Muay Thai The Fighting Pride of Thailand

 Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, features a long and flourished history as Thailand’s national heritage. it's a tough and lethal martial art, born out of the need of war and defense. Commonly noted because the Science of the Eight Limbs, Muay Thai is world-renowned for its ferocity and use of the hands, shins, elbows, and knees as deadly weapons. The Thais, who are paradoxically a mild and peace-loving individuals, developed and mastered it to shield themselves and therefore the land from aggressive powers within the past.

Although numerous sorts of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia, none are as outstanding as Muay Thai. Its origins is traced back to its ancestor Muay Boran (ancient boxing), that was a kind of unarmed combat employed by Siamese troopers within the past. Trained within the weapons-based fighting methodology referred to as Krabi Krabong, these troopers conjointly became famous for his or her toughness in close-quarters weaponless combat. Muay Boran modified across the years, evolving from a battlefield combat system, into the national sport of Muay Thai known nowadays.

The follow of Muay Thai was preserved largely by Buddhist monks, who are the keepers and instructors of all arts each sensible and religious. Since each Thai man is compelled to become ordained as a monk a minimum of once in his lifetime, the art grew in popularity amongst the common individuals. Though still functioning as an art of sensible combat in warfare, Muay Thai became a sport during which opponents fought in front of spectators for entertainment. These contests gradually became a crucial a part of native festivals and celebrations, that were typically held at temples. Muay Thai has since remained the kingdom’s most well-liked spectator sport to this point.


Up till the 1930’s, Thai boxers merely fought bare-knuckled or with hemp rope certain over their fists. as a result of the high variety of deaths among the ring, the Thai government had to introduce new rules to shield the protection of the fighters. Currently, Muay Thai rules need fighters to wear safety gear just like those employed in Western boxing matches. Sanctioned bouts include no quite 5 sphericals; every round lasting 3 minutes. Accompanying every fight may be a musical ensemble, enjoying Thai ancient instruments to the rhythm of the fight. the standard music changes its pace so as to extend the atmosphere of pleasure for each the spectators and therefore the fighters.

Currently, there are quite sixty five,000 skilled Muay Thai boxers among the dominion of Thailand. several of them are poor peasant farmers who begin coaching after they are as young as six years previous, risking injury and undergoing hardship for the prospect to compete. For the agricultural populace, Thai boxing has long been thought of a method for providing a living. it's been said that any man of considerable price should be proficient in Muay Thai.

Developed during a devoutly Buddhist society, Muay Thai is ruled by ritual and tradition, and lots of fighters follow mediation as a crucial a part of their coaching. one among Muay Thai’s most sacred rituals is Wai Khru, that interprets as “paying respect to teachers”. This ritual consists of sleek dance-like movements, bowing, and hand gestures to point out the fighters reverence to their academics, parents, and things that they hold sacred. it's conjointly a prayer for his or her safety and victory, whereas at an equivalent time functions as a pre-fight warm-up – getting ready the boxer’s body and mind. Official Muay Thai rules specify that each competitors should perform Wai Khru before every and each bout.

The legendary tale of Thailand’s Muay Thai hero, Nai Khanom Tom may be a testament of the importance of the Wai Khru ritual and of the ferocity of Thai boxing. throughout the autumn of the traditional Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, the invading Burmese troops had captured a bunch of Thai residents from the province of Sing Buri. Among those held prisoner, were an oversized variety of experienced Thai boxers.

Seven years later, within the Burmese town of Rangoon, King Mangra of the Burmese determined to prepare a non secular pageant in honor of the Buddha’s relics. He determined to carry a tournament to visualize how Muay Thai would compare to its Burmese counterpart, Lethwei. Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion, and consistent with legend, he preformed a conventional Wai Khru pre-fight dance to pay his respects to the Burmese king, further as for all the spectators. Dancing around his opponent, the Burmese individuals became amazed and perplexed at the ritual, and when the fight began, he charged out and pummeled the Burmese fighter effortlessly. A choose had dominated, however, that the Burmese champion had been too distracted by the Wai Khru, and therefore the knockout was dominated invalid.

The Burmese king determined to settle the matter and challenged Nai Khanom Tom to fight 9 alternative Burmese fighters consecutively to prove himself and earn his freedom. He agreed and fought all, operating his method through every fighter, till finally none stood in his method. King Mangra was thus impressed that he remarked, “Every a part of the Thai is blessed with venom.” Nai Khanom Tom was then granted his freedom at the side of the selection of either riches or 2 stunning Burmese wives. Legend has it, he selected the wives and said that cash was easier to search out. He then departed together with his wives and fellow captives back to Siam. His spectacular feat is well known throughout the dominion each March seventeenth as “Boxer’s Day” or “National Muay Thai Day” in his honor which of Muay Thai’s.

Thai boxing matches are broadcasted on tv 5 days every week and may be watched live in Bangkok at either Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen stadium. Tickets will vary from as low as 220 Baht to one,000 Baht, betting on seating arrangements; but on huge fight nights, the costs of tickets typically double. Fights begin at around 6:30 PM, beginning with preliminary bouts and build up towards the most event, typically at around 9 o’clock. Hotels and travel agents will typically be of help in booking tickets for major fights before.

So far, the game has attracted an enormous following outside of the dominion, and coaching facilities are started in countries as way because the us and Russia. Recently popularized in movies like Ong-Bak and Tom-Yum-Goong, Muay Thai has experienced a resurge of international interest. Prospective fighters travel from all corners of the world to coach in Thailand’s authentic Muay Thai boxing camps. The Muay Thai Institute in Rangsit was specifically established to preserve and promote Thai boxing and build it accessible to any or all. The employees instructors are all former champions, hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and are able to speak English.

Muay Thai, the fighting pride of the Thais is an ever-growing art. Once practiced solely by the traditional warriors of the Siamese kingdom, it's currently accessible to any or all – rising as a practice honored throughout the globe.

Lumpini Stadium
Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940
Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 P.M.,
Saturday afternoons 5-8 P.M., Saturday nights from 8.30 P.M.
Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside)

Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6
Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 P.M.
Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights

International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact:
The Muay Thai Institute
336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130
Tel: 992-0096-9