| Thailand's national sport, Muay Thai or Thai | | | | A Muay Thai match has a maximum of 5 rounds |
| Boxing is more popularly known as "The Art of | | | | with each round lasting 3 minutes. There is a |
| the Eight Limbs"; with the 'eight limbs' | | | | two minute rest period in between each of the |
| referring to the elbows, hands, knees and | | | | 5 rounds. Match rules are rigid and no extra |
| shins, all of which are extensively used in | | | | rounds are allowed. Contestants are required |
| this sport. An experienced exponent of Muay | | | | to weigh in naked prior to the fight. |
| Thai would have mastered the art of executing | | | | |
| strikes using these "eight limbs" as eight | | | | Basic Rules on clothing and equipment |
| points of contact as opposed to the fist and | | | | |
| feet or "four points" that are used in other | | | | In its most traditional form, Muay Thai was |
| martial arts forms or the fists; "two points" | | | | very dangerous sport with fighters using no |
| used in western boxing. Muay Thai is also | | | | safety gear of any kind except for lengths of |
| known as Muay Lao in Laos, Tomoi in Malaysia | | | | cords wrapped around the fists instead of |
| or Pradal Serey in Cambodia. | | | | gloves. Safety regulations have been changed |
| | | | over the years and Muay Thai fighters now use |
| History of Muay Thai | | | | gloves that are similar to those worn in |
| | | | Western boxing. Each glove should not weight |
| The history of Muay Thai is an intrinsic part | | | | less than 172 grams or 6 ounces. The gloves |
| of the history of Thailand. An inherently | | | | should be in good condition and should not be |
| peaceful and unwarlike people, for centuries | | | | crushed, kneaded or squeezed in order to |
| the Thais were forced to defend their land | | | | alter its original shape. |
| and themselves from hostile and aggressive | | | | |
| powers. They adopted and soon perfected a | | | | Only red or blue trunks can be worn, with the |
| form of hand-to-hand combat, which over time | | | | contestant choosing the color of his corner. |
| became a rite of passage for the males and | | | | The two contestants do not wear either shoes |
| all Thai men took up training in this martial | | | | or shirt. |
| art form. It later became a necessary part of | | | | |
| military training and went on to become the | | | | Contestants must wear gum shields for gum |
| national sport of the country. | | | | protection, ankle cap for ankle protection |
| | | | and sturdy athletic cups or supporters for |
| In recent years, this traditionally Thai | | | | groin protection. |
| sport has attracted a huge following | | | | |
| world-wide and training facilities have been | | | | Mongkol, a sacred cord worn by many Thai men, |
| established in almost all countries of the | | | | is permitted to be worn around the head only |
| world. | | | | during the pre-fight ritual where both |
| | | | contestants pay homage to the ancestral |
| Muay Thai can be categorized into two major | | | | teachers and masters of the sport. However |
| groups; Muay Kiew, which is the more popular | | | | this cord will have to be removed prior to |
| form, is full of feints and tricks that are | | | | the start of the fight. |
| designed to catch the opponent off guard. The | | | | |
| second from, Muay lak, emphasizes on patience | | | | Metal in any form is prohibited and cannot |
| and caution and is very rarely seen nowadays. | | | | form any part of the equipment or apparel. |
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