Sylvie's Technique Vlog - Why You Should Slow Down on the Pads (17 min)

Video above. There are obviously many things one can focus on in padwork and get a lot out of it, but this Technique Vlog is my own suggestion for what foci have been meaningful and beneficial for me, personally, in my career, as well as just pointing out the fact that focusing on something is way better than just submitting to the trap of being "good." You don't get anything out of being "good" at padwork. A lot of us tend to submit to the trainer or coach as a means of being a "good" student, which is equally unhelpful to everyone. Be respectful, yes. But don't just follow. Find things to work on, even if it's internal and your coach isn't responsible for whether you're achieving those things or not. Your padman calling for a kick and you kicking isn't being "good" at anything and it's certainly not leading toward anything to do with fighting. You can focus on spacing, timing, breathing (oh man, this one is so important), and what for me has been the most significant: relaxation.

If you've trained any time at all in Thailand, had a Thai coach, or a coach who spent time in Thailand, you will have heard the command "sabai." It means relax, yes, but it means relax in a way that I never understood for the first few years of hearing it. It leads into "tamachaat," which is "natural" or "instinctual." They go together. And it requires you to work on it.

All my Technique Vlogs for Patrons

Check out my other Patron-only technique vlogs:

#26 Barefist Training vs Training with Bag Gloves (18 min) 

#25 The Non-Switch Lead Kick (9 min)

#24 Getting on Your Toes (13 min)

#23 How to Use Bagwork in Thailand (17 min)

#22 Guard: Palms Facing Outward (17 min)

#21 Your Ambient Footwork (15 min)

#20 Jang-wa, Rhythm and Timing (15 min)

#19  Training Ruup & Composure  (13 min)

#18   Closing the Door in Long Guar (11 min) 

#17  Static Block for Balance (9 min)

#16 The Diamond Guard (20 min)

#15 Mental Gym, Beginning to Advanced Visualization (19 min)

#14 Getting the Right Hand In (13 min)

#13 Rising on Techniques (6 min)

#12 Control of the Kick (6 min)

#11 Body Position First (11 min)

#10 All About How I Recover (12 min)

#9 Creating Power and Distance At Close Range (9 min)

#8 Where Are Your Feet? Foot Position (9 min)

#7 Evolving in the Long Guard (10 min)  

#6 The Power of Eye Contact (10 min) 

#5 Dieselnoi's Lowkick in the Clinch (12 min) 

#4 Air Knees in the Corner (8 min) 

#3 Acceleration at the End of Strikes (10 min)

#2 The Kem Pivot (12 min) 

#1 Dealing With Fear, How to Cut it Out (13 min)

Remember you can browse the entire Muay Thai Library here

Referenced in my vlog are my sessions with Wangchannoi, you can watch them here:

#95 Wangchannoi Sor. Palangchai #2 - The Secret Powers of a Cool Heart (77 min) watch it here

The first session with one of the best fighters who ever lived was so good we went back right away and filmed a 2nd. This time his fighting style is put into more context, focus on angling off, the differences between boxing and Muay Thai & Wangchannoi's beautiful jumping knees.

#94 Wangchannoi Palangchai #1 - Deadly Step Counter Fighting (70 min) - watch it here

One of the all-time greats, 118 lb and 4x 122 lb Lumpinee Champion, 1993 Fighter of the Year Wangchannoi was one of the most feared fighters who ever fought, patrolling the Golden Age with fierce violence. In this session he teaches the keys to his aggressive, forward pressure counter fighting style.