The art of Muay Thai has gained popularity in the world for several reasons.

1) Muay Thai is a sport very realistic ring in which most human body parts may be used as weapons.

2) It is effective for self defense and hand to hand combat at the close, medium and long-term ranges.

3) It is great way to regulate the body and be physically fit.

4) From the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become fashionable it is now recognized as the best method for standup fight against MMA practitioners. For these reasons, among others, gyms and schools that offer Muay Thai began to emerge across the United States and abroad.

But that one is good for you?

1) Authenticity - Is it real Muay Thai? Real Thai Muay Thai style includes elbows, knees, fists, feet and body to body and defenses for all of the above. Make sure it's not Muay Thai Tae Kwon Do or Karate posing as Muay Thai.

2) Experiment - Look for an instructor with at least 10 years of experience in Muay Thai. A couple of fights smoking is not one (instructor Kru). How long have they been in business? Many gyms are opening and closing of those days. The saddest part is that they usually take your money, then stop, leaving you dry.

3) Certification - Instructors certified by the U.S. Thai Boxing Association (ATA) or another organization? If not, where the instructor has not taught? A month in Thailand and watching educational videos does not make you an instructor.

4) Competition - they have a wrestling team and they will train you to compete Muay Thai When you're ready? On the other hand, make sure they will not pressure you to fight full-contact until you feel ready.

5) Beginners - Do they offer to start as well as intermediate and advanced classes? This is not a good sign if they throw you in the ring with fighters in search of "fresh meat" on the first day. Also, they offer classes MUAY THAI START? If only they Kickboxing classes in a sack and the class struggle team, turn the page. It is a kind of a stretch to go from not working on a bag of sparring with pros.

6) structured program - A good program is a comprehensive program, including exercises, combinations and training methods to bring out the best in you. Are there clear requirements of your progress? Did they help you set realistic goals? If you are asked to run, jump rope, jumping on a tire, and do crunches and push ups while you kick in the gut for an hour and a half or until you vomit before they teach you anything, it may be a good idea to find another gym (unless you have a fight in two months or you're just in this kind of abuse.)

7) Knowledge - Do they have a thorough knowledge of Muay Thai and are willing to share them with you? If they do not teach anything but the position and the Joint Commission established for the first three months, you may want to look elsewhere.

8) Sparring - Do they offer sparring and Shadow Boxing, Thai pad work, work and exercises Mitt partner in advanced classes? Bag work is great for conditioning, but it will not teach you how to fight.

9) Boxing - Most modern monitors and Thai Muay Thai camps agree that you should learn boxing and Muay Thai to be a good stand Up Game. If they do not believe in science "soft" they are old school of Muay Thai and really in denial about what works in a real fight.

10) Instructor Certifications - Do they offer instructor certifications under the TBA or other organization Muay Thai? Do they teach you to hold Thai pads and focus mitts? While it is true that you do not know how to hold pads for a fighter to be an instructor, you must learn to hold runners.

11) Wai Kru - Do they teach the Wai Kru (pre-fight dance)? Real Muay Thai fighters and trainers need to know the Wai Kru. You can not fight in Thailand without performing the Wai Kru first.

12) User Friendly - Does the staff, instructors and members friendly? When you walk through the door she felt to have your best interests at heart? Are they not really care about your progress and see you reach your goals? If other members or staff to give you an attitude that is not good because these feelings are generally from top to bottom. Also, beware of programs that are willing to take your money but do not care if you ever find a good Muay Thai elbow, knee or kick.

13) Convenience - Do they offer classes beginning Muay Thai at times that suit you best? If you are interested in cross training in MMA, Jiu Jitsu and boxing for example, do they offer that. It can be expensive to pay for two gym memberships just to learn Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu or MMA.

14) Value / Price - Compare monthly payments with the offer. Be sure to watch the total supply. Do you cross train with other martial arts for the same price? If you have a family, they offer discounts for families? Have a children's program? Do they have a program for women? You have a student's handbook when you sign up? Do they have open gym hours so that you can practice on your own? How many classes do they offer a week? Do they take attendance and hold you responsible if you start to dig?

15) Facility - What is the size of the facility? How many classrooms have? How Muay Thai heavy bags are they? Do they have a boxing ring? Do they have weights and other fitness equipment? Do they have lockers and showers? A sports shop? While education is more important than comfort, these benefits are good to have.

16) Clean - Is the facility clean? Did they clean the carpet every day? Beware of gyms that do not clean the carpet every day. These places are central ringworm. This is not funny explain these sores all over your body toward your significant other.

17) Following - If they have many members and student satisfaction is a good sign. They must be right. If it's just some guys around to type in a garage, there is probably a reason.