The Ultimate Martial Art: Muay Thai

Developed several hundred years ago, Muay Thai is a form of combat that uses the entire body as a weapon. Often called Thai Boxing, Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and the country’s own cultural martial art. In Muay Thai (also called the Art of 8 Limbs), the body operates as one unit and each body part mimics weapons of war. Shins and forearms are hardened during training to act as armor against blows, hands become sword or dagger-like, the legs and knees act as an axe or staff, and the elbow is used to knock down opponents as if being struck by a mace or hammer.

History

Over the past 100 years, Muay Thai has progressed due to national popularity and international recognition. During World War II, soldiers from western countries would observantly watch as Thai soldiers practiced against each other. Many European and American soldiers, impressed with the Art of 8 Limbs, requested training from the Thai soldiers on the basics as well as traditions of Muay Thai. With its growing popularity, Muay Thai changed rules so that it could be more easily organized and established like boxing. Equipment also changed and gloves like boxing gloves were used instead of the old horsehide, hemp, or leather bindings. After WWII ended, the sport’s first formal rules were introduced. Unfortunately, due to the Burmese overtaking Ayudhaya in the 14th century, much of the history of Muay Thai has been lost. Temples were looted and the remaining volumes of information are national treasures preserved for the Thai people, their culture, and their heritage.

Globally, Muay Thai has become very popular. It was only recently accepted as an Olympic sport. Gaining well deserved recognition, professional martial artists from various disciplines believe that Muay Thai is key to becoming a well-rounded fighter. Muay Thai is not the same as kick boxing, though the terms are often used interchangeably by laymen. Often in Western culture, when an event claims it is Full Rules Muay Thai, it is in fact kick boxing in Muay Thai dress. Cross-promoting in this manner brought larger crowds to both styles of fighting and has increased the visibility of Muay Thai fighting to a much broader audience.

Training

Beginning between the ages of 6-8 years, Muay Thai fighters (called Nak Muay) train for many hours a day. Their first fight is typically around the age of 8-10 years. By the time they’re in their mid-twenties, fighters can reach as many as 150 fights to their name. Fighters don’t often have long careers due to the physical demands of Muay Thai. These fighters are no stranger to cuts, sprains, or broken bones and often learn to ignore pain and injuries.

Before the Fighting Begins

At the start of a match, a ritual begins. The first phase of the ritual, called Wai Kru, the Nak Muay walks along the ropes and bows down in each corner of the ring to act as a seal against bad luck and to protect the fighter during the match. He then returns to his corner with his manager and trainer and kneels to pray with his hands in front of his face, representing Wai. Repeating this three times, he prays to honor Buddha, Sangha, and Dharma. After he greets and thanks his master (Anja) and his group in general.
Following the Wai Kru, the Nak Muay moves into Ram Muay, a series of slow movements towards the sides of the ring in search of protection. Each Nak Muay has his own specific ritual. Some use movements specific to their region while others just make up their own. The ritual movements allow the fighter to gain mental clarity.
To find out more what the fighters go through to prepare, take a look at Josh Hayward’s video on Vimeo:

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Fighting Techniques

In Muay Thai, there are three distances used which utilize different types of techniques. When fighting at a distance, the Nak Muay uses front kicks (Teep Throng) and high kicks (Dteh Tawad). Boxing techniques (Maahd) and low kicks (Dteh Chiang) and used when fighting at what is called half-distance. Techniques used in infight, or close range, include elbow strikes (Sok), knee attacks (Kao), and clinching techniques. Using the entire body, you can see why Muay Thai has been called the Art of 8 Limbs.

Whether you’re looking to hone new fighting skills, build confidence or just get into really good shape, Muay Thai is a sport on the rise worldwide. Do you have a favorite Muay Thai technique? I’d love to hear from you.