Wat Gym

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AMTS

Joined 5 years ago

Real Muay Thai Gym, but don't even think of jumping rope!. The Wat is a great gym to learn Muay Thai in most aspects and specially for clinch work, I don't think there is another gym in NY that has such level of clinch work as the WAT does.

Although there are a few negative aspects in my opinion.

As of right now you can't jump rope or actually jump at all for any reason in the classes since the tenants below complain about it! (quite ridiculous restriction for a gym).

The classes are usually packed since the space is not really as big as it should given the number of people.

If you are a student doing the normal classes which are divided in beginner, intermediate pads class, clinch, intermediate sparring, and advanced sparring, you will not get much technical instruction in an individual level at all, meaning the instructor will demonstrate to all what you have to do and off you go! Especially when it comes to the sparring classes....there is no instruction on the strategic aspects of sparring, everyone is left to find out on their own how to do it....besides a couple of pointers sporadically given when students are clearly clueless.

The pads class is great for a beginner, but it looks nothing like a real pads training as the Thai trainers do it, therefore for more advanced students it falls really short in working as a method of realistically simulating fighting situations and polishing up your defensive and offensive skills at the same time, as well as your timing. The main reason why is because the pads holder don't get any instructions on what to do with the pads in order to create the ideal training situation and usually on any given day you will be paired sometimes with someone that has no clue on what they are doing. It becomes not much different then just hitting a bag.

If you have lots of money to spend in private lessons with Phill (main instructor) you will probably be fine. If you are a regular student that has reached a more advanced level you will probably feel stuck after a while.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Specializing in Thai boxing, this Chinatown gym is a hit with novices and prizefighters alike.. In Short
There's a mix of hard-core training and time out at this fighter's paradise: Rose petals float in an entryway basin, incense hangs in the air, and championship boxing belts (won by former students) adorn the wall. The expansive exercise space features punching bags and a boxing ring set amidst shiny wood and exposed brick. In addition to Thai boxing, yoga, conditioning and stretching classes are held often, and tired muscles can be soothed with Thai massage.