Star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown has never been one to follow conventional paths, both on and off the court. Known for his intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial ventures, and willingness to push boundaries, Brown has spent much of his NBA career defying expectations. Yet his latest offseason training choice might be his most unconventional move to date. According to athletic reporter Elise Devlin, Brown has embraced a rigorous Muay Thai regimen—an ancient martial art from Thailand—as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance his mental toughness, improve his physical conditioning, and elevate his game to a level that could redefine his role with the Celtics in the upcoming NBA season.
For years, Brown has been regarded as one of the league’s most athletic and versatile forwards, combining explosive leaping ability with elite defensive instincts and a rapidly expanding offensive arsenal. Still, after the Celtics’ rollercoaster playoff run last season, Brown made it clear that he was determined to return sharper, stronger, and mentally tougher. Devlin’s detailed report reveals that Brown didn’t just settle for standard NBA offseason training methods like weightlifting, shooting drills, and scrimmages. Instead, he sought something that could challenge both his body and mind on a deeper level. He found that in Muay Thai, a centuries-old martial art that emphasizes powerful striking, clinch techniques, balance, and unparalleled discipline.
Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, demanding full-body coordination, strength, and stamina. More importantly, practitioners often emphasize the mental aspects of training—patience, focus, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. For Brown, who has always valued mindfulness and holistic personal development, the connection between Muay Thai and basketball was immediate. By learning to control his breathing, timing, and reactions in a combat scenario, he believes he can better handle the high-pressure moments that define NBA playoff games.
Elise Devlin’s reporting paints a vivid picture of Brown’s offseason grind. Rather than spending his entire summer at the Auerbach Center or in private gyms around Boston, Brown traveled to specialized Muay Thai camps, including a renowned training facility in southern California run by former world champion trainers. There, he trained alongside fighters and athletes from various sports, often starting his mornings with intense pad work, shadowboxing, and conditioning drills that left even seasoned combat sports athletes exhausted. By the afternoons, Brown would shift to balance and footwork training, perfecting movements that, while rooted in martial arts, translate directly to better on-court agility and defensive positioning.
What makes Brown’s offseason regimen particularly fascinating is how he has integrated Muay Thai principles into his basketball mindset. He has often spoken about the importance of mental toughness, especially after facing criticism during the Celtics’ playoff exits in recent years. Last season, when Boston fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brown admitted that the mental toll of high expectations and media scrutiny was as challenging as the physical demands of the game. Muay Thai, with its emphasis on discipline and focus, became a way for him to reset and build a new foundation for success.
Devlin’s article highlights how Brown’s approach stands in stark contrast to the routines of many other NBA stars. While some players prioritize endless pickup games or grueling weight room sessions, Brown’s focus has been on mastering his body mechanics, expanding his endurance, and cultivating a fighter’s mindset. In one interview snippet shared by Devlin, Brown was quoted saying, “Basketball is about more than just athleticism or skill. It’s about how you handle adversity, how you respond when you’re tired, when you’re doubted, or when the moment feels bigger than you. Muay Thai has taught me to breathe through the chaos, to find clarity in movement, and to keep my mind steady no matter how intense things get.”
This mindset is something the Celtics will undoubtedly need as they look ahead to the upcoming season. With Jayson Tatum continuing his rise as one of the league’s premier scorers, and a supporting cast that now includes veteran additions aimed at pushing Boston over the championship hump, Brown’s evolution could be the X-factor. Devlin’s report suggests that Brown’s teammates have already noticed a difference. Sources close to the team revealed that during informal scrimmages this summer, Brown’s conditioning and physicality stood out. His ability to maintain energy deep into extended runs and his improved footwork on both ends of the court have been particularly impressive.
The physical benefits of Muay Thai are undeniable. Training sessions often involve hundreds of kicks, knee strikes, and conditioning drills that build core strength, explosive power, and cardiovascular endurance. Brown, who has always been known for his athleticism, appears to have taken his fitness to an entirely new level. Devlin noted that Brown’s trainers have reported a noticeable improvement in his vertical leap, quickness, and lateral movement—attributes that are critical for a two-way player who often guards multiple positions.
