1. I’m Luke, been training for a year 2. I plan to compete in amateur in 2 years 3. Muay thai has been integral in my overall fitness. It has upped my strength and cardio, plus the inevitable benefit of mobility and stretching has healed all the “body pains” that age and bad habits bring. Cross-training with grappling arts and FMA has also led me to be more confident about my self-defense skills. 4. I want to train in Thailand next year.

Ever wonder how some fighters always seem to be one step ahead? It’s not just about being faster or stronger-it’s about controlling the fight with feints, fakes, and perfect timing. These techniques are the secret sauce that separates good fighters from truly elite ones. Just like bodybuilders have their "hidden techniques" for building muscle or cutting fat, Muay Thai fighters use feints and fakes to manipulate their opponents, creating openings for powerful strikes. It’s a mental game, where you’re not just reacting, but forcing your opponent to react to you-without them even realizing it. WHY IT WORKS: Feints and Fakes make your opponent second-guess themselves. You’re not just throwing punches or kicks; you’re making them commit to a block or movement that leaves them wide open for your real attack. TIMING IS KEY: When you master the art of timing, it’s like hitting pause on your opponent's reflexes. You know exactly when they’ll flinch or drop their guard, allowing you to capitalize on those split-second opportunities. REAL EXAMPLE: Imagine throwing a fake low kick. Your opponent reacts, drops their guard, and suddenly you’ve opened up the perfect lane for a high kick or a punch to the head. It’s about reading their rhythm and throwing them off balance-not with force, but with calculated deception. I’ve seen fighters get stuck because they’re always trying to land that perfect strike with sheer power. But the secret is, the power comes from knowing exactly when to strike. And once you master the art of feints, fakes, and timing, you’ll find openings that were hidden in plain sight. Want to take your fight game to the next level? Dive deeper into how feints, fakes, and timing can make you the most unpredictable-and dangerous-fighter in the ring. Start integrating these tools into your training, and watch your opponents start reacting to you. What’s your favorite feint or fake to throw during sparring? Let’s talk tactics below. Get ready-something big is coming where you'll learn to sharpen these skills and level up your fight game.