Learning About Muay Thai
Muay Thai is defined as a hard form of martial art that originated from Thailand. It shares similarities with other Indochinese styles of kickboxing, which include pradal serey from Cambodia and tomoi from Malaysia.
Known as the country's national sport, Muay Thai is referred to as the Art of the Eight Limbs. This is because it highlights eight points of contact through punches and kicks as well as elbows and knee strikes. A person who practices this form of martial art is called a nak muay.
The sport is said to have evolved from Muay Boran. The last is an unarmed combat method that was used by Siamese soldiers after losing their weapons in battle. From its beginnings as a practical fighting technique in actual warfare, Muay Thai became a competitive endeavour where two opponents fought in front of numerous spectators. These contests gradually became a part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples.
The modernisation of Muay Thai started during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1868. Training camps that also provided food and shelter were set up and royal scouts would be sent to organise matches among different groups.
Rama VII would continue his predecessor's legacy by pushing for codified rules in the game. In 1921, Thailand's first boxing ring was built at Suan Kularp. Also, referees were introduced and each round was now timed by kick.
Almost all of the elements in this sport use the entire body. The traditional martial art form is often considered as a fighting art of attrition. This typically involves two opponents exchanging direct blows with one another. However, this is not considered favourable in the contemporary fighting circuits.