But beyond the physical transformation, it’s the mental shift that has caught the attention of those around Brown. Muay Thai, like many martial arts, demands that practitioners confront their fears and push beyond their limits. The intense sparring sessions and grueling conditioning work leave no room for self-doubt. For Brown, who has sometimes faced questions about his consistency during big games, this mental fortitude could be the key to unlocking his full potential as a leader and clutch performer for Boston.
Devlin’s report also touches on the cultural significance of Brown’s decision. Muay Thai is not just a sport; it’s an art form with deep roots in Thai history and tradition. By immersing himself in this discipline, Brown is not only seeking personal growth but also showing respect for a culture that values honor, perseverance, and humility. Brown’s interest in global cultures is well-documented—he has often spoken about his passion for learning and his belief that athletes should strive to be well-rounded individuals. Training in Muay Thai fits perfectly within this broader philosophy.
As the offseason progresses, videos of Brown’s training sessions have started to surface on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans and analysts alike. Clips of him working on heavy bags, practicing clinch techniques, and executing swift, powerful kicks have gone viral, with many fans marveling at his dedication and versatility. NBA analysts have speculated that this unorthodox training could give Brown a unique edge when the season tips off, particularly in terms of balance, footwork, and mid-air body control.
Brown’s decision to embrace Muay Thai is reminiscent of other elite athletes who have turned to martial arts to gain a competitive edge. Kobe Bryant, one of Brown’s idols, famously incorporated mixed martial arts training into his offseason routine under the guidance of coach Tim Grover. Similarly, NFL legends like Herschel Walker and modern stars like Odell Beckham Jr. have praised martial arts for its ability to enhance mental focus and overall athletic performance. Brown appears to be following in these footsteps, but with his own unique twist, blending his cerebral approach to the game with the raw intensity of combat sports.
According to Devlin, Brown’s training schedule has been nothing short of relentless. He reportedly spends six days a week balancing basketball drills with Muay Thai sessions, often starting his day with meditation and visualization exercises. This holistic approach, which integrates mind, body, and spirit, has become a cornerstone of his preparation. Brown has also hired a nutritionist who specializes in diets for combat sports athletes, focusing on lean proteins, anti-inflammatory foods, and hydration techniques designed to support high-intensity training.
The results, according to those close to Brown, are already visible. He has reportedly added lean muscle mass while maintaining his signature quickness and explosiveness. His endurance levels have reached new heights, with trainers noting that his recovery times between high-intensity drills have improved significantly. More importantly, Brown feels sharper mentally, describing his training as “a mental detox” that has helped him reset after the ups and downs of last season.
As Brown prepares to enter the next chapter of his career, the Celtics organization is fully supportive of his unorthodox methods. Head coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his own interest in non-traditional training techniques, has praised Brown’s commitment and creativity. In a statement shared with Devlin, Mazzulla said, “Jaylen is always looking for ways to grow—not just as a player, but as a person. That’s what makes him special. If Muay Thai is helping him build the mindset and the conditioning he needs to dominate, then we’re all for it. He’s setting a standard for what it means to put in the work.”
Brown’s teammates have echoed these sentiments, with Jayson Tatum joking during a recent charity event that he might have to start taking Muay Thai classes himself to keep up with Brown’s offseason grind. Derrick White, another key member of the Celtics’ core, commented on Brown’s newfound intensity, saying, “You can tell he’s locked in. The way he moves, the way he’s attacking workouts—he’s on a mission. If this is what Muay Thai does for you, maybe we all need to sign up.”
While Brown’s Muay Thai regimen is garnering headlines, it’s clear that his ultimate goal remains the same: to bring an NBA championship back to Boston. The Celtics have come close in recent years, but the weight of expectations has been heavy. For Brown, the decision to step outside his comfort zone and embrace an ancient martial art is about finding that extra edge that could push both him and the team over the top.
