Is it More Important to Find the Right Coach or the Right Gym?

When it comes to Muay Thai or learning in general, the importance of a great coach can't be overstated—but how important is it to find the right coach vs finding the right gym? While gyms are important for the facilities, training partners, and overall environment, the relationship between coach and student in my opinion is more important.

So, what makes a good coach, and what makes someone the wrong one? Here are a few key things to consider.

Not All Muay Thai Coaches Are the Same

It might go without saying, but not all trainers are equal—and it’s not just about their teaching ability. Whether they’re a Muay Thai champion or a striking coach from another discipline, their style, experience, and even personality will heavily impact what you’ll get out of training with them.

Some may focus more on technique and precision, while others may emphasize conditioning and physical strength. It's important to do your research and find a coach whose approach aligns with your goals and learning style.

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While it’s true that you can learn something from everyone, the reality is that your progress is going to accelerate if you find a coach whose style aligns with your own.

Styles make fights!

Styles also make for good and bad training sessions. For example, if you're a counter-fighter, a coach with the same style is likely to understand the nuances of what works best for you. Training under a coach with a completely different style—say, a pressure fighter—can still offer value, but it might not be best suited to your specific strengths and weaknesses.

Coach’s Experience: Does It Match Your Needs?

This brings us to a crucial point: the coach's experience. For many fighters, the best teachers are often former champions. These coaches needed an elite mentality to reach the top of the Muay Thai world and they bring that to their sessions, and that mindset rubs off on their students. They've lived through the highs and lows of the sport and often understand what it takes to get there.

But not every great coach is a former champion, and not every former champion is a great coach.

Some of the best coaches are those who have trained elite athletes and international teams. On the flip side, with the growing but small number of foreign trainers popping up in Muay Thai gyms, particularly in Thailand, it’s essential to dig into their credentials.

Some are genuine experts, while others may be hobbyists with little real-world experience whose dream was to own a gym in a tropical paradise. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions! If a coach can’t clearly show you what they’ve accomplished, you may want to look elsewhere.

Language and Communication: Can They Teach You?

Another often overlooked but critical aspect is communication. Even if your coach has all the knowledge in the world, if they can’t communicate it effectively to you, it won’t help. The level of English (or the language you speak) your coach knows matters, but so does their ability to communicate through body language, demonstrations, and key phrases. Some of the best Muay Thai coaches may not speak much English, but they’ve mastered the art of teaching through simple, clear cues.

A Good Coach Understands the Small Details

In my experience, the coaches I’ve learned the most from are the ones who can spot the small details. They understand that something as simple as slight foot placement can completely change your movement and effectiveness. Coaches who focus on these details not only help you fix mistakes but also give you insights into why those small adjustments are so important. This level of attention can often separate a good coach from a great one.

Do You 'Vibe' with Your Trainer?

Beyond skill and experience, there’s also the vibe of the coach. Do you get along with them? Do they push you without breaking you? The relationship you have with your coach will be tested in tough moments—when you're exhausted when you're frustrated, and when you feel like you're hitting a wall in your training. Having a coach you respect and trust can make all the difference in how you push through the hard moments and likewise when it’s time to rest up and have another go tomorrow or next week a good coach will know when this time comes.

That being said, be wary of coaches who push you to your physical limits without offering the teaching and correction you need. It’s not about how hard they can push you; it’s about whether they can help you improve through targeted instruction.

Similarity in Style and Build

Lastly, consider a coach who has a similar build to your own. If you're a tall fighter, for instance, you may benefit more from a trainer who understands the mechanics and strategies for taller fighters. A coach who mirrors your physical attributes may have.

Final Thoughts: Coach vs. Gym

While having the right gym can enhance your overall experience, the coach you choose will likely have the most direct impact on your growth as a fighter. It’s not about finding a coach who will make you run through brick walls for them—it’s about finding a coach who gives you the tools and the knowledge to be ‘ready’ to run through those walls yourself.

So, what’s more important? The right gym or the right coach? I’ll let you make up your mind!