Holding Thai Pads at an Angle

Bennosuke · 02-10-2012, 09:06 AM

I see a lot of guys at my gym and online holding the thai pads at an angle (between parallel to the floor and 45% from parallel to the floor), for guys throwing roundhouse kicks. In fact, you see this a lot with Thai pad holders.

I personally prefer my holder keeps the pads perpendicular to the floor and parallel to their body, and this is how I hold pads for others. This better mimicks the angle I will be connecting with a human body, and forces me to turn my hips over.

However, it seems that the angled hold is pretty popular. I'm certainly not going to pretend to be an expert, and I won't say one way is better than the other. For those that hold the pads at an angel, why do you do it?

hyatt · 02-10-2012, 09:33 AM

Because it is not all about you.

hyatt · 02-10-2012, 09:38 AM

...and if you train at a gym with lots of guys who hold pads at an angle, why do you not ask them why they do it? Maybe they would give you a chance to hold pads and see why it is that way. Holding the pads is a great way to observe the way that people act prior to throwing a power kick/punch/knee/elbow,a great way to learn the importance of not telegraphing, and a great way to learn how to move such that the power of those attacks is effectively absorbed.

Bennosuke · 02-10-2012, 09:44 AM

I hold pads all the time. In kyokushin we were specifically taught to hold the pads upright. Now I'm doing Muay Thai. Some guys hold at an angle and some don't, I've asked a few guys and the coach. Most just say, that's just how they do it, and never really thought about it. The coach gave me an answer, but it wasn't very satisfying. In fact, when I hold pads upright, no one seems to notice.

I'm asking on line because I'm hoping to hear other answers. Thank you for your time.

joeakrazo · 02-10-2012, 09:58 AM

It's just the way it is done I suppose. Our kru pads kicks with one arm. At first I thought it was just me but he does it even with the fighters of our gym.

barnowl · 02-10-2012, 09:58 AM

I suspect it is partially the fact that you take less direct impact and it is an easier structure to hold when taking big impact. So it is what people naturally fall into.

Ryukyu Damashi · 02-10-2012, 10:02 AM

How are you holding the pads totally upright? Are you holding them in an A with your elbows tight to your sides?

Bennosuke · 02-10-2012, 10:04 AM

Generally tight to my sides, though I don't really pay too much attention to it. And I can't say they are perfectly upright, but I try to keep them more upright then bent over.

Actually now that i think about it, I may do both

Cannon_6 · 02-10-2012, 10:29 AM

Oldie but goodie. Best padholder ever.

Bennosuke · 02-10-2012, 10:36 AM

I recognize I'm going to get flack for saying this, but the way he held pads, the guy was never turning his hips over. He was kicking straight up in the air. It was almost as if he was practicing a front kick rather than a roundhouse.

Or am I missing a joke since that is an expert village video?