How long to intermediate level (BJJ blue belt equivalent)?

[HughH]

I’m primarily a grappler dabbling in striking. Forgive the BJJ-brained question but I’m trying to wrap my head around the sport. I’m hoping to get a sense of the learning curve.

In BJJ the blue belt is the basic intermediate level, the lowest bar for competency. A BJJ blue belt should be able to easily beat an untrained opponent his own size at will in sparring. He should consistently beat untrained opponents within 50lbs. He should be familiar with all facets of the game and have at least a couple techniques from each position. This usually takes 2 years or so of training 4-6 hrs per week.

How long does it usually take the average recreational Nak Muay, training 2-3 times per week to get to this level? Where he can execute all techniques with decent competency, dominate untrained opponents his own size, and hang with larger untrained opponents?

Edited March 2, 2025 by HughH

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

There are so many variabilities it is really hard to say. The best comparison is to Western Boxing which doesn't have a belt system. But one would imagine that within 2 years in a good gym you'd be fairly proficient.

[resigned1]

On 3/2/2025 at 3:12 AM, HughH said:

I’m primarily a grappler dabbling in striking. Forgive the BJJ-brained question but I’m trying to wrap my head around the sport. I’m hoping to get a sense of the learning curve.

In BJJ the blue belt is the basic intermediate level, the lowest bar for competency. A BJJ blue belt should be able to easily beat an untrained opponent his own size at will in sparring. He should consistently beat untrained opponents within 50lbs. He should be familiar with all facets of the game and have at least a couple techniques from each position. This usually takes 2 years or so of training 4-6 hrs per week.

Guten Tag, ich wollte mir endlich das high-end Headset holen. Aber die letzten Monate nur Verlust, war richtig angefressen. Dann bei https://chickenroads.com.de das Hühnchen-Spiel entdeckt. Total simpel, aber der Risikomodus hat mich gepackt. Bin durchgerannt und hab den großen Multiplikator geknackt. Headset drin.

How long does it usually take the average recreational Nak Muay, training 2-3 times per week to get to this level? Where he can execute all techniques with decent competency, dominate untrained opponents his own size, and hang with larger untrained opponents?

Welcome to the dark side. Honestly, the "blue belt" equivalent in Muay Thai is when you stop flinching during sparring and actually land a clean teep.  If you're training 2-3 times a week, you'll probably reach that "competent" level in about 18 months. Striking is weird because a lucky punch from an untrained giant can still suck, but by then you'll have the footwork to make them look silly.

Edited February 25 by resigned1

[The Bongo]

I'm more of a grappler too.

It took me about three years to adjust my mind to Muay Thai. 

It's easier to feel swamped in something unfamiliar, plus large gloves feel all wrong when I parry or trap.  I also found that I'd sink my weight when I should go light as an opponent gets close.  Initially, I was only happy clinching or going for sweeps and trips.  

My style is still pretty unconventional but I can go a round with a smaller or less trained opponent and not get hit once now and then.  Set up strikes with shovel kicks and low kicks, sweeps, and grabbing their guard.  Glove blocks use your grappling skills too.   Grabbing someones guard and using your knees is good too.