Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army.
It evolved from Krabi-Krabong, literally sword and baton, the hand-to-hand tactics of the Thai army. The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies within the Siamese army against each other with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. During the latter half of the 20th century Muay Thai was exported to many countries and is now practiced by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.
The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. Gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country's most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training.
Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.
Thai boxing is one of the toughest Martial Arts, especially for those who wish to compete in it. Kicks, punches, knees and elbows are all used, as well as grappling techniques and take downs.
However, training in Thai can also be just for fun, and a great way of getting into shape if you just wish to pursue this Art as a hobby.
To find out more click here: (link to www.british-thai-boxing-council.com)
Governing Body: The British Thai Boxing Council (BMBC).
For further information:
World Mauy Thai Organisation (WMTO): www.wmto.org
World Mauy Thai Council (WMTC): www.wmtc.nu
World Kick Boxing Association (WKA): www.wka.co.uk
International Kick Boxing Federation (IKF): www.ikfkickboxing.com
United Kingdom Mauy Thai Association (UKMTA): www.thaiboxing.co.uk
Scottish Mauy Thai Council (SMTC): www.scottishmauythaicouncil.co.uk
