A good coach is worth his or her weight in gold, but a bad coach will do nothing but weigh you down. Here are some thoughts on discerning between the two. . .

SPOTTING THE GOOD (AND BAD) IN MUAY THAI TRAINERS AND COACHES

Who you choose to train under is the singularly most important factor that determines the rest of your martial arts career. Are you going to go all the way and compete and chase after the belt? Or you purely want to learn for the discipline and self-defense aspect? And for each goal, what kind of coach will you train under?

I’ve been doing Muay Thai over seven years now. I’m not a pro fighter and can barely consider myself an amateur, but I have put in the necessary time and energy. 

I’ve learned that a good coach is flexible to their student’s wants and needs, and is able to cater to both type of students described above. In addition, a good coach makes you feel like you’re wanted in the gym when he/she...