Thai Boxing – Muay Thai

Thai Boxing

Thai boxing also known as ‘Muay Thai’, is a martial art originally from Thailand. Traditional Thai boxing has a long history in Thailand as a martial art. Thai boxingi is also known as ‘The Science of Eight Limbs’ as the hands, feet, elbows and knees are all used extensively in this art. Thai Boxing has become popular all over the world. Thai Boxing is the art of fighting without the use of any weapon.

Thai boxing is unique and different from other forms of boxing, because it includes the use of hands, elbow, feet and the knee. The basic offensive techniques in muay Thai use hands, elbows, kicks and knees to punch and kick the opponent. To bind the opponent for both offensive and defensive purposes, small amounts of stand-up grappling are used: the clinch. Defensively, the concept of “wall of defense” is used, in which shoulders, arms and legs are used to hinder the attacker from successfully executing his techniques. Though the high kicks at the head look spectacular during a competition, insiders of the sport claim that the elbows and the knees are the most damaging, sometimes deadly, to the fighters.

It’s not only an art of fighting; it is also a form of science, with discipline, knowledge and respect. Thai boxing is an art which needs to be practiced with proper training. It not only keeps you body in good form and proper shape; it improves your blood circulation and builds up your nervous system. Regular practice enhances the flexibility of the body, which means better use of the bones, muscles, and the tendons in bending and moving the body.

It is very important to be brave in order to practice the Art of Thai Boxing. One must accept the danger and pain involved in this form of fighting, bravely without any fear. Practicing Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is not only getting physical training but also includes the learning of moral values and disciplines in life. It teaches to be modest, to be confident, to always speak the truth and avoid committing sins in life.

In this form of martial art it is trained to be aware of the weak and the fatal points of the opponent’s body. A fighter can easily defeat the other in less time if he has good knowledge of his weak positions.

One of the unique features in Thai boxing is the music, which is known as the “Sarama”. It is played before and during the combat session. This Sarama music or the wind music is played before the fight with a ceremony, which the fighter performs to pay his respect and gratitude towards those who insisted and helped him to become a boxer. He thinks of his teacher who trained him with all his knowledge and efforts and of his parents who gave him life. This music helps the boxer to raise his spirits and confidence and make him ready for the real physical combat.

Thai boxing or Muay Thai heavily influenced the development of kickboxing, which was later created in Japan, Europe and North America. In the last decade, Thai boxing has enjoyed a boost in popularity in the whole world as it turned out to be very effective in popular no holds barred events, such as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) competitions. It is widely recognized that a combination of a grappling art, such as Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with Thai boxing is very effective in such fights.