Muay Thai

Introduction

Muay Thai, which translates to “Thai Boxing”, is the national sport of Thailand. It is a martial art with roots originating from military use dating back to around the 13th century during the time of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Muay Thai is known as the “Art of 8 limbs” because it makes use of 8 points of contact namely, punches, elbows, knees and kicks. This differs it from other stand-up combat sports such as boxing (2 points - fists) and karate (4 points - fists and feet).

Today, Muay Thai is practiced and competed not only in Thailand, but also all around the world.

What is Muay Thai or Thai Boxing?

“Muay” translates to mean “boxing” in Thai, so Muay Thai is literally Thai boxing. Taking elements from Muay Boran, the traditional Thai martial arts, Muay Thai as a modern combat sport was first formalized in the early 20th century. The sport was influenced by British boxing where codified rules and the boxing ring were put in place. During this period, fighters also ditched wrapping hands with ropes (“Kard Chuek”) and began wearing boxing gloves in competitions.

Muay Thai is a stand-up striking sport, with two competitors in the ring throwing punches, elbows, knees and kicks at each other. Clinching, sweeps and throws are also allowed. Besides the 8-point contact, a key difference between Muay Thai and many other stand-up combat sports is its emphasis on traditional elements such as the pre-fight dance ritual known as Wai Kru Ram Muay, the head dress (Mongkon) and the Sarama music that accompanies each fight.

Muay Thai History

The history of Muay Thai can be traced historically to the Sukhothai dynasty of Thailand around the 13th century. As recorded in Thai history, the first Thai army was born out of a need to defend the kingdom and soldiers were taught both armed and unarmed combat. Over time, the evolution of this martial art gave us Muay Boran and Muay Thai as we know it today.

Due to wars with neighboring kingdoms and tribes over the centuries, Muay Thai became a way of life for the people of Siam (as Thailand used to be called). One of the most famous stories of Muay Thai came via the great Nai Khanom Tom, during the Ayutthaya period. The tale narrates how Nai Khanom Tom defeated 9 Burmese fighters, one after another, during his imprisonment after the Siam kingdom was under siege. The historical event (half steeped in myth) is now celebrated as Muay Thai day which takes place every year on March 17th.

During the Rattanakosin Kingdom era (around 18th-early 20th century), Muay Thai was formally became a national sport where rules and regulations were introduced.

Modern Muay Thai

Muay Thai has grown over years since around World War I period to become a combat sport loved and practiced all around the world. Modern Muay Thai encompasses elements of traditional boxing including the use of padded boxing gloves, 3 to 5 rounds with time limit, defined rules and take place within a ring (squared platform).

Muay Thai takes much of its strikes and techniques from ancient Muay Thai, also commonly known as Muay Boran. Muay Boran was created primarily for hand-to-hand combat during warfare. As the sport evolves, dangerous techniques from Muay Boran that may be deadly have become forbidden in Muay Thai such as strikes to the joints or back of the head.

Other than variations of punches as seen in western boxing (e.g. jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts), kicks, elbows and knee strikes are used in Muay Thai. Clinching, sweeps and throws are also used strategically in modern Muay Thai to make it an all-rounded combat art. Due to the 8-point contact, the sport has proven to be one of the most effective stand-up striking art and practiced by many mixed martial artists.

The stadiums of Lumpinee and Rajadamnern in Bangkok are considered to be the most prestigious arenas of Muay Thai. Fighters, local and foreign aspire to compete at the stadiums.

Muay Thai Techniques

Muay Thai techniques can be generally classed into attack, defense, and counter technique. To become adept in Muay Thai requires constant practise, drilling the techniques over and over until they form part of muscle memory.

Muay Thai training begins with learning the basic stance and movement. With the chin tucked in, the body is kept upright and hands in guard position to protect the head, and feet are kept roughly shoulder-width apart. Right-handers keep their left foot a little to the front while keeping their right feet roughly 45 degrees to the outside. Left-handers (Southpaws) do it in reverse with their right foot in front. This posture allows the fighter to be in balance and ready to strike or defend when appropriate.

Attacking techniques consist of punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes, kicks, push kicks and clinches. Defense techniques consist of blocks, lean backs, deflections, leg catches and dodges. These techniques mix and match to combine into combinations(combo) that can be used for attack or counter. An example of a combo that is often taught and used is the jab-cross-low kick. Each attacking technique includes a series of variations.

How to Improve in Muay Thai

There is no shortcut to becoming good at Muay Thai. Professional fighters in Thailand train twice daily, six days a week and competing almost every month. Many of them accumulate hundreds of fights on their record over their career as they started training as young as four or five.

