Although it can be intimidating partner-based training is a staple of any martial art. Nobody enjoys being hit (outside of weird BDSM culture of course) but if you expect to improve, it cant be avoided. You won't get any better at fighting by striking a stationary object and pretending to defend yourself. As my coach says,"You haven't learned a thing until you've been hit."

Training with a partner helps you find your range when trying out different strikes. There is a big difference between training with a stationary dummy or heavy-bag, and training with a moving target. In a real fight, your opponent will not be standing still.

With practice, one can learn to find a good range for various strikes even while the target is on the move. Both people will develop proper footwork, strike connection, speed, upper-body movement and focus. Pictured below is a lead-knee attempt that was ineffective due to being too close to the target.

(Red)- where the strike landed (Green)- where the strike should have landed

Another reason why I prefer partner-based training is the accountability and encouragement that comes along with it. While training alone, one is more likely to quit early or give up on that last set of pull-ups. For some reason it can seem okay to fail when you're alone, but being seen as a quitter in your partner's eyes can be twice as painful. This is a double-edged sword. Nothing fires me up more than some positive encouragement but, "Nice! Good contact!" and "Come on, Gavin! You can do more!" tend to have the same effect.

Beating up on your friend can be positive.  look at those smiles! — Beating up on your friend can be positive. look at those smiles!

The social aspect of partner training is also fantastic. I have met some of the kindest and most insightful people through this type of training which has helped me to build confidence, social skills and mastery in what I love. So, next time you're looking to train, grab a buddy! The only thing better than leaving the dojo drenched in blood, sweat and tears is doing it with a pal.

Gavin Hart

Gavin is an amateur mixed martial artist from Muskoka, Ontario. He enjoys the outdoors, dirt biking, playing the drums and long walks on the beach.

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It always fascinated me, the way two bodies can fit together like a sweaty, blood-encrusted puzzle. Like a Rubik's Cube or a good game of chess, combat is a puzzle that requires mastery, skill and a little bit of luck. Some are attracted by this challenge, some are in it for the physical benefits, and others just want to blow off some steam.

From age 7 I was doing junior karate and was transfixed on being the best I could be, but it wasn't until age 16 that I got seriously interested in combat sports. I have dabbled in wrestling and tae kwon do, but now I train in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After a year and a half of training in these disciplines, I've decided to switch things up a bit. I met with my coach this past Friday after recovering from a minor injury and told him that I was interested in learning some Muay-Thai.

For those who don't know, Muay-Thai (or "Thai Boxing") is a Taiwanese combat sport that is well-known for its visceral brutality. This is one of the rare fighting sports that allows the use of both bare elbow and knee strikes. Given that elbows and knees are used, Muay-Thai quickly became known as "The art of eight limbs."

The first thing we went over is a staple of the Muay-Thai style: The Thai clinch. The Thai clinch (also known as a a double collar tie) is performed by grasping the back of an opponent's neck/head area with both hands and pressing the elbows inward towards the collar bones. This locks the head in position with nowhere to go but down. From here, it's easily possible to land destructive knee strikes (to the face AND body) as well as devastating elbows and traditional hand strikes.

Hand and arm positioning is key with this type of clinch. When used effectively, this position allows you to control your opponent's movements and swing them around by their head. There are a few ways to do it properly and a few ways to make sure you have a really bad day.

Once you have the clinch locked in and you feel comfortable, it's time to make some important decisions. Your main choices are: Let go, whip the head around, push them up against the cage/ropes, trip them, knee strikes, elbow strikes, hand strikes or you could try to transition to a better position. Personally, I tend to value knee strikes above all else.

THAI-CLINCH KNEE STRIKE: For this example i have used my heavy-bag instead of a person. Your knee strikes should look something like this. Opponents foreheads should be almost touching, hands should be placed on the neck as illustrated in figur… — **THAI-CLINCH KNEE STRIKE:** For this example i have used my heavy-bag instead of a person. Your knee strikes should look something like this. Opponents foreheads should be almost touching, hands should be placed on the neck as illustrated in figure 3, hips are positioned slightly forward of the standing foot to guard against being pushed over. Note that the striking leg has toes pointed towards the ground. This is to prevent injury to the feet and toes.

Muay-Thai is one of the most high-risk sports on the planet. The potential for serious injury is insane. I feel privileged to have learned these tricks from trained professionals, which reminds me: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. DON'T DO THIS STUFF WITHOUT LIVE INSTRUCTION FROM A MARTIAL ARTS PROFESSIONAL.