Western people are used to coming from a gym where they are in a class environment and the Muay Thai teacher or gym owner is teaching the group. The gym owner has worked out his style or preference of techniques that has come from his own experience and influences.
When you teach like this then it seems clear to the class the way the Muay Thai technique should be executed and that there is a uniform way they should spar, fight or even shadow box.
Arriving in Thailand suddenly life gets a bit confusing. Techniques are corrected and different choices are given.
This doesnt mean that your instuctor was wrong but it means you new Muay Thai trainers has a different skill set and style.
The best Muay Thai trainers in Thailand choose the style that they will teach their student according to the individual.
Starting with body shape, taller athletes with have an advantage in the knee and elbow department so this is where the trainers focuses on their skills.
Shorter more thick set fighters are usually more suited to punches and low kicks.
The clever athletes usually are able to demonstrate high skill levels controlling matches without getting into a war of attrition.
The super fit training machines love the toughest fights and want to push their opponents too their limit.
Choosing comes more from the trainers looking at your body shape, work ethic, co ordination and heart when training and fighting.
Another factor is also the type of fighter the trainers was before. Why did that trainer choose you on the first day and why is it that he gets you most days. Usually because he has chosen you because he thinks he can get the best out of you.
Traditionally Thai boys in a camp are usually looked after by one Muay Thai trainer and when sometimes when they are busy or sick or for a specific opponent another trainer helps.
Its not normal for a Thai Boy to have any choice in the matter so when a foreign athletes turns up and starts trying to choose who will train him on any given day it goes against the grain of the Thais and often someone becomes offended or confused.
Its better to approach the gym manager about your needs and concerns and some changes can be made. Sometimes the issue is fixed with some communication and the manager usually finds.a way to make neccessary changes so everyone is happy.
In a gym the Muay Thai trainers all had their own fighting style and all have something different to offer from hundreds of fights and years of teaching. Muay Thai trainers in Thailand teach you as if you will continue to learn and improve when you fight over years so dont expect to learn all of the secrets of Muay Thai in a day, week or month in Thailand.
Sometimes because their style is different to what you are used to and there is a language barrier people feel like their progession is slow and they are not getting the best Muay Thai training or what they expected. Often patience is needed and as you perfect what they show you they teach you more.
Of course if you feel like you have a personality issue or there is something more specific you want to improve you can approach the gym manager who usually can resolve the problem one way or another.
Thailand has great training and everyone wants to make the most of their trip. Choose a gym with a good reputation and communicate with the management if you want to change something.
Remember you are in a different country training in their national sport. Make friends, communicate and love Muay Thai and the beautiful Thai culture.
If you have any questions you can direct them to me directly and i will try to help. I have been in the Muay Thai scene 27 years as a fighter, coach and gym owner and are happy to share my experience with you.