History of Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a combat sport with origins set deep intherefore fight to the death. Muay Korat was a
the history of Thailand. Muay (boxing in Thai language)particular style of Muay Boran that was practiced in
Thai is pronounced Thai Muay by native Thais. Muaythe now heartland of Muay Thai; the north-eastern
Thai is a brutal and athletically demanding combatregion of Thailand, Issan. Muay Korat emphasis was
sport, with participants utilising fists, elbows, knees andplaced on strength, with the Buffalo strike said to be
legs as striking weapons to the opponent. Muay Thai isso powerful that it could take down a Buffalo with a
practiced extensively in Thailand, with internationalsingle strike.
participation significantly growing over the past decade.Muay Boran eventually became a part of Siam
Thai boxing has a historical value which is appreciatedsociety with events being staged at festivals and
by those who practice the sport. This history whichshows, whilst still being maintained as a form of military
forms the culture of Thai boxing has been developedcombat.
over centuries of military and kingdom battle, religiousLegend has it that in these historic forms of Thai
influence, cultural meaning, social development andboxing warriors wore hemp bound hands dipped in
government support.resin or starch. In extreme battles hands were
The initial origins of Thai boxing can be traced backadditionally covered in broken glass making it a fight to
2000 years to the southern China tribes of Ao Laithe death contest, as seen in the well known movie
who migrated south to the central plains of what isKickboxer.
now the Kingdom of Thailand. Because all records ofKing Chulalongkorn (Rama V) reignited the practice of
Siam history were destroyed by the Burmese in theMuay Thai in Siam with his elevation to the throne in
Ayuddhaya period it is difficult for the precise origins to1868. The art was transformed into a sport with
the written. Consequently the origins of Muay Thaiparticipation taking place to aid in physical exercise,
have been verbally passed down through generations,self-defense, recreation and personal advancement.
with modern day Muay Thai combat warriorsTraining camps were established all over the country
understanding the value of warrior established byto enable the practice to be maintained and developed.
those before them through a combination of explosiveVery few modern camps carry the ethics and
artful skill and respectful calmness.traditions of these original camps, an example of this is
It has been told that many great leaders of Thailandthe act of consuming alcohol whilst being a member of
have demonstrated the warrior spirit which paved thea camp being strictly forbidden at any time.
way for the development of Muay Thai. In the 15thUnfortunately many modern camps have been
century King Naresuan the Great was known for hisestablished in tourism destinations which essentially go
bravery against the Burmese. Pra Chao Suua, or theagainst the purpose of these secluded original training
the Tiger King (1662 -1709), was an avid follower ofcamps.
Muay Thai. The Tiger King participated in Muay ThaiModern Muay Thai is referred to as 'The Art of the
bouts across all of Siam.Eight Limbs', and has been influenced by modern
King Taskin the Great ruled from 1767 to 1784 andwestern boxing with the adoption of boxing gloves and
rose to fame from the ashes of Ayuddhaya, at thea roped square ring which has its origins in western
time the capital of Siam. The Burmese had overrun theboxing.
city and destroyed all historical records of Siam. AfterAn important part of the tradition of boxing in Thailand
an intense battle in which the Burmese conqueredwhich still stands today in the practicing of the Wai Kru,
Ayuddhaya, King Taksin gathered 500 followers anda pre bout dance ritual which pays respect to the
escaped east towards what is now known as thecombatants trainer. Wai is a term used to bow the
Issan region of Thailand. King Taskin built a new armyhead in respect and derived from Buddhist tradition,
in this region with now legendary warrior Phraya Pichaiand Kru meaning teacher. Muay Thai trainers are also
Daab hak as his commander in chief. The name Daabtermed as Aa-Jarn, however Kru is more appropriate.
hak means 'broken sword', a name he was givenMuay Thai has seen a modern re-emergence and
when he fought on with no sword after it broke in halfworldwide growth with the realisation of its importance
during battle, using techniques now known as Muayin Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Many MMA fighters are
Thai fighting. Phraya Pichai Daab hak led King Taskinmaking the trip to Thailand to learn Muay Thai as it is
to a glorious victory over the relentless Burmese.seen as an essential part of MMA, which is a
Nai Khanom Tom is considered to be the mosttestament to the true warrior and athletic values of
famous boxer in the history of Thai boxing. He wasMuay Thai.
the first boxer to have fought in another country. AfterThe art of Muay Thai is not to be confused with
being imprisoned by the Burmese during war Naimodern Kickboxing. Many skills of Muay Thai which
Khanom Tom was challenged to fight against 10 of thehave been developed over centuries of tradition are
best Burmese Bando boxers. He defeated all onenot replicated in modern Kickboxing which is popular in
after the other and was granted freedom back tothe United States and in fitness programs globally.
Siam.However Muay Thai offers a superior form of battle,
The form of boxing and combat in Thailand throughoutathletic conditioning and fitness training due to its
these historic periods was known as Muay Boran, andtechnical requirements in the utilisation of eight striking
was used as a significant form of military battle,points.