About Muay Thai

Muay Thai 

Muay Thai, often referred to as the art of the eight limbs is considered the national sport of Thailand. Muay Thai first developed as a way to defend oneself on the battlefield when there was no weapon available. The ‘eight limbs’ being the fists, elbows, shins and knees each represent one of the weapons of war. The fists became the sword, the elbows and knees became axes and the shin mimicked the staff. This brutal style of fighting was developed by the Siamese (currently known as Thai) through years of conflict with neighbouring countries Burma, Khmer (Cambodia), Vietnam and Laos.

Whilst initially taught to the soldiers of the time. Many surviving warriors continued to practice and teach the style as a means of self defence and also to keep fit and so began the spread and knowledge of the fighting style. The Thai people had many wars with the Burmese and it was during this period where Muay Thai became such a vital part of Thai culture.

During one such war with Burma, King Nareusan of Siam was captured. He was challenged to fight Burma’s best fighters to earn back his freedom. Victoriously returning to Thailand the style was quick to become recognised as a national sport. Ever since then Muay Thai has been taught to Thailand’s military forces whilst the fighting style as a sport has become a major part of Thailand’s culture.

Muay Thai also played an important role for royalty as many of the best fighters became teachers to the royal family. The princes of Thailand were all encouraged to learn Muay Thai as it would help them become better leaders. Because of this many of the Kings of Thailand were renowned as incredible fighters.

Muay Thai was at its height of popularity in Thailand during the rule of Prachao Sua (king Tiger). This was a peaceful period for Thailand, even so Prachao Sua ordered the soldiers to practice Muay Thai. It was during this time that the whole population enjoyed practising Muay Thai. Training camps were created in each village and each one held their own contests and had their own champion. The Tiger King loved Muay Thai so much that he often disguised himself and went to fight in local village contests defeating their local champions.

It was during his reign that it became normal practise to bind the forearms with strips of horse hair to protect the fighter and inflict more damage on their opponents. These were eventually replaced by hemp ropes or strips of cotton and in some matches ground glass was mixed with glue and spread over the ropes. Groin guards made from shells or bark were always used as kicks to the groin were allowed until around the 1930’s. Fights were held in any area with sufficient space and fights would often continue until there was a clear winner. This was soon replaced by rounds determined by floating a pierced coconut shell in water. When this Shell sank down to the bottom the round was over.

It wasn’t until King Rama VI that a ring with ropes was introduced to stage Muay thai fights to protect fighters. In the 1920’s Muay Thai was withdrawn from the school Curriculum due to a high injury rate. Nearly ten years later Muay Thai went through more radical changes through the influence of International boxing and the success of Thai boxers in these organisations. This included adopting the western boxing gloves and weight classes along with 5 round matches.

Muay Thai has continued to grow in popularity across the world with many countries embracing the exceptionally tough sport. Fighters and trainers from all over the world have come to respect the devastating power and exceptional skills that Muay Thai instils in its practitioners. Not only is Muay Thai one of the most exciting and demanding combat sport in the world. The respect and humility that it develops in its fighters is in itself a wonder. Its continued rise in popularity is guaranteed with its acceptance as an Olympic sport and inclusion into the world GAISF games in 2010.