Muay Thai

Muay Thai Basic Information

Muay Thai originated and began its long journey from Thailand or Siam as it once known over 2000 years ago, no one knows for sure the exact time or period this occured. It has grown in popularity over the last few years and is taught and practiced all over the world.

Muay Thai or Thaiboxing as it is sometimes termed is an art that does not use any weapons, it can be differentiated from western boxing as it also includes the use of the elbows , knees and feet. Muay Thai must not be just known as a fighting art it is also a form of science that encompasses discipline, knowledge and respect.

Muay Thai can be practiced throughout ones life. Although emphasis is predominantly focused on the ring sport competitive nature of the art it has lots to offer all individuals.

Not everyone wishes to compete in the ring but Muay Thai classes are probably one of the best ways to get and maintain fitness. Predominantly in the United Kindom 95% of those who practice Muay Thai do so for the sole purpose of keeping fit and learning a self defence system at the same time. The other 5% wish to fight and train competitively.

Muay Thai is known as the science of the eight limbs, 2 hands, 2 elbows , 2 knees and 2 feet. It sometimes and more importantly is known as the science of the 9 limbs where the ninth limb is the brain but as we all know the brain is not a limb but it is significant factor because you need intelligence to use Muay Thai.

Muay Thai needs to be practiced regularly and with proper teaching and training. It keeps your body in good physical shape and improves your wellbeing, mentally as well as physically. With regular training you will become more flexible all over your body, strength, endurance and coordination will greatly improve. Mental concentration and overall wellbeing will be significantly increased.

If you want to learn Muay Thai in order to compete in the ring you must accept the danger and pain involved. You must be willing to bravely and courageously face your fears and overcome them.

As previously mentioned Muay Thai is not only about getting physically fit it also teaches us moral values and disciplines in life. It teaches humility, modesty and confidence as well as to always speak the truth and to avoid committing sins in life.

What makes Muay Thai unique to other competitive arts is its deep ritualistic nature and the use of music both before and during the fight. During the Waikru Ram Muay (ritual dance of homage) the fighter performs to pay respect and gratitude to those who helped him to become a fighter. He pays respect to his teacher who trained and gave him his knowledge, to his parents who gave him life and to his camp. The music helps to raise his confidence and spirits and the Ram Muay prepares and relaxes his body for the physical combat. The tempo is slow and stately to match the moods of the rituals with a smooth, flowing rhythm. During the fight the tempo of the music is much quicker and, at moments of excitement and tension during the fight , it becomes even more frenetic. The music increases the atmosphere of the event, with fighters who are not being aggressive enough the music can urge them to rally and try even harder.

There are many great fighters who are known throughout the world and you can see some of them in action on video sharing sites such as youtube and google video.

Perhaps one of the best is undoubtedly Samart Payakaroon, he was both a Muay Thai champion and also made the transition into western boxing where he held the World Super Bantamweight Championship. Another Thai Boxer of note was Somrak Khamsing who was the first Thai to win an Olympic gold at the 1998 summer games in western boxing at featherweight. One more up and coming fighter is Buakaw Por Pramuk who has won the K1 max World Championship twice.

As Muay Thai’s emergence into the western hemisphere and its popularity increases we can see people from all walks of life are trying the sport and realizing the many benefits that it provides from the young to the old.