FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I Need Any Experience?
Not at all! A large number of our students started without any experience.
Do I Need to Be in Shape?
Nope! Our Muay Thai programs eases you into the workout at your own pace and skill level.
What Is the Class Like?
We have few different classes available to members. Two main categories fall under ‘Pad work classes’ and ‘Sparring classes’. All of our classes following the same weekly curriculum tailored for experience level.
Generally all our ‘Pad work classes’ start with 2×3 min rounds of skipping rope, and then one round of group stretching. Then you are taught the lesson using a combination of different pads to practice with your partner.
There classes include:
‘All Levels Muay Thai’
‘Beginners Muay Thai’
Our ‘Intro/Beginner’ classes and ‘Advanced’ classes are a hybrid of partner drilling and pad work classes.
All our members are taught how to safely and correctly hold pads for each other during these classes.
Our sparring classes involve zero pad work and meant to learn how to apply techniques learned in class in a ‘combat’ scenario’
These classes include our ‘Competition Class’, ‘Beginners Drilling/Sparring’ ‘Sparring’, ‘Clinch Class’ and ‘Beginners Clinch’.
All of our ‘Sparring’ Classes are optional.
What is Muay Thai Training Like?
Your average lesson will consist of you warming up, learning and practicing technique, pad work and cool downs. Also included in the lesson is a great emphasis on correct form, execution, conditioning, ring strategy (if necessary) and more. A session of Muay Thai not only has a high caloric expenditure; it’s also a great way to tone your body and relieve stress. it’s high energy but suitable and enjoyable by all levels.
Is Muay Thai for me?
YES! If you want a fun, tough, enjoyable work out then MUAY THAI IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU!
What is the gym culture like?
We are a little gym with a big heart. We have a diverse and eclectic member body that spans across all ethnicities, occupations and sexual orientations. We are inclusive and empowering using the martial art of ‘Muay Thai Boxing’ as a vehicle to help each reach our goals and potentials. We are serious about the sport but professional, light hearted and gentle with our approach, hence our motto:
‘The art of striking and the science of fitness’
We are not a ‘fighting’ gym, but rather a learning institution. We have programs available for those wanting to compete and we compete frequently, but competing isn’t not a requirement for joining the gym.
If you would like to know more about our gym culture, you can check out our ‘Code of Conduct’ by clicking the link below:
Who are the coaches?
At the moment we have 5 main coaches that teach classes throughout the week and on average, two coaches at a time teaching the ‘All-Levels’ and ‘Beginner’. We all have varying years of training and teaching experience and like to think we compliment each others styles. We all undergo constant training to make sure we are always at our best to help our members grow in technique and experience. You can check out our coaches bio’s for more information by clicking the link below:
I am interested in Competing!
Great! We can definitely help you with that. Please read our ‘TBI Competition Team’ Guide for more info!
I am interested in Sponsoring The Team!
Great! We can definitely use and greatly appreciate your help!!! Please read our ‘TBI Competition Team Sponsor’ Guide for more info!
Do you have parking?
Yes! We have plenty of parking. We are located in a shopping center with three dedicated spots to the rear of the gym and shared parking spots along the wall at the rear of the shopping center.
There is also plenty of neighborhood street parking. The Image below shows where street parking is available
Green: Free street parking
Orange: Metered parking.
Dotted Green: Free after 5PM
People can also park at the post office parking lot after their business hours (After 6PM, Park at your own risk, we accept no responsibility for loss or damage.)
Please refrain from parking in our neighbors spot during the hours of 8AM-6:30PM! Thank you!
Here are all of the street signs around the neighborhood. Please note most of there meters are for ‘one hour’ parking only!
Do you have children’s classes?
Yes, We have kid’s classes
Kids: (Ages 4-12 ish) Yes! Monday through Thursday.
For more information on our kids classes, click here: https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/west-los-angeles-childrens-martial-arts/
What about teens?
We don’t have offer a teens program, apologies! Generally, our teens train with each other alongside the adults in many of our classes.
How much time does training take?
Your typical class takes about One hour and is split into different segments such as; warm up, stretch, bag work/shield work, pad work, technique drilling sparring and cool down.
Is sparring offered/required?
Yes sparring is offered, and NO, sparring is never required. Sparring is always OPTIONAL. Classes spar every monday, wednesday and friday for 15 minutes towards the end of class, and sparring classes are offered afterward for those who want to supplement their training. Coach Victor will always have exercises for you to do in lieu of sparring.
As a courtesy to our members, we do not allow drop-in’s for sparring nor do we let members spar until at least their first month of membership.
Is there danger of injury?
As with any contact sport, injuries may happen. At The Thai Boxing Institute in Mar Vista, we take extra care in making sure everyone is paired up correctly and the staff takes extra precaution to make sure everyone is training in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
TBI does provide loaner equipment (gloves, shinguards), but most students prefer to use their own gloves and protective gear.
What do I need for class?
Muay Thai – handwraps, gloves.
Sparring – handwraps, gloves, shinguards, mouthpiece.
Is a school uniform required?
Not necessarily, although our initiation fee includes a school uniform, it is not necessary to wear it to every training session. We do ask that members, as part of our ‘Code of Conduct’ wear clean training clothes. Muay Thai shorts are not necessary although they would be greatly appreciated 🙂