| Kickboxing, as it was known by the name of | | | | wrap around their hand beneath gloves. |
| "Muaythai"', originated as the national sport of Thai | | | | Today the gloves are much thicker for the protection |
| society, with competitions held as early as 1257-1377 | | | | of an opponent, but light gloves are also available for |
| AD. | | | | training against bags. |
| You might also say that Muaythai was the sport of | | | | Shin guards, and groin protectors are also worn. |
| kings in its early days. King Pha Chao Sua was so | | | | Female boxers may choose to wear a chest or torso |
| involved in the sport he used to disguise himself as a | | | | protector, although some discussion about these claim |
| commoner to participate. | | | | they often do more hurt than give protection. |
| He was further so supportive of the sport he ordered | | | | Certainly uniforms should be worn with pride. |
| his army to be trained in the art, and interest swelled. In | | | | Kickboxing is phenomenally popular today. It is possible |
| 1774, Nau Khanohm Tom, as a captured prisoner of | | | | to find an active kickboxing school near you. |
| war, fought his way in contest, defeating 10 of Burma's | | | | Classes may be offered at your local gymnasium, or |
| very best. | | | | police and citizens youth club, alongside all respected |
| The Burmese king, King Mangra, himself so impressed, | | | | martial arts classes. |
| applauded his achievements, and granted Nau | | | | Certainly a grading system exists today as with other |
| Khanohm Tom his freedom. | | | | martial arts. Grading and competitions are held |
| Certainly this may have given Mauythai enormous new | | | | regularly. |
| attention and status to survive in history over the next | | | | The grades, called belts, are from white-red-yellow, |
| centuries. | | | | and then continue to orange-green-purple and |
| In 1921, although the fighting style had not changed, new | | | | blue-brown-back. |
| transformations were applied with the inclusion and | | | | You continue to further levels beyond black as a |
| standardization of the 20 Glove 20ft roped ring. | | | | master of the art. Kickboxing as all martial arts, is |
| Gloves were introduced as standard in 1923 by order | | | | suitable for everyone from children, to women and |
| of the police of the interior ministry. | | | | men. |
| By the 1930s groin protection was introduced. | | | | Full contact is strictly and safely controlled, and |
| International enthusiasm grew slowly; it was as late as | | | | participants do not fight outside of their ability. |
| 1995 when the first world Amateur Muay Thai | | | | Certainly kickboxing training is an ideal exercise that |
| Championships were held. | | | | can be performed at your own individual pace and |
| As a martial art, there is very little equipment required | | | | ability. Many classes are offered as either contact or |
| of participants, although it has come a long way since | | | | non contact training. |
| the early days. | | | | The choice to train casually or to enter world class |
| Kick boxers will use hand wraps, i.e. pieces of cloth to | | | | competitive events is yours alone to make. |