Women’s Muay Thai at Marrickville Martial Arts Club is a women-only class covering punches, kicks, knees and elbows, with partner pad work and conditioning. It is taught from the fundamentals, so you don’t need any martial arts background — or a base level of fitness — to start.
For many women it is also a first step towards mixed martial arts. Muay Thai is one of the main striking foundations of modern MMA, and the club runs a women-only MMA class as well.
Who leads the class
The class is led by Johana Reyes Lagos, who has more than eight years in Muay Thai and specialises in teaching it to women. Fitness levels in the room vary, and first-timers are common.
What the class covers
- Stance, guard and footwork
- Punches, kicks, knees and elbows
- Pad work and focus mitts with a partner
- Defence and blocking
- Combinations and conditioning
Your first class
- Mobility and a welcoming warm-up
- Stance, guard and footwork
- Technique with personal feedback
- Pads and focus mitts with a partner
You work at your own pace and everything is scalable. Sparring isn’t part of a first class.
Why Muay Thai suits women interested in MMA
Muay Thai teaches distance, timing and how to strike with the whole body — skills that carry directly into MMA. It also builds habits that matter in any combat sport: keeping your guard up, staying balanced and breathing under pressure.
Where to go next
Once you’re comfortable, there are several ways to build on Women’s Muay Thai:
- Women’s MMA — a women-only class led by Nikolija Milosevic, who is currently fighting in the UFC
- The mixed Muay Thai classes, including morning sessions
- The MMA program, led by current professional MMA fighter Antonio Mammarella
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — the adult classes are no-gi
Plenty of members train in both women-only and mixed classes. There’s no pressure either way, and competing is entirely optional.
What to bring
- Leggings or shorts and a t-shirt or fitted top
- A water bottle and a small towel
- Gloves — club gloves are available to borrow for your trial
Your first class is free: one trial class, booked through GymMaster. See the Women’s Muay Thai program and the live timetable for class times.
