The History of Muay Thai

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a martial art created in Thailand. Muay Thai is part of Thai history and an important part of Thai folklore. This interesting martial art and combat sport is based on stand-up fighting (hand-to-hand combat) and various clinch techniques. Its nickname “the art of eight limbs” comes from the full engagement of all body parts during the fight. The fists, elbows and knees as well as the legs are part of the “arsenal” used in Muay Thai. The lower legs and forearms serve as armor when a Muay Thai fighter tries to protect from the opponent.

Unfortunately, much of Muay Thai history records were lost when the Burmese ransacked the capital of Thailand – Ayutthaya (this city was the capital of Thailand back then and many people considered it to be the most spectacular city in the world). The invaders looted the temples and almost all the written records about this period of history were lost. The small quantity of written records that survived is now kept as a national treasure that speaks about Thai legacy and culture.

It is believed that Muay Thai emerged as a result of a process that lasted for centuries as well as because of the migration of the tribes in the south (from the steppes of China via Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma. Most of these tribes were Thai and they have often fought with other tribes for survival. Through training, loss of lives, military strategies and tactics and hand-to-hand combat, their skills were brought to perfection and this is where the basis of Muay Thai can be found.

These efficient combat techniques were passed down from fathers to sons, the veteran soldiers taught the younger soldiers. The idea was to allow soldiers to have an advantage in close combat and unarmed combat so they can strike the opponents and either incapacitate or kill the opponent and continue their fight. This fighting style was developed in a cruel way. Those who have been capable to survive have taught others what they know before someone better appeared and killed them.

Over time, the younger fighters began to practice this skill for entertainment purposes and sports events were organised in times of peace. Muay Thai has become a favorite pastime and entertainment in Thailand. Every village had a young champion who was showing talent and potential and the older soldiers became teachers and instructors. This is the period when the traditional warm-up called Wai Khru Ram Muay that serves as a traditional dance was created. This activity is performed as a sign of respect for the teachers and trainers. In the past this dance was also performed in front of the king as an expression of apology for the upcoming brutality.

During the World War II, Thais who were stationed at different locations in Asia were presenting this powerful skill to the foreigners. The foreigners called this sport – Thai boxing. The foreign soldiers were very impressed and they’ve asked Thais to teach them the basic of this martial art. Muay Thai became more and more popular and certain rules were adjusted according to the rules of some similar combat sports like traditional boxing. In the 1920s, the open space in which Muay Thai matches took place was replaced by the ring while the outdated horse leather gloves were replaced by modern-looking boxing gloves. This is the period when guards for the genitals were used for the time too.

After World War II the first official set of rules was introduced to the public. The match was divided into five rounds and each round has certain time duration. Different weight classes were also introduced in order to get more equal and more attractive fights. Specially designed Muay Thai stadiums were built in several cities in Thailand. The Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok is definitely the most popular one and many foreign fighters are doing their best to be part of a match held there.

Modern Muay Thai fighters, train Muay Thai for several hours a day. Most fighters have matches every 15 days. The fighters in Thailand usually start to train when they are 7-8 years old and have their first fight after they turn 10. 

Today, the evolution of Muay Thai has finally proved its true value. Muay Thai is considered as one of the potential Olympic sports and this combat sport is popular in every corner in the world.  

For more information on our Muay Thai classes at our Geelong based gym, please contact us HERE