Muay Ying

A few years ago, Silvia asked me a simple question: "Why do you choose to fight?" At the time, I answered it straight from the peak of my competitive career. I still believe everything I said then... but a lot has changed since. Now, I hear my own words differently. This episode isn’t a revision of that original answer. It’s just an honest look at the layers underneath with things I coul...

Angela Chang is joined by David Moore, co-owner of Old Guard Thai Boxing Club in Austin, Texas. They talk about what it actually takes to build a healthy gym culture . Dave breaks down his process for creating a space rooted in intentionality, accountability, and real inclusivity rather than just letting "the vibe" happen by accident. Content Warning: This episode contains brief, non-exp...

In a world of highlight reels and "secret hacks," it’s easy to let social media warp your perception of what a fighter’s life actually looks like. Let's strip away the curated noise to give you a realistic look at the sport. From the "hustle and grind" myths that lead to burnout to the truth about whether you actually need three pairs of gloves, we’re tackling the industry...

If you’ve ever seen a video of someone rolling a glass bottle on their shins or kicking a metal pole and thought, “Is this what I have to do to be a real fighter?”... this episode is for you. We’re parking the mythology and the "medieval" advice today. Shin conditioning isn't about "killing your nerves" or being a brute. It’s about being a scientist. In this episode, I brea...

Ever have that frustrating feeling where the technique you JUST drilled disappears the second you start sparring? It's one of the biggest challenges in Muay Thai. We're all taught to train hard, but we rarely talk about how to train smart. The truth is, elite performance is just as much a psychological skill as it is a physical one. If your skills aren't transferring from pads to sparr...

In this honest and heartfelt episode, host Angela Chang is joined by Dan Ferrer to discuss into the intersection of mental health and Muay Thai. As fighters and coaches themselves with more than a decade of experience each in Muay Thai, they share how the sport helped both of them navigate difficult chapters in life, and when it was necessary to get the appropriate help. Dan opens up about struggl...

Join host Angela Chang and guest Natalie Wong as we explore the importance of support systems in the life of a Muay Thai fighter. From coaches to teammates and family, we discuss how these relationships play a crucial role in both physical and emotional resilience. We share our personal experiences and insights on building supportive networks that can make or break a fighter’s journey. We offer va...

After every fight, your body and mind need more than just rest - they need a strategic recovery plan. In this episode, professional fighter Angela Chang highlights the metrics and strategies you need to bounce back stronger and faster after a Muay Thai fight. From tracking hydration levels and sleep quality to monitoring quality food intake and mental health, learn how to avoid burnout and injurie...

Continuing to decode Muay Thai scoring (highly recommended you listen to Part 1 first to understand the foundational aspects of judging considerations, as well as the traditional Muay Thai framework!) In Part 2, we discuss: - What "entertainment Muay Thai" is. - The pros and cons of entertainment Muay Thai. - The economic structure in Thailand for fighters. - Scoring in Thailand vs. Outs...

Muay Thai scoring can be a mystery, even for seasoned fans. In this episode, we break down the complex criteria used to judge Muay Thai fights, exploring the differences between traditional Thai scoring and the more entertainment-focused standards used internationally. We discuss: - The core elements of Muay Thai scoring: strikes, defense, ring generalship, and more. - How scoring differs between...

Ever feel like you're facing a human battering ram in the ring? That's what it's like going up against a Muay Khao fighter – those specialists who love to clinch and unleash a barrage of knees. On this episode of Muay Ying, Angela Chang breaks down exactly how to handle these relentless opponents. We're not just talking about surviving, but actually thriving against these "knee fighters." You'll l...

Being a shorter fighter, height may be a disadvantage, but it's not an obstacle you can't overcome. With the right strategies and techniques, shorter fighters can overcome their height disadvantage and become successful in the sport. ---------- If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will go towards my effor...

