- Home
- Muay Thai
- Phuket, Thailand
- Training @ TMT
- Accommodation
- F.A.Q.
- Current Events and News
- Photo Gallery
- Contact Us
- Link Partners
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origin of Muay Thai dates back several hundred years, and was, essentially, developed as a form of close-combat that used the entire body as a weapon. However, it must be added that the history of Muay Thai, and its' direct origin is a question of debate among modern scholars. Much of the history of Muay Thai was lost when the Burmese sacked Ayudhaya, the capital city of Siam (Thailand) in the 14th century. The Burmese looted the temples and depositories of knowledge held in the capital, and most written history was lost in this period. What volumes were saved and are preserved and protected as national treasure for Thai culture and heritage.
(Note: There are many fine books on Thai history, Muay Thai History, and Thai Culture available in bookstores like Asia Books and on the web. )
What is known is that Muay Thai uses the body to mimic the weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
King of Thailand is an avid fan of his countries National Sport: Muay Thai. Under his reign, Muay Thai has grown more than in any other era in history.
In 1238, (Buddhist years) the Siam capital was in the northern city of Sukhothai. The recorded history of the city relates the many wars that were fought between neighboring tribes and kingdoms. The need for the defense of the city capital spawned the creation of the first Siamese army to protect the government and people within the city and surrounding villages. The first Thai army was created and soldiers were taught skills with weapons and hand-to-hand combat. Learning to use the entire body as a weapon and using limbs to imitate attacking styles of weapons that eventually evolved into Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong.
The study of Muay Thai moved outside the realm of the military. Young men coming home from war or in times of peace practiced Muay Thai as an art form for self-defense and exercise or fitness. Under constant threat of attack and war, learning the military arts or "Muay Thai" became engrained within the culture and everyday life of the people of early Siam. Training centers or the first "Muay Thai camps" began to appear in different cities throughout the kingdom. Muay Thai was even practiced at many Buddhist temples where monks were often the instructors passing down the knowledge and history from one generation to the next.
If Muay Thai was popular with the poor and common people of the kingdom, it was a required art form for the royalty and high-class. Good warriors make good and brave leaders as the train of though with the elite of the kingdom. King Phokhun Sri In Tharatit, the first King of Sukhothai, sent both his sons to learn at the Samakorn training center, to better prepare them as future kings and rulers of the kingdom.
The first ancient text of Muay Thai was written in 1300 by Phokhun Ram Khamhaeng. Today, the University of the same name resides in Bangkok with the Sport Authority of Thailand.
This period was marked by the many wars between the developing countries of Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia. The development of large armies trained in warfare and tactics became essential for the survival of the Thai kingdom. Training centers devoted to warfare skills, sword and staff or stick "Krabi Krabong" were opened throughout the country constantly training young men to go to war or defend their kingdom from invasion. The most famous of these training centers during the era was the Phudaisawan Center for swords and pole arms. The center was also the eras equivalent of a college or university training and teaching in daily matters.
During the era of King Naresuan, who loved Muay Thai and fighting competition, he called upon the young men of Thailand, scattered and beaten by the Burmese. Naresuan trained an army of scouts and soldiers in combat tactics and jungle warfare. King Naresuan is a legend of Muay Thai and his defeat of Burmese warriors led to him freeing his country from the occupation of Burmese forces around 1600.
It was during this era that Muay Thai became a national sport and began to develop style and traditions that would remain the same for the next 400 years. The introduction of the Mongkong (headband), the pa-pra-jiat (armband). The first formed style of combat arena was formed as a rope laid on the ground in a square or circle marked the fighting area. The first form of hand covering and binding was made with hemp ropes and threads wrapped about the hands and forearms. Fighters could also sometimes dip their hands in a thick starchy liquid that would bind the threads and make harder surface with which to strike the opponent. 400 years later, TWINS is the countries # 1 manufacturer of Muay Thai boxing gloves and equipment.
The first professional fights were not governed by weight, height, or experience or age. Local champions would represent their city or village and fights continued until there was a definite winner. Gambling was as popular 400 years ago on Muay Thai as it is today in stadiums across the country. Often, one village would challenge another, or even wealthy businessmen and royalty would settle disputes by having the Muay Thai fighter represent their interests. Often this would lead to a large loss of face for the fighter or the wealthy businessman who bet money on the outcome and lost.
