Muay Thai is a martial art from Thailand where competitors use their elbows, feet, hands, knees and shins to strike blows. Unlike some martial arts, Muay Thai is more a sport than a form of self defence.

History and Philosophy

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, has a long history in Thailand stretching back several centuries. This indigenous form of martial art is also practiced in surrounding countries – in Cambodia it is known as Pradal Serey and Tomoi in northern Malaysia. Believed to have come from China, Muay Thai was taught as part of Siamese military training in olden times and is still employed by the Thai military today.

In the past, Muay Thai was used as a form of entertainment for royalty. Gloves were made from wrapped twine, tar and broken glass to ensure a bloody spectacle. It was also influenced by French savate which was introduced by sailors.

Today Muay Thai is treated more as a sport rather than a martial art. The sport deviates slightly from the original and features kicks and punches between competitors sporting boxing gloves and fighting in a ring similar to that used in boxing. Muay Thai, along with savate and karate, heavily influenced the development of kickboxing in Japan, Europe and North America.

Recently, Muay Thai has enjoyed a boost in popularity worldwide and many devotees even travel to Thailand for intensive Muay Thai lessons.

Muay Thai Training and Competition

Muay Thai is nicknamed “the science of eight limbs” as it teaches its practitioners in the use of two hands, two feet, both shins and both elbows to rain blows upon opponents. Muay Thai involves intensive training and conditioning to harden shins, elbows, fists, knees, and even the head.

Most techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, with the practitioner rotating his hip with each kick, punch and block. This rotation of the hips in Muay Thai and the intensive focus on the body’s core muscles is distinctive and differentiates Muay Thai from other martial arts.

Muay Thai matches are held in a boxing ring – participants wear hand wraps, boxing gloves, mouthpieces, and groin protectors. Before the start of the match, both competitors perform a lengthy ritual and ceremony for religious reasons as much as a warm-up exercise.