Muay Thai is a full-contact sport similar to boxing, except these fighters can use fist, feet, shins, elbows, knees, and lots of clinching. It is a swift sport featuring powerful blows, in-close elbows, and lots of fantastic athleticism.[1] Muay Thai is the national close-combat martial art of Thailand developed hundreds of years ago. Thailand’s history includes stories of great Muay Thai fighters and their heroic battles.[2] Just as Japan is known for Karate and China for Kung Fu, so is Thailand known for Muay Thai.
A Brief History of Muay Thai
“The ascension of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to the throne in 1868 ushered in a golden age not only for muay but for the whole country of Thailand. Muay progressed greatly during the reign of Rama V as a direct result of the king’s personal interest in the sport.[1]” Muay Thai continued to gain popularity during the early 1900s with the infusion of Westerners and their interest in the sport.
The 1990s saw Muay Thai gain worldwide popularity, and the governing federation of fights grew to international proportions. Muay Thai is now a mainstay in the fighting sports watched by enthusiasts across the United States. I enjoy watching the skill and power of these fighters and their distinctive style.
Tiger Muay Thai has a much more in-depth history of the art.
Famous Muay Thai Fighters
Want to know who the best Muay Thai fighters are? Check out Muay Thai Citizen’s list of the Top Ten Thai Fighters.
Many UFC and MMA fighters cross-train in Muay Thai to improve their standing game. Others use a combination of Karate, Kickboxing, or Savate. The combo of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu is trendy among MMA fighters.
Current Information about Muay Thai
“The World Muaythai Council (WMC) is one of the oldest and the largest professional sanctioning organizations of Muaythai in the world for the sport. The organization was set up in 1995 by parliament resolution, and is incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, …[6]” This is the organization that approves professional fights for Muay Thai fighters all over the world. Look for their logo on a sanctioned fighter. Head over to their website to find out more.
Are you interested in the amateur fighters? There is an amateur body to sanction these fighters too. “In 1993, the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, or IFMA, was inaugurated. It became the governing body of amateur Muay Thai consisting of 128 member countries worldwide and is recognized by Olympic Council of Asia.[6]” If you want to be knowledgeable about the rising stars of Muay Thai, this is a great resource.
I want to learn more Muay Thai
Though I don’t teach Muay Thai at my school, it is an incredible art. If this article stirs interest in the art of Muay Thai, take a look at Budo Videos for at-home training. This won’t take the place of a qualified instructor, but it will get you moving in the right direction.
If you want to add this to your school’s curriculum as a new program, consider enrolling at KRU Muay Thai for their instructor training.
Conclusion
Many nations and areas across the world have their indigenous martial arts, developed through history in countless battles. These arts are national treasures and should be preserved by those willing to put in the work and dedication to acquire the skills. What other art forms do you know of from other countries?
[1] Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai
[2] Tiger Muay Thai, https://www.tigermuaythai.com/about-muay-thai/history
[3] Best Muay Thai Boxing, https://bestmuaythaiboxing.com/what-is-muay-thai
[4] Muay Thai Citizen, http://www.muaythaicitizen.com/beginners-guide-to-muay-thai/
[5] World Muay Thai Council, http://www.wmcmuaythai.org/
[6] Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Muaythai_Council
[7] International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, http://www.ifmamuaythai.org/
