3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting Muay Thai

Starting Muay Thai can be an exciting and empowering experience. Whether you're aiming to get in shape, build confidence, or try something completely new, stepping into your first Muay Thai class is a big step. At Element Martial Arts Calgary, we’ve welcomed hundreds of beginners and have seen firsthand the common challenges new students face. 

Here are three mistakes we often see from beginners— and, more importantly, how to avoid them. 

1. Focusing Too Much on Power Instead of Technique 

One of the most common things we see is beginners trying to throw punches and kicks as hard as they can right from the start. It’s natural to want to hit hard—after all, Muay Thai is a striking art. However, focusing too much on power early on often leads to poor form, faster fatigue, and even injury. 

Instead, we encourage new students to slow things down and focus on the basics: stance, balance, and clean technique. Power will come with time. When your body mechanics are correct, your strikes will naturally become faster and stronger without the extra effort. 

Our coaches at Element Martial Arts take the time to correct form and explain movements step-by-step. We always remind beginners that it’s okay to start slow. Quality comes before speed and power. 

2. Comparing Yourself to Others in Class 

Another trap beginners fall into is constantly comparing themselves to more experienced students. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see someone throwing fast, clean combos or performing advanced drills with ease. 

But every single person in the class was a beginner once. What you're not seeing is the months—or years—of consistent practice that brought them to that point. Comparing your first week to someone else’s fifth year doesn’t give you a fair picture. 

Muay Thai is a personal journey. The best thing you can do is focus on your own progress. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s landing a clean jab, mastering your stance, or just making it through a tough class. At Element Martial Arts, we celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Your growth matters here. 

3. Skipping Warm-Ups and Underestimating Conditioning 

When you're new to Muay Thai, it's tempting to jump straight to the fun parts—learning combos, hitting pads, or trying out sparring. But skipping the warm-up or brushing off conditioning can hold you back more than you think. 

Muay Thai is demanding on the body. It requires not just skill but also stamina, flexibility, and strength. That’s why our classes always include a structured warm-up and conditioning segment. These aren’t just “extras”—they’re essential to help prevent injury and build the endurance you’ll need for longer sessions. 

If you feel winded or sore after your first few classes, that’s normal! Your body is adjusting to something new. Stick with it, stay hydrated, and focus on building a solid foundation. Over time, you’ll notice your energy and endurance improving, and training will become even more rewarding. 

Ready to Start Your Muay Thai Journey? 

At Element Martial Arts Calgary, we believe that anyone can learn Muay Thai. Our instructors are here to support you every step of the way, whether you're completely new or returning to training after a break. We create a welcoming environment where beginners can feel comfortable, confident, and encouraged. 

The best way to get started is to book a trial class with us. Experience our supportive community, expert coaching, and beginner-friendly atmosphere. Got questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to help you get started on your journey.