How to Wrap Your Hands for Muay Thai

Over the last few years, Muay Thai has continued to increase as a popular as a martial arts form. 

Muay Thai is a form of martial art created in Thailand. Its roots back to the 13th century when the martial art was first developed by the military of the Sukhothai. Muay Thai became known as "The Art of Eight Limbs", as the sport relies on the martial artist's hands, legs, elbows, and knees for attacking and defending. Muay Thai has evolved over the centuries and has become increasingly popular globally as a form of martial art. However, as more people continue to practice Muay Thai and Muay Thai Kickboxing, the question of whether or not and how to adequately protect the hands while fighting is important.

Should you wrap your hands for Muay Thai?

Traditionally, those participating in Muay Thai combat have wrapped their hands for protection. Properly wrapping your hands provides padding, which is vital while sparring and practicing Muay Thai forms. 

When it comes to Muay Thai, hands are very vulnerable as they are responsible for striking, and blocking any incoming punches.

So, yes, you should wrap your hands for Muay Thai and variations of Muay Thai kickboxing. Wrapping your hands is essential to protecting yourself from severe injuries. The padding will protect the hand's bones, joints, and wrists, by providing support and stability. The hand consists of small joints and small bones that are fragile and subject to fracture from the impact of repetitive impacts. Hand wrapping also protects the tendons and muscles, while also cushioning any impact of the wrist. Effective wrapping will also provide compression to the hand and wrist area, preventing any inflammation or swelling upon impact.

How to wrap your hands for Muay Thai: Step-by-step guide

If you’re new to Muay Thai or boxing, wrapping your hands may sound complicated or confusing – but it doesn’t have to be.

Step 1: Place the loop around your thumb and begin wrapping the material around the back of your hand.

Step 2: Wrap the material around your wrist, three or four times. 

Step 3: Wrap it around your thumb twice. For each time you wrap around your thumb, also wrap once around your wrist.

Step 4: Wrap the material three times around your knuckles.

Step 5: Once your knuckles are secured, wrap once in between each of your fingers.

Step 6: With the remaining wrap, go around your wrist for additional support.

Step 7: Finish by securing the Velcro strap around your wrist. 

What kind of wrapping should I use?

There are two main choices of material when you’re wrapping your hands:

• Cotton: Cotton is a more affordable and accessible material to use to wrap your hands for Muay Thai. The only downside to cotton hand wrapping is that if not properly wrapped, cotton tends to become loose and slip out of during a fight or training.
• Elastic: Elastic hand wrapping is great as it provides more tension, stretch, and flexibility. Elastic also won’t slip or move as easily as cotton. The only downside to elastic materials is that they may not be as supportive and stabilising as cotton. 

Wrapping up (literally)

While there is some initial confusion around the need for wrapping your hands during Muay Thai, it is very clear that it is important to ensure that your hands are adequately protected when in training or going into combat.

Wrapping your hands doesn’t have to be complicated – using this guide, you will be able to effectively protect your hands, wrists, fingers, and knuckles.