Muay Thai techniques are simple and it is all about drilling; grinding the same techniques over and over again on a daily basis until they become second nature. Besides working on techniques, cardio and strength are important elements to become good in Muay Thai. This is why running and strength training exercises are also done everyday in a fighter training program.

Trainers are addressed as “Kru” in Muay Thai which means teacher. Krus are respected and always trusted for doing what is best for a fighter. Be it that push during training or the advice given, students must always give 100% trust as the Kru knows what is best. Even fighters with many titles to their names listen to their trainers.

Most importantly, giving your best during every training is the way for progress. Push yourself and give all you have got. In short, show up and train as regularly and frequently as you can.

What are the Benefits of Muay Thai?

With roots dating back to the 13th century, Muay Thai was originally developed for hand-to-hand combat in warfare. Over time, it evolved to become a martial art and fight sport that we know today.

Although it remains to be a full-contact sport, the times have changed with more and more people taking up Muay Thai for a variety of reasons. While many continue to compete in the ring, there is an increasing population training Muay Thai for fitness and recreational reasons. Today, Muay Thai is embraced by practitioners of all ages all over the world.

Here’s a look at ten benefits of Muay Thai:

Calorie Burner

It’s all about burning those extra calories and Muay Thai training does it exceptionally effectively. Each Muay Thai session lasts about 1-2 hours and consists of warm-up, shadow boxing, drilling techniques, heavy bag work, padwork, before finishing off with strength training exercises. One 2-hour session can burn 1000 calories, making it a great and fun way to lose weight.

Self-defense

Muay Thai consists of both attacking and defense techniques. As a combat art originating in military warfare, Muay Thai was designed to inflict pain to the enemy while protecting the user from physical harm. Its range of weapons like the elbow strike, knee strike and push kick can be used to disarm an attack. It is a great self-defense skill, making it ideal for everyone to learn especially kids and women.

Mental Toughness

Training Muay Thai helps to build mental fortitude by challenging limits both physically and mentally as it takes perseverance. So Muay Thai strengthens not only the body, but also the mind. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Being mentally tough enables a person to succeed in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

Self-Confidence

Training Muay Thai makes one leaner and gets one into a better shape. And when a person feels good about the way he/she looks, the more confidence they exude. At the same time if one makes the effort to train Muay Thai regularly, he/she will get better at it and seeing that improvement over time has a direct effect in the growth of self-confidence.

Endorphin Rush

Endorphins are a group of chemicals secreted within the brain and nervous system. The release of endorphins in the body are known to promote a sense of comfort and well-being which can help in stress management. Endorphin rush refers to this state which is experienced after a workout which is almost guaranteed with each Muay Thai training session.

Strengthens The Body

Muay Thai training is tough. Each session lasts from 1 to 2 hours and incorporates multiple rounds of shadow boxing, heavy bagwork, padwork, strength training and conditioning exercises. A traditional training for fighters will even include a 3-5km run as a warm-up. A sore body today is a strong body tomorrow. Clearly, training in Muay Thai regularly will improve overall fitness and strengthen the body .

Widens Social Circle

There is always a strong sense of comradeship at every Muay Thai gym. There is a common interest in learning Muay Thai; everyone is working towards the shared goal of self-betterment; blood and sweat are shed during training; and this is how the deepest friendships are forged. Friends who slay together, stay together.

Fun

For all fitness enthusiasts who are sick of running on the treadmill or lifting the same old weights, Muay Thai is the antidote. Besides learning different techniques and combos, modern Muay Thai training incorporate a variety of exercises that makes training fun and effective at the same time. When the activity is interesting, there is more motivation and incentive to train. Whether for recreation or fitness, Muay Thai is an ideal activity that is fun and fulfilling.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular illness is the number 1 cause of death globally. One of the most common heart disease is hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications like stroke and heart failure. The first step to reducing the risk of developing heart diseases is to make positive changes by engaging in regular cardiovascular exercises. As a cardio-intensive sport, regular training in Muay Thai can reduce blood pressure and strengthen the heart. Being healthy isn’t a fad or a trend, it is a lifestyle and Muay Thai can help to achieve it.

Easy to learn

Unlike many martial arts that focus on katas (or forms), Muay Thai is straightforward and to the point. There is no elaborate or detailed choreography and the moves are not designed to be performed for entertainment purposes. Muay Thai is a stand-up striking style that was developed to hurt the opponent in the most efficient way. They are effective yet instinctive enough to be picked up easily. No need for memorizing fancy, complicated movements. Easy as 1-2-3.

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