Muay Thai

Thai Kickboxing

Member Organization(s)

Introduction

Muay Thai evolved from the older Muay Boran(ancient boxing), an unarmed combat method that was used by Siamese soldiers when they lose their weapons in battle. Muay Thai techniques are the efficient use of the entire body movement, rotating hip, fists, feet, knees, and elbows harmoniously and effectively both in the attack and defense. The performance will start with Wai Kru(the pre-fight ritual dance) for paying great respect to Muay Thai teachers. Wai Kru also serves for both physically and mentally warm-up before the actual fight. Then the five main techniques in Muay Thai as well as the five out of fifteen styles in Mae Mai Muay Thai will be introduced. After that, the actual fight will begin.

History

The Thais originally lived in southwest China. In the 9th century, the Thais migrated in groups to the area now known as northwest Thailand. The slow emigration lasted until the 13th century, and many conflicts with neighboring tribes occurred. During the wars weapons such as swords, lances, and knives were used. This particular type of martial art in combination with weapons is still being taught under the name Krabi Krabong. If the weapons were lost during the conflict, fighting continued with bare hands, and this was the beginning of Muay Thai. The kingdom of Ayuthaya was founded in 1350. However, in 1767, it burned down to the ground by the Burmese. That is why many details and the history of Muay Thai remain vague.

References

DELP, Christoph. Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques. North Atlantic Books, 2012.

Hardy Stockmann. Thai Boxing: Muay-Thai, the Art of Siamese Un-armed Combat. Ohara Publications, 1976.

The Institute of Physical Education Mahasarakham (2013). WoMAU membership application form.

World Martial Arts Museum. Chungju, Korea.