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What is
Muay Thai?
Muay Thai Video
Sometimes called Muay Thai
Boxing or Thai Kickboxing; Muay Thai differs from
Western-style boxing most noticeably in its allowing the
use of elbows, knees, feet, and certain holds and
throws. Because a Muay Thai fighter uses hands, elbows,
feet, and knees, it is called "the science of the eight
limbs" - although Muay Thai actually involves all parts
of the body. Muay Thai also permits a wider range of
targets, to strike "below-the-belt" is not illegal.
Although Muay
Thai is generally regarded as a very hard, external
style, some consider it to have a spiritual aspect as
well. Thai boxers typically perform the "wai kroo," or
homage to his teacher before each match. This is
followed by the graceful "rum muay" which is considered
a warm-up exercise that enables the fighter to relax and
focus.
To an uninformed spectator, a Muay Thai
bout may seem like a lawless brawl. However; with all of
the allowances, there are certain tactics that are
prohibited: choking, head-butting, and hair-pulling, to
name a few. Muay Thai differs from Asian martial arts in
its use of a boxing ring and uniforms, timed rounds,
padded gloves, and in standup grappling. Two articles of
clothing are also unique to Muay Thai, both acting as
good luck charms. First is a band worn around the bicep
throughout the match. The other is a cord worn about the
head, which is removed before the bout begins.
 Practicing Muay Thai is
a vigorous workout and produces tremendous
cardiovascular endurance. Practitioners learn about
thirty basic techniques, mostly practiced by sparring.
There are no forms in Muay Thai. In formal competitions,
groin protectors and gloves are mandatory. Muay Thai's
effectiveness is well-known.
Training is
rigorous, similar to Western boxers. It includes
running, shadow-boxing, and heavy bag work. Kicks are of
primary importance in Muay Thai and the art is best
known for its shin strikes. The characteristic Muay Thai
round kick is delivered with the shin, therefore, there
is shin conditioning. There is also a lot of emphasis
placed on performing various drills with "Thai pads." A
trainer wears the pads, and may hold them to receive
kicks, punches, and knee and elbow strikes, and may also
use them to punch at the Muay Thai trainee. However,
full-contact kicks, knees, and elbows are typically not
used in training.
The Origins of Muay
Thai
Much of the early history of
Muay Thai was lost when the Burmese army destroyed
Ayuddhaya, as the archives of Thai history were lost.
Most of what is known about the origins of Thai boxers
comes from Burmese accounts of warfare between Myanmar
(formerly known as Burma) and Thailand during the 15th
and 16th centuries. All sources agree that Muay Thai
began as a close combat battlefield fighting skill …
more deadly than the weapons it replaced.
There
are two main theories as to where Muay Thai came from.
One theory is that the art developed as the Thai people
moved down from China and struggled for land. The second
theory, while controversial, has archaeological evidence
and considerable academic backing and says that the Thai
people were already in Thailand and that Muay Thai
developed to defend the land and its people from
constant threats of invasion. What is not disputed is
that Muay Thai was an essential part of Thai culture
right from its dawn and in Thailand it is the sport of
kings.
Interest in Muay
Thai as a sport, as well as a battlefield skill, began
to grow in the late 1500's under King Naresuan. During
this period, every soldier trained in Muay Thai and
could use it, as the King himself did. Slowly new
fighting techniques began to evolve with the change in
the art continuing under another fighting king - Prachao
Sua. Known as the Tiger King, he often fought incognito
in village contests, beating the local champions. During
contests, the hands and forearms were bound with strips
of horse's hair. This was done to protect the fighter as
well as inflict more damage on the opponent. Later, hemp
ropes or starched strips of cotton replaced the horse's
hair. For particular challenge matches and with the
fighters' consent, ground glass was mixed with glue and
spread on the strips. The Tiger King was one of the
prime movers in transforming the sport, not only
influencing fighting styles but also the equipment.
The nation was at peace during Prachao Sua's
reign, so to keep the army busy, he ordered them to
train in Muay Thai. Muay Thai then became the favorite
sport and pastime with people from every walk of life.
Each village staged its own prize fights and had its
champions. In addition to a contest of local pride,
every Muay Thai bout was bet upon. The betting tradition
has continued and today large sums are wagered on the
outcome of fights.
 It wasn't until the
reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925) that a standard ring
surrounded by ropes came into use, as did time keeping
by the clock. Before this period, any available space of
the right size was used for the bouts. Time was kept by
floating a pierced coconut shell on water. When the
coconut piece sank, a drum signaled the end of the
round.
Muay Thai was a part of school curriculum
until the 1920's. It was withdrawn because there were
concerns that the injury rate was too high. However,
Muay Thai continued to be practiced in gyms and clubs.
The 1930's saw the most radical change in Muay Thai. It
was codified and today's rules and regulations were
introduced. Rope bindings of the arms and hands were
replaced with gloves. Thai fighters have always worn
groin guards, originally made from sea shells or tree
bark. They were replaced by a triangular shaped pillow
and later a groin box.
Weight
classes based on the international boxing divisions were
introduced, altering the fighting techniques that the
Muay Thai boxers used. Before the introduction of weight
classes, a fighter could and did fight anyone regardless
of their size and weight differences. The introduction
of the weight classes meant that the fighters were more
evenly matched and instead of there being one overall
champion, there became one for each weight class. The
introduction of five 3 minute rounds was another recent
innovation. Winners are determined by knockout,
technical knockout, or judgment by officials.
Stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee were
established during the reign of Rama VII before World
War II. They gradually disappeared during the war but
reappeared soon afterwards. Fights were then broadcast
in full color on Thailand television. Today fights
dominate televised sports are broadcast free to millions
of Muay Thai fans throughout Thailand on all stations -
four nights a week. Thai Boxing has also become popular
outside of Thailand with enthusiasts and practitioners
around the world.
Muay Thai Kids Video
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