players' Performance: An Exploratory Study
  10. The Value of Sleep on Athletic Performance, Injury, and Recovery in the Young Athlete – Sci-Hub
  11. Transform Your ACL Recovery Today with Journaling – Colorado Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angela.muaythai or angelamuaythai.com

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In this honest and heartfelt episode, host Angela Chang is joined by Dan Ferrer to discuss into the intersection of mental health and Muay Thai.

As fighters and coaches themselves with more than a decade of experience each in Muay Thai, they share how the sport helped both of them navigate difficult chapters in life, and when it was necessary to get the appropriate help. Dan opens up about struggling with depression, recovering from injury, and finding strength in community, coaching, and therapy. Together, they explore how fighters (and non-fighters) can better care for their mental well-being while staying engaged with a sport they love.

Whether you're a fighter, coach, or someone who just loves Muay Thai, this episode offers a candid reminder: you are more than the gym.

Show notes:

Follow Dan's journey and contact via:

instagram.com/_danferrer_

linkedin.com/in/danfnyc/

Trauma-informed coaching resources:

• Off the Zone: Trauma-informed teaching for martial art instructors and athletes. Currently 3 online courses are available. https://www.off-the-zone.com/

• Conscious Combat Club: “By teaching combat in a conscious way, guided by trauma-informed principles, we aim to help people expand their window of tolerance.” Online and in-person training and a course available for coaches. https://www.consciouscombat.club/

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

Intro/Outro music by Maki of the Moon

Join host Angela Chang and guest Natalie Wong as we explore the importance of support systems in the life of a Muay Thai fighter.

From coaches to teammates and family, we discuss how these relationships play a crucial role in both physical and emotional resilience. We share our personal experiences and insights on building supportive networks that can make or break a fighter’s journey. We offer valuable perspectives as two women fighters in the sport with different situations we've had to navigate over the years.

Show Notes:

• Kru Chon's buffalo story: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTT-a-p-1j/?igsh=YWs5b2JmaXBpODVn

Follow Natalie: instagram.com/iamdjnatnat , instagram.com/iamdjsnacksnack

Support Natalie: www.wathleticsco.com

Follow Kru Chon: instagram.com/kru.chon

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

Intro/Outro music by Maki of the Moon

After every fight, your body and mind need more than just rest - they need a strategic recovery plan. In this episode, professional fighter Angela Chang highlights the metrics and strategies you need to bounce back stronger and faster after a Muay Thai fight. From tracking hydration levels and sleep quality to monitoring quality food intake and mental health, learn how to avoid burnout and injuries while optimizing your performance for future fights.

Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned fighter, this episode is packed with actionable tips to ensure you're not just fighting to win but also recovering to dominate!

Key Takeaways:

- How to monitor post-fight metrics for physical and mental recovery

- The importance of hydration, nutrition, and mobility in your recovery journey

- Why tracking training load and performance is essential for long-term success

Easier & Practical Ways to Cut Weight: =https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/eG42I8dDWQb

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

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Continuing to decode Muay Thai scoring (highly recommended you listen to Part 1 first to understand the foundational aspects of judging considerations, as well as the traditional Muay Thai framework!)

In Part 2, we discuss:

- What "entertainment Muay Thai" is.

- The pros and cons of entertainment Muay Thai.

- The economic structure in Thailand for fighters.

- Scoring in Thailand vs. Outside of Thailand.

- The nuances of amateur vs. professional scoring.

- What's considered a foul and what's not

It's highly recommended you listen to Part 1 first to understand the foundational aspects of judging considerations and the traditional Muay Thai framework.

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

Intro/Outro music by Maki of the Moon

Muay Thai scoring can be a mystery, even for seasoned fans. In this episode, we break down the complex criteria used to judge Muay Thai fights, exploring the differences between traditional Thai scoring and the more entertainment-focused standards used internationally.

We discuss:

- The core elements of Muay Thai scoring: strikes, defense, ring generalship, and more.

- How scoring differs between Thailand and other parts of the world.

- The impact of gambling on traditional Muay Thai scoring.

- The nuances of amateur vs. professional scoring.

- The critical role of the 4th round in traditional fights.

Gain a deeper understanding of this intricate aspect of Muay Thai with insights from a professional fighter based in Thailand. Perfect for fighters, fans, and anyone interested in the art of eight limbs.

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

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Ever feel like you're facing a human battering ram in the ring? That's what it's like going up against a Muay Khao fighter – those specialists who love to clinch and unleash a barrage of knees.

On this episode of Muay Ying, Angela Chang breaks down exactly how to handle these relentless opponents. We're not just talking about surviving, but actually thriving against these "knee fighters."

You'll learn to understand Muay Khao fighters, strategies to nullify, and how to score points against one!

This episode is packed with tips and insights that can help you handle the challenges of facing a Muay Khao fighter. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or just starting out, you'll get the tools to step into the ring with confidence!

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

Intro/Outro music by Maki of the Moon

Being a shorter fighter, height may be a disadvantage, but it's not an obstacle you can't overcome. With the right strategies and techniques, shorter fighters can overcome their height disadvantage and become successful in the sport.

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If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my efforts to run all the platforms Muay Ying is on, as well as create content for each of them. http://patreon.com/muayying

You can also find us: instagram.com/muay.ying muay-ying.com

You can find the host (Angela) via instagram.com/angelasitan or angelamuaythai.com

Intro/Outro music by Maki of the Moon