Thai boxing

Muay Thai is an international professional sport and a fighting art. Muay Thai as a sport became established in Thailand in 1921 A.D. during the reign of King Rama VI. During that time the fighters bound their fist in cotton. By 1929 fighters were using conventional boxing gloves. Although the sport is most popular in Thailand, bouts are held internationally through numerous organizations (e.g. ISKA, WMC, TBA-USA, etc.). In the USA, Muay Thai is most prominent in the UFC.

Muay Thai is a fighting art which focuses on striking. Muay Thai implements are: the fist, kicks, the elbows, and the knees. In the UFC, a fighter who can cause lacerations by executing an elbow strike is considered analogous to a Muay Thai champion.

The origin of the fighting art is consanguineous with the origin of humans. An early hero of Muay Thai was King Naresuan the Great who, in 1548, restored Thai freedom. Another hero of Muay Thai is Nai Khanom Tom who, according to legend, after being imprisoned in the city of Ungwa by the Burmese won a fighting tournament against ten Burmese fighters in 1774. Many legends maintain the glory of Muay Thai and its heroes. These legends are one example, of many, which demonstrate the rich cultural value of Muay Thai.

Another example of a cultural aspect of Muay Thai is the ceremony of wai khruu (also spelled: wai kroo, wai khru, wai kruu) which is a dance like movement performed by the fighter before the bout begins. The purpose of the wai khruu is for the fighter to give tribute to the teacher as well as others who the fighter owes gratitude (e.g. the king, family, etc.). Another purpose is that the wai khruu consecrates the fight. In the past, the wai khruu would also exhibit where the fighter was from.

The two major Muay Thai stadiums are Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen. Both are located in Bangkok.

For those who desire to learn Muay Thai a number of instructors and camps, of varying intensities, exist internationally.