The era of the "Tiger King" or Khun Luang Sorasak loved the competition and combat of Muay Thai. The "Tiger King" was known for disguising himself as a commoner and entering Muay Thai tournaments in small villages and cities. A promoter who did not recognize the king, despite that he hailed from the capital city of Ayyuthaya, allowed the disguised king to fight in the tournament against several good fighters. The legend tells of the king defeating three fighters named Nai Klan Madthai (Killing Fists), Nai Yai Madklek (Fists of Iron), and Nai Lek Madnok (Strong Fists). The "Tiger King" went on to defeat each of his opponents. The "Tiger King" was forced to disguise himself to be able to compete in the sport that he loved so much. If anyone had discovered that he was king, he would not have been able to compete and fight against other fighters because of the respect and regard the Thai people hold to their king.
Prachao Sua so loved the sport that he made his two sons, the crown princes of Thailand, to study MuayThai, sword fighting and wrestling skills. It was during this period that the Department of Royal Boxing was founded and responsible for finding and recruiting the best men possible to fight as entertainment for royalty and to become guards in the royal court called Thani Lir or "Chosen Guards." These Royal guards were also the instructors for the Royalty in combat and MuayThai. Even during the Ayyuthaya era, Thailand continued to war with neighboring countries Cambodia and Burma.
After many years of war, the period known as the Thonburi Era began to bring peace and reconstruction to the kingdom. Muay Thai training became mostly for military training for wars or service in the Thai military. It was during this era of peace that MuayThai began to take a competitive form as training camps across the country would compete against each other by offering their best fighters for competition. The fights were very hard and the foundation of rules had yet to be written, so most fights continued unabated until a clear winner was left standing.
MuayThai had become a national fighting art by the time of the reign of Rama I. MuayThai was an important part of celebrations, festivals and events across the country. During this period, MuayThai rules and regulations for fights were introduced. Each round was given a length of time measured by a coconut with a small hole that would float in water. The round lasted as long as it took the coconut to fill with water and sink to the bottom of the barrel. There was still no limit to the number of rounds in each fight, so fighters battled until only one was left standing or one fighter gives up.
Pra Puttha Yord Fa Chulaloke
At an early age, King Rama I began his training in MuayThai boxing. His interest was keen in the sport and often he would travel to watch matches and fights throughout his kingdom. In 1788, two brothers, that legend tells came from France, traveled to the kingdom in search of boxing or fighting competition. One of the young men was a fighter of some renown and had fought for prizes and money in several other countries on their trip. He asked for a match for prizes against a Thai boxer. When the King heard that the brother wanted to fight Thai-style, he consulted with Pra Raja Wangbowon, the head of the royal boxing ministry. It was agreed upon for a bet of 4000 baht (50 changs). The fight would be held at the Grand Palace at the temple of the emerald Buddha. The ring of 20 X 20 meters was constructed for the fight.
At first it seemed the fighter from France was too much for the smaller but quicker Thai. And after a while, the foreigner began to tire and seemed about to lose. The older brother jumped hastily into the ring to try and help his brother and thereby breaking the rules. The incident caused a riot and fighting broke out between the foreigners and the Thai guards and spectators. Disgraced by their actions, the two brother left Thailand a few days later.
The value of the sport of Muay Thai was realized by King Rama V and he did much to promote the sport from the late 1880's through the turn of the century. The King promoted tournaments and "Muay Luang" also called Royally appointed Boxing Centers throughout the kingdom. Many time personal guards or Royal officers were appointed after having a fight in the kings favor.
The King would often give personal invitation to the top boxers at the Royal Muay Thai Centers and have them fight at tournaments, festivals, and important international events. In 1887, King Rama V created the Department of Education and made learning Muay Thai a part of the Military Cadet teachers school curriculum.
During the first great war, Thai military troops were stationed in France. During the war, the Thai commander organized Muay Thai bouts for the servicemen for morale and entertainment. Often, French boxers would join in and compete against the Thai fighters. It was here that Muay Thai was introduced to Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
After the war, the first permanent boxing stadium was built at Suan Khoolab School and would allow spectators to sit around the ring to watch the fight. Before modern gloves, boxers wrapped their hands in cotton and hemp threads and wore mongkons on their heads and pra-jiats around their biceps.
The origin of Muay Thai, as a fighting style, is thought to have developed for centuries as tribes migrated south from the steppes of China through Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. The major tribes of that period, one of which was the (Tai) Siamese, fought fiercely to survive as they moved south and encountered other smaller tribes in what is now northern and central Thailand, and as far south as Malaysia.
