Kids Muay Thai Classes in Columbia, MD and Finksburg, MD

Kids Muay Thai at Rising Tide Academy

Muay Thai, which literally translates to "Thai Boxing," originated in Thailand and is a combat sport related to kickboxing and prevalent in mixed martial arts. Popular now throughout the world, Muay Thai is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it employs the use of stand up striking with one's fists, legs, elbows, and knees to attack an opponent. This martial art is known for its unique approaches to clinching, effective use of calculated timing, and reliance on the entire body, especially the hips, to generate powerful strikes.

Muay Thai classes are offered at both our Columbia and Finksburg, MD locations. 

These programs are led by Matt Van Valkenburgh, who, in addition to all our Muay Thai instructors, has professional, competitive Muay Thai and boxing experience. Matt fought in Korea, Thailand, and the United States and is a U.S. Army veteran, husband, and father of two children.

Muay Thai is well known for its effective offensive striking techniques, but it is also perfect for students of all ages who want to get stronger, lose weight, improve their conditioning, and learn self defense. Our adult and kids’ classes focus on teaching the traditional Muay Thai system through a variety of drills and games including partner pad work, bag drills, block returns, and footwork drills.

Students are encouraged to take part in light, technical sparring to apply techniques and strategies, but they are not required to spar. Sparring is always optional; students are encouraged to spar when they feel ready and will be partnered with someone of comparable skill, strength, and size. Our Muay Thai program is designed for students at all levels of skill and fitness. Whether you want to compete, learn self-defense techniques, or mainly practice Muay Thai to get into better shape, our program is for you!

Equipment including gloves, shin guards, and head gear is provided by the academy.

Our Muay Thai program...

• Improves coordination and movement;
• Develops distance and punch awareness with proper defense; and
• Builds an understanding of the Muay Thai striking style.

Classes at all levels include...

• A calisthenic and technique warm up;
• A coached heavy bag workout;
• Fundamental striking technique/combination with 1-2 add-ons or variations; and
• Light play-sparring games (at the instructor’s discretion).