Muay Thai - the history of the national sport of Thailand
For many years now, Thailand and their beloved sport have been a home of elite striking. What makes Muay Thai so special and beautiful is the mixture of elbows and knees with the regular kickboxing striking techniques. Watching the Thai fighters using their whole body to generate massive power in kicks and punches may look “brutal”.
But the foreign fighters have quickly recognized the effectiveness of this technique in practice and Thailand has become a home of elite striking. In its long history, “the art of eight limbs” has come a long way to become one of the most effective fighting styles and a proud National sport of Thailand.
Name meaning: Muay Thai (Thai for boxing and Thailand)
Time of origin: Modern Thai boxing originated at the beginning of the 20th century. However, it is based on a fighting system that goes back several centuries.
Country of origin: Thailand
Combat elements: Fist and elbow blows, kicks with foot,. knee and shin
Weapons in use: None
The origins of Muay Thai
The history and origins of Muay Thai are full of different versions and information. However, the majority believes that Muay Thai as a fighting style has been developed for centuries as the tribes migrated from China to the southern countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Through this constant migration, one of these tribes like Siamese (Tai) needed to continuously fight to survive. As a result of their fighting experience, training, and tactics, the first elements of Muay Thai began to emerge.
The Siamese tribe settled in todays northern and central Thailand and Malaysia. However, they would go on fighting against Burmese and Cambodia in the following centuries. As a result of these brutal wars, Siamese developed a Muay Thai for their military purposes. Also, these conflicts gave us many legendary stories about Muay Thai fighters dominating over the other styles and countries.
During the Burmese-Siamese war during the 18th century, the Burmese have captured the famous Siamese fighter Nai Khanomtom. Considering he was known for incredible fighting capabilities, Burmese offered him to fight for his freedom. Muay Thai as a martial arts discipline was born as soon as Khanomtom started knocking one opponent after another. He dominated over any other boxing style in that time with a very mysterious striking style full of knees and elbows. With the 10 consecutive victories, he became a free man and a national hero. His unique style was described as “Siamese – Style boxing”, which would later become known as Muay Thai.
Muay Boran
The sport changed a couple of names over the years like Muay Boran, “toi muay” or just “muay”. Although the technique proved itself as very effective on the battlegrounds, it also became a sport and the main part of the entertainment of local communities. The fighting events would be held as part of festivals and many celebrations. During this time, fighters didn’t have any gear or protection. In some cases, they would wrap the hands with a rope for some sort of protection. Muay Boran was also known as “the art of nine limbs” as the head strikes were allowed. We don’t have to mention that these fights were pure slugfests.
Traditional Wear and Dance
Apart from the gloves and various self-protective gears, Thai fighters are also wearing different symbols. During the turbulent history, Siamese fighters were wearing a lot of pieces of a loved one’s clothing during the battles. They believed this will bring them luck and good spirits. Today, fighters are stepping into the ring with pra jiad (armbands) and mongkol (headbands) as a tribute to their trainers and gym. Interestingly, mongkol means that a fighter is ready for battle and is often presented by the trainer.
Also, while making a walk towards the ring, fighters are performing a traditional dance called Wai Kroo. This way, they are honoring their trainers, country and the sport of Muay Thai. Once the fighter steps into the rind, he/she would continue on dancing and praying to show the respect to his opponent.
Modernization of Muay Thai
Muay Thai has seen biggest changes under the rule of King Rama VII. The King himself pushed towards the establishment of codified rules that will help the sport grow. Here are some of the biggest rules introduced during the 1920s:
• The first boxing Ring was introduced in 1921 at Suan Kularp
• Introduction of the referees and rounds
• Fighters began wearing modern gloves and hard groin protectors
• Traditionally Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok became a home of elite Muay Thai fighters and fights.
During the WWII, many foreign soldiers and journalist have had the privilege to see the Siam fighters competing. Many soldiers were more than interested to practice and learn Muay Thai. As a result, they were carrying out the technique back to their homelands and with that, spread the technique across the globe.
Where is the sport today?
Throughout the last couple of decades, Muay Thai has become recognized all over the world. What’s more, the sport is still evolving in both technical and commercial segments. Interestingly, Muay Thai has a huge role in other global combat sports as well. Being an MMA fighter today is unimaginable without the Muay Thai skill set.
Furthermore, Thailand has recognized the rise of Muay Thai in the world, and decided to capitalize by welcoming fighters from all continents. As a result, Thailand offers beautiful training facilities in nature with many high level Thai coaches and nutritionist ready to improve any fighter’s standup game. However, this does not apply to professional athletes only. Many “regular” people have found themselves in the beautiful nature of Thailand training Muay Thai for fitness, losing weight or getting the necessary discipline in life by learning the sport.
Tomislav Zivanovic by Bushu.ch