Through training, loss of life, military tactics, and hand-to-hand combat, technique and tactics were honed to a razors edge, and the rudimentary elements of a "fighting-style" began to take root. Older soldiers and fathers taught their students and sons the offensive and defensive tactics and techniques, proper posture and position, and skills to enhance awareness. Those students and sons went on to teach their children, and the roots and permanent structure of an "effective fighting-style" began to strengthen. Proper technique and power strikes were a vital element in war that requires hand-to-hand skills. Each strike and movement is meant to deliver a debilitating and crushing blow, and enable the fighter to move on to the next opponent quickly without leaving himself exposed to an attack.
It would seem that the evolution of the most-effective hand-to-hand form of combat evolved in a rather Darwin-like manner demanding survival of the fittest: those who fought well .......lived and taught others before falling themselves.
The Thai were on constant guard against attack from neighboring countries, including Burma and Cambodia. Enemies for centuries, the Burmese and Thai fought several wars wreaking destruction on both countries. Muay Thai was primarily a part of the Thai culture during this period and was a mandatory training as part of the Thai military of that time. The military continued to train soldiers for centuries in the art of Muay Thai: defining, and refining the skills, tactics, and techniques with the wars against the Burmese, Cambodians, and other invaders.
Young Thai men returning from a tour of duty with the military soon engaged in matches for sport and fun in villages and towns. Each province, town, and village would support a local fighter who showed some promise and skill. Older warriors, survivors of many battles and engagements of the enemy, became Muay Thai instructors and teachers [ Kroo Muay]. The love of the sport, and a need for the defense of the kingdom made Muay Thai a part of the Thai culture for the next 500 years as generation after generation passed the skills on to the next.
The tradition of the Wai Kroo dates back several centuries. The Wai Kroo is a ritualistic and traditional dance carried out before Muay Thai fighters engage in the ring. The Wai Kroo is meant to show honor to the fighters teacher, the sport of Muay Thai, and his country. The Ram Muay is the dance that is unique to each Master instructor who teaches his students. The student will dance in each direction of the ring approaching and touching the corner posts with a prayer, showing respect to his opponent and to the spirits.
Muay Thai has come a long way in the last 100 years. Because of the great national popularity, Muay Thai began to garner international exposure and recognition. In World War II, Thai soldiers were stationed overseas, and foreigners received their first good look at Muay Thai firsthand. Muay Thai was named by foreigners as Siam Boxing, as Thailand was formerly Siam. During WW II, the French labeled Muay Thai as "Le Sport Orient" or the fighting style of the orient. The Thai soldiers participating in the war would practice Muay Thai among themselves as soldiers from Europe and America watched with great interest. Until that time, Muay Thai was a cultural gem, hidden within this strange and wonderful culture of this country called Thailand.
Soldiers from abroad were so impressed of the Muay Thai fighting style that they asked the Thai soldiers to teach them the basics and traditions of Muay Thai. As Muay Thai became more popular, especially with an international interest, the rules began to change to become more inline with other governed sports like boxing. In the 1920's, the roots of modern Muay Thai were planted when rings were introduced replacing open courtyards.
The old-style horsehide, hemp rope, or leather bindings were replaced with gloves similar to boxing. In the past, fighters were known to soak their hemp rope bindings in a sticky resin and then dip their hands in crushed glass and ash that could attack the opponents eyesight. [As appeared in the movie "Kick boxer" starring Jean-Claude Van Dame] A hard-cover groin protector was also added for the fighters protection from brutal kicks and knees.
After the end of WW II, the first formal rules were introduced into the sport. Fights were divided into 5 rounds, and time limits were imposed on each round. Time was counted on a clock rather than the old style of a coconut shell with holes sinking completely in a barrel of water. Major stadiums for Muay Thai were constructed after the war in large cities [Bangkok, Sukothai, Chiang Mai] throughout the country as the popularity of Muay Thai grew. Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok is now almost considered "holy ground" to the multitudes of Thai fighters, and now many foreigners, trying to win a place on a fight card. A system of weight-classes, defined rules, and championships was devised in the years ahead as Muay Thai began to resemble boxing in style and organization.
The typical Muay Thai fighter here in Thailand trains many hours everyday. Many fighters will fight every 3-4 weeks just to be able to support their family. Unlike boxing in Europe and America, Muay Thai fighters make very little money from each fight. A typical Muay Thai fighter may bring home 4000-6000 baht ($100) every month from fighting which is barely enough to support one person, much less a family.
Muay Thai fighters often begin training when they are 6-8 years-old. They will begin fighting between 8-10 years of age and may have as many as 120-150 fights ( 3 times as many as a very active boxer ) before they are 24 years old. Muay Thai fighters do not generally have long careers because of starting at such an early age and how physically demanding the sport is on the fighters. Injuries are quite common in Muay Thai fights. From cuts and lacerations to the face and head to broken bones and severe sprains of muscles and ligaments, Muay Thai fighters deal with injuries their entire career. Muay Thai fighters are known for their ability to ignore pain and injury.