A follower asked me a question that cuts to the heart of why I do what I do: “I would also be interested to hear your take on the Martial artist vs fighter concept! Why do you choose to fight?” My answer lies in the distinction between training in Muay Thai and stepping into the ring to fight, a difference that’s profound and deeply personal. Discover how the controlled environment of the gym diff...

Setting Boundaries in Muay Thai for Safer and Smarter Training In this episode, I get into the essential practice of setting boundaries in Muay Thai training. From protecting yourself physically to safeguarding your mental well-being, we explore how establishing clear limits can help you grow both as a fighter and as a person. I’ll share personal experiences and practical tips for navigating trick...

Ever wondered how to honor the roots of Muay Thai as someone who loves Muay Thai? Silvia from Chicago did, and she asked an amazing and thought-provoking question we could all benefit to learn from. In this video, pro fighter Angela Chang, who has been living in Thailand since 2016, gets into the cultural nuances and traditions that make Muay Thai so special. She leverages her experience and insig...

Ever wondered what it's like to step into the ring for the first time? This podcast episode dives deep into the mental and physical challenges of a Muay Thai debut. Learn how to manage your nerves, master your techniques, and handle the adrenaline rush. ---------- If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is appreciated and it will...

Gyms and training spaces are meant to be safe environments for growth, discipline, and strength, but the reality is that harassment and abuse can exist behind closed doors. We explore the dynamics that contribute to this toxic culture, the need for clear and actionable misconduct policies, and the importance of creating truly safe spaces for everyone—athletes, coaches, and staff alike. We also dis...

In this episode of "Key Investments for Each Stage of your Muay Thai Journey," we break down the crucial investments every Muay Thai lover should make at different points in their training. Whether you're a Curious Beginner just stepping into the gym, a Committed Novice eager to refine your skills, an Aspiring Competitor looking to level up, or an Experienced Competitor chasing maste...

In this episode, we'll explore: Personal experiences and research findings  on navigating weight cuts. Tips and tricks  to  optimize your approach  for fight week. Maintaining focus and performance  while managing weight. Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional . The information presented is based on personal experience and extensive research . Always consult with a qualified healthcare pr...

Muay Thai is a versatile and rewarding martial art, but it is often misunderstood. In this episode, we will explore some of the most common myths about Muay Thai and set the record straight. We will discuss whether Muay Thai is only about fighting, whether it is only for young and fit individuals, whether it is too dangerous, and whether it is only for men. We will also discuss the benefits of Mua...

Explore effective strategies for facing opponents who heavily rely on punches. Hosted by Angela Chang, a professional Muay Thai fighter, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you maximize your strengths and exploit your opponent's weaknesses. ---------- If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying through Patreon. Any amount is...

In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into the world of Muay Thai camp contracts in Thailand, exploring the intricate workings and the impact they have on gender disparities and systemic inequalities within the Muay Thai community. Join us as we unravel the complexities of how these contracts operate, including the percentages allocated to gyms and fighters. Discover how these contractual arr...

As fighters, it's natural to "leave no stone left unturned" and do things that we think can give us an edge. But over time and countless mistakes, I've learned that some of these practices were unhealthy AND counterproductive to my performance. Read article: https://muay-ying.com/the-things-i-used-to-do-as-a-professional-fighter-that-i-no-longer-do-a-reflection-on-better-training...

Host Angela Chang discusses the inevitable bad training days that every Muay Thai fighter faces, and offers tips and strategies for overcoming them. From maintaining confidence to trying something new, here's some quality advice for staying motivated and moving forward. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you push through the tough times and achieve your goals in the sport. Read a...

Have you ever heard of the self-fulfilling prophecy? If you haven't or want to know more about how it relates to Muay Thai, listen up! It's extremely powerful, and can go in the direction you want (or don't want). Read article: https://muay-ying.com/the-self-fulfilling-prophecy-muay-thai/ ---------- If you'd like to more high-quality content, please consider supporting Muay Ying th...