What is Muay Thai?

Many of you may have heard of it, but what exactly is Muay Thai? Have a little read of such an interesting, yet brutal history of the art of fighting.

So, you may have heard of Muay Thai, but not actually familiar with what it is. I can tell you this straight away… It’s definitely not a light sport.

When a sport originated as a means to protect a Kingdom, you know it’s going to be savage. As Thailand went through many wars centuries ago with neighbouring countries like Burma and Cambodia, the nation felt constantly on guard and anticipating attacks.

In 1238, the first Thai Army was created as a defence against these neighbouring tribes and Kingdoms. They were created in order to protect the government, and the inhabitants of the Kingdom. Now, these soldiers were taught how to use weapons, but they were also taught hand to hand combat, and how to use the entire body as a weapon.

As commonly known as “The Art of Eight Limbs” they would see their bodies as various different weapons. Fighters would roll small logs against their shins, or strike them with bags full of sand in order to toughen the skin up and act as armour. They would fill up half a coconut with sand, and repeatedly strike it with their elbows to practice aim and toughen up their elbows, like a heavy hammer or mace. They would slowly and methodically strike coconuts until they opened up exposing the fruit inside, as if their hands are swords and daggers. And the fighter would not stop systematically striking a banana tree with kicks and knees until it collapsed, as if an axe.

As there was a constant threat of war, this type of training became ingrained in culture. Training centres began to appear. Schools would form. Even monks were instructed to learn in many Buddhist Temples.

But it wasn’t just the poor who would fight. Muay Thai was a huge part of King’s lives, as they believed that good warriors made brave leaders. This led to many King’s sending their children to training Schools. One King would even visit neighbouring villages inconspicuously just so he could fight!

Muay Thai was also used as a way for businessmen to settle disputes. They would set their fighters in the ring, and the one who lost would lose face for both himself, and his boss. From what started as a means to protect a Kingdom, it soon grew into entertainment. And as it developed over the centuries, with major tribes migrating through China, Vietnam, Loas, Burma and Cambodia, the fighting would only become more fierce. It was intended for a way of survival. As it was very much ‘Survival of the Fittest’, those who fought and prevailed lived and taught others… The constant wars definitely helped to refine the art of Muay Thai.

Through training, military exercises, combat and loss of life, techniques became precise and specific. Every blow deliberate and excruciating. The aim to quickly overcome their opponent, as in the beginning there were no time limits. It became an effective defence system for the Kingdom, and the craziest part of it? When these soldiers returned, they still engaged in matches for fun! I think these are the type of people we have been told to avoid in life…

However, this effectiveness is what has made Muay Thai a vital part of Thai culture today.

Nowadays?

Now, Muay Thai is an Olympic sport, and many see it as essential to becoming an all around multi-faced fighter. It is growing vastly in popularity, with training camps and gyms opening up all over the world. People are flying solely to attend Muay Thai training camps. And why not? What sounds better than repeatedly kneeing a coconut tree until it collapses? Using the tropical environment of Thailand looks like a beautiful way of training (we may have different views on the word beautiful), and there’s no doubt why it is growing so rapidly in popularity.

Can you believe it, a sport which was developed to fight off neighbouring countries and tribes, and which used to use coconuts as a way of telling when the round was finished, is now soon becoming one of the most engaging physical combats around the World.

Isn't that amazing.

#MuayThai #MMA #SpiritualWarrior #Fighting #Fight