The Challenges Thai Trainers Face When Teaching Foreigners

Training Muay Thai in Thailand is a dream for many martial arts fans. The opportunity to learn directly from legendary Muay Thai fighters and trainers in the sport’s home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some students.

Thai trainers are experts in their craft, and when teaching native students, their shared language, culture, and discipline create an environment perfect for learning. However, when it comes to teaching foreign students, commonly referred to as farang, Thai trainers sometimes encounter a different set of challenges that can impact the quality and effectiveness of training.

The Language Barrier

The most obvious challenge is the language barrier. For both the trainer and the student, teaching often takes place in their second language—English. While some trainers are better than others at learning a second language, it’s still difficult to accurately convey complicated techniques.

Even for students who speak Thai, the language doesn’t always translate perfectly into English, making detailed instructions tricky. However, Thai trainers generally do a great job using gestures, broken English, and body language to communicate.

Although challenging, this isn’t usually the biggest hurdle.

Tourist Burnout

One of the more significant challenges Thai trainers face is burnout, especially in tourist-heavy gyms. During peak seasons, gyms can welcome up to 20+ new students a day, making it nearly impossible for trainers to build meaningful relationships with everyone. This constant turnover can take an emotional toll—forming connections only to see them dissolve as students come and go.

In a sport like Muay Thai, progress takes time, and it’s frustrating for trainers when students leave just as they begin to show improvement. Why invest heavily in a student’s development when they’ll be gone in a few weeks? This can lead trainers to become disillusioned, as there’s little time for the more in-depth development that long-term students require.

Social Media vs Real Training

Another issue trainers face is the increasing pressure to cater to the social media age. Some gyms prioritize teaching flashy, photogenic techniques—like spinning techniques—over practical, effective training. These techniques may look great on Instagram, but they rarely make an appearance in actual fights.

On the flip side, genuine fight gyms focus on drilling basic fundamental techniques relentlessly. A good gym will show you how to properly catch a kick, counter it, and even how to counter the counter, drilling these skills daily until they become second nature. These gyms understand that mastering the basics wins fights, not flashy stunts for social media.

Student Attitude and Cultural Differences

Perhaps the most frustrating challenge for Thai trainers is the attitude of some foreign students. Thai students generally hold a deep respect for their teachers, rarely questioning their methods. In contrast, foreign students may challenge the trainer’s instructions, thinking they know better.

I recall an incident where a beginner arrived at our gym—a place filled with Lumpini and Rajadamnern champions—and insisted that he had invented a new way to check kicks. The head trainer, despite his efforts, couldn't convince the student otherwise. This kind of arrogance is something Thai trainers are unaccustomed to and can lead to a breakdown in the student-teacher relationship.

Work Culture Differences

Another factor that affects the quality of training in some gyms is the work culture clash between foreign gym owners and Thai trainers.

Westerners may not fully understand the Thai approach to work, which often results in low staff morale. Some foreign-owned gyms pay Thai wages while expecting Western standards, leading to high turnover rates and demotivated trainers.

This 'Kee Nok' attitude (which translates to 'bird shit') is how Thai trainers refer to stingy or difficult foreign bosses. Poor working conditions and unhappy trainers inevitably reflect in the quality of training, and unfortunately, this dynamic is all too common in tourist-heavy gyms.

How Can Gyms and Students Improve the Training Experience?

To bridge the gap between Thai trainers and foreign students, there are several steps both parties can take.

For Students:

• Learn a few Basic Thai Phrases: Knowing a few essential words can help improve communication and show respect to your trainers. Simple phrases like 'hello' (swadi krup/ka) and 'thank you' (khop khun krap/ka) go a long way.
• Be Open-Minded: Respect the expertise of your trainers and trust their methods, even if they differ from what you are accustomed to.
• Commit to Longer Training Periods: If possible, dedicate more time to your training so your trainers can focus on your development and help you progress more meaningfully.
• Pay for some Private lessons: Not only does this help support the trainer and his family but it's also a great way to build rapport that carries on into the group class.

For Gyms:

• Prioritise Trainer Well-Being: Offer fair wages and manageable workloads to avoid burnout. Treat your trainers with respect rather than viewing them as employees.
• Educate Trainers on Cultural Sensitivities: Provide resources or training for Thai trainers on working with diverse students and managing cultural differences. If your students prefer a Western-based learning experience, consider teaching your trainers new methods.
• Balance Marketing and Technique Training: Find the right balance between marketing activities and serious Muay Thai training. You don't want to become a flashy social media gym that trainers don't enjoy working at.

Final Thoughts

The way Muay Thai has been taught in Thailand for hundreds of years may differ from how your gym teaches you in your home country. Be open-minded to the different cultural aspects of learning in Thailand. Leave your ego at home, respect your trainers and you'll learn more and get the most out of your training in Thailand.