One of the most important skills as a Nak Muay (Thai Boxer) is the ability to hold your pads properly!

A team can only move as fast as the pad holder allows, so having a proper understanding of the mechanics and theory behind padholding will allow you to be the best possible parter to your teammates.

Conversely, if your teammates are also good padholders, then you will grow faster as well!

Possibly the greatest criterium in moving from Striking 101 to Striking 201 is the ability to correctly, safely, and intelligently hold the pads.  Put just as much effort into this skill (if not more) than the others early on and it will pay dividends down the road for you.