Private Sessions in Muay Thai: What You Need to Know

Private Sessions in Muay Thai: What They Don’t Tell You

Private Muay Thai sessions can be a game-changer for your training, offering benefits that go far beyond just extra pad time. As someone who has taken plenty of private lessons, I’ve discovered a few surprising insights that often don’t get mentioned.

In my opinion and this may differ from gym to gym, the group class is more for your fitness and conditioning, and private classes or more focussed on your technique. Of course, you will get corrections and you will learn from the group classes but private lessons are where I've always seen the biggest improvements.

Personalized Attention to Technique

One of the most obvious perks of private lessons is the personalized attention you will receive. In a typical group class, you might expect around 3 pad rounds per session.

However, in some of the ‘tourist gyms’ where classes can reach up to 120 students, getting your turn on the pads isn’t always guaranteed.

I find that a class size of around 20-30 students is ideal. But when classes get too large, it’s tough to get detailed feedback that helps you improve. Private sessions, on the other hand, can include 10 or more pad rounds, depending on the focus of your session. You will often spend more time working on the more technical aspects of Muay Thai, which can be beneficial.

Building a Strong Coach-Student Relationship

Private lessons build more than just skills; they create lasting relationships.

Taking regular one-on-one sessions can help you develop a deeper connection with your coach. Over time, they’ll gain an understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. This rapport often carries over to group classes too, where your coach might give you extra guidance or attention because of the bond you’ve built during privates.

Fair? Maybe not. Helpful? Absolutely.

Are They Worth the Cost?

Private Muay Thai sessions vary in cost, but they’re often worth the investment.

Here’s a general breakdown of pricing in Thailand:

• Northern Thailand (e.g., Chiang Mai): 400–800 THB per lesson.
• Southern Thailand (e.g., Phuket): 1000–2500 THB, particularly at higher-profile gyms.
• Former Champions or Legends: Premium pricing, often over 2000 THB.

Prices depend on several factors, including the gym's reputation and the trainer's credentials. While this might seem steep, consider the value of expert-focused time versus group sessions where your progress might stall.

Training with Legends

Famous fighters like Saenchai, Diesel Noi, and Samart offer private training sessions and seminars, giving fans the chance to learn from true legends of the sport.

Be aware, though, that these lessons can vary in intensity. For some legends, private sessions lean more toward showcasing techniques and offering a great experience rather than hardcore skill development. That said, being in the presence of greatness is priceless for many practitioners.

Avoid Oversights in Tourist Gyms

Some of Thailand’s most popular tourist gyms boast big-name trainers but don’t always guarantee they’ll oversee group classes.

Before committing to a gym, check if your desired coach will personally run group classes or only be available for privates. Large class sizes often limit your access to the trainers you might seek, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to learn from someone specifically.

By opting for private lessons, you increase your chances of quality time with these sought-after instructors.

Correct Bad Habits Faster

Private lessons provide a focused environment to identify and fix any bad habits within your Muay Thai technique.

For instance, when I first started training, my footwork suffered because of my background in a different sport (football). It wasn’t until I committed to one-on-one sessions that a trainer took the time to correct me. Private training gave my coach the time to analyze and correct my movements step by step. This attention to detail is hard to replicate in larger group settings.

Enhanced Sparring

For fighters focusing on competition, private sessions can be a keep part of your fight camp.

Coaches in one-on-one settings often incorporate fight strategy, counter techniques, and conditioning drills to improve your ring performance. You can get valuable sparring insights that are more tailored to your style, which can make all the difference during your next fight.

Another additional benefit for professional fighters is that sparring with experienced trainers during fight camp drastically reduces the chance of getting injured by someone during sparring.

Flexibility and Customisation

Private lessons allow you to focus on something specific each session. If you do want to work on something specifically don't be afraid to ask the trainer!

Want to drill clinching for an hour? Practice sweeps? Or correct your footwork? Private training can give you complete control, with no time wasted on activities that don’t align with your goals.

Some gyms also offer flexibility with timing, so you can fit training into your schedule rather than adjusting your day around group sessions.

Final Thoughts

While group classes are great for building fitness and sparring, private sessions offer a level of personal attention and technical correction that’s hard to beat. The relationships you form with your coach, the focused training, and the hidden perks during group classes all make private lessons worth considering—especially if you’re serious about improving your Muay Thai skills.