Today, the evolution of Muay Thai is finally reaping rewards and recognition. Muay Thai was recently accepted as an Olympic sport, and it is becoming quite popular in many countries throughout the world. Professional fighters in martial arts, K-1, and submission fighting all agree, Muay Thai is an essential part of being an all-around skilled fighter and having stand-up fighting skills. Muay Thai will continue to grow in popularity as new training camps and gyms open around the world.
Early Muay Thai style training methods and practice techniques.
Before there were TWINS Muay Thai heavy bags, agility balls, long banana bags, and other modern training equipment, Muay Thai fighters relied on what was available to help them become better fighters. In the tropical environment of Thailand, there is an abundance of banana and coconut trees, rivers and streams, and plenty of hard manual labor. One of the most popular training techniques of "old-style" Muay Thai fighters was kicking banana trees. The soft and porous nature of the banana tree was good for practicing leg kicks. The Muay Thai fighters would find a banana tree of an appropriate size, usually 18-24 inches in diameter, and would practice striking the banana tree with low-medium-high kicks slowly wearing down the soft skin of the tree until it fell over. The banana tree was a perfect specimen because it was soft enough not to hurt the fighters leg, but hard enough that the Muay Thai fighter could strike the tree many times with powerful kicks and knee strikes before the tree would fall over.
Hard shins and tough skin were an important part of being a good Muay Thai fighter. Often, fighters would take small logs r bags of sand and roll the log or strike their shins and legs with the sand in order to toughen the skin and build calluses on the skin which would help provide extra protection during a Muay thai fight.
In an effort to waste not and want not, the Thai women would then collect the leaves of the banana tree and use the leaves like a serving plate for food. The Thai people also use cut sections of the tree to form floating "Kratongs" which are small decorated objects used on the Thai Holiday "Loy Kratong."
The coconut tree also proved to be quite useful as a training tool. Thai fighters would often climb coconut trees to strengthen their legs. using only the strength of their legs, the Thai warriors would climb the tree slowly pushing with their feet and thigh muscles. The rough bark of the coconut tree helped harden the feet and strengthen the legs. The fruit of the tree, the coconut was also a useful tool. Half of a broken coconut shell filled with sand became a tool to work on elbow strikes. Placing the half coconut shell on the ground and partially filled with sand, the Thai fighter would repeatedly strike his elbow into the shell and sand. The constant abrasion and striking a small object like the coconut helped practice aiming and striking a small target for accuracy, and the sand would toughen the elbow and harden it for battle in Muay Thai arena.
For practicing accuracy on a moving target, the Thai warriors would often attach a coconut or lime /range to a small string or vine and practice striking with punches, kicks, elbows, and knees the small swaying object to become more accurate at hitting a moving target such as their opponent in the Muay thai ring.
It is also believed that Thai fighters would use an un-husked coconut and slowly and methodically strike the hard husk of the coconut until hey split the husk and remove the fruit from inside. this practice is still seen today as a show for tourists at camps and Muay thai shows throughout the kingdom of Thailand.
Another popular method for strength training was digging a small pit from knee to waist deep. The Muay Thai fighter would then practice jumping in and out of the pit using only the strength of his legs to propel him upwards and land on his feet. This is very similar to the modern practice of plyometric training used by Muay Thai and MMA fighters in modern gyms and training camps. Thai fighters would also practice walking in fast moving streams against the flow of water and walking through knee deep muddy rice fields that would help for strong calf and thigh muscles.
Thai fighters would also use the water in rivers and streams to practice not blinking their eyes when getting struck in the face. By slapping the water and forcing their eyes to stay open, the Muay Thai fighters would be able to get used to not blinking, covering, or closing their eyes when getting struck in the face in a May thai fight.
One of the most popular Muay thai training techniques is called the Muay thai circle. Thai fighters would gather in a circle with one person in the middle. The fighter in the middle would then practice and train with each member for a designated period of time and then move on to the next fighter. The Muay Thai fighter in the middle would often face 5-6 opponents in-a-row for 10 minuets of more practicing clinch and other skills helping to build endurance and stamina. If a fighter can train for 10 minutes without stopping, then fighting a 3-mintue round in the ring in a Muay thai fight becomes much easier. The Muay Thai circle of training is still used today and is a common training technique at Tiger Muay Thai and MMA training camp, Phuket, Thailand.
Official Sponsor of Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp
Made in Thailand