Muay Thai Entertainment

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By vrp791

Muay Thai Flying Kick

Human Weapon-Muay Thai Chaiya



Introduction

Thai boxing, or Muay Thai as it is called in Thai, is unquestionably one of Thailand's most popular sports. This martial art form has been practiced for centuries and is firmly rooted in the history and culture of the country. This fact is obvious in the traditional pageantry, which begins well before a match and actually continues all the way until the decision is rendered. This pageantry, in addition to the aggressive nature of the sport itself, makes a Thai boxing match an extravagantly colorful and exciting event.

Muay Thai: Past to Present

 The roots of Thai Boxing, or Muay Thai can be traced clear back to the medieval times, when it was included as a part of military training. In an era when wars were fought in much closer quarters, Muay Thai proved to be an extremely effective form of hand-to-hand combat. It was during the reign of King Naresuan, circa 1560 A.D., that Muay Thai first came to notoriety. Captured during a battle with Myanmar, King Naresuan, reputed to be the most skilled unarmed combatant in the Kingdom, was given the opportunity to fight for his freedom. After discarding Myanmar's most skilled fighters, one by one, King Naresuan returned to his homeland to a hero's welcome and Muay Thai was dubbed a national sport.

Muay Thai reached its highest level of popularity approximately 200 years ago during Pra Chao Sua's reign, when it was widely practiced in all levels of society. It was during this period that Thailand's first famous boxer, Nai Khanom Dtom, came to prominence. Muay Thai was banned during the 1920's due to an alarming rate of injury. However, it was later reinstated in 1937 with a new set of rules for protecting the contestants. Prior to these new rules it was not uncommon for contestants to bind their hands with glass encrusted hemp in an attempt to injure the opponent.

Today, Muay Thai no longer enjoys such a broad range of participants, however, that is not to say that it is no longer popular. On the contrary, Muay Thai now thrives as one of the Thailand's most popular spectator sports, with weekly, nationally televised matches watched by a good portion of the population. Muay Thai has also expanded beyond the borders of Thailand, where it is taught both as a sport and as a method of self-defense. In addition, Muay Thai has aided in the development of Thai National Team boxers, many of who started with Muay Thai before making the switch to Western boxing. As a result, Thai National Team boxers are now amongst the most skilled in the lower weight classes and have won honors including an Olympic Gold Medal at the Atlanta Games in 1996 and a WBC Bantamweight World Title Belt.

Rules of Muay Thai

Muay Thai and International Boxing differ in a number of ways, and the rules and regulations governing each form do as well. The greatest difference between Muay Thai and Western Boxing is that Muay Thai allows kicking, kneeing and elbowing, in addition to punching. Points are scored for every blow landed on an opponent. If a contestant violates a rule during the match, points are deducted from his score. Unlike Western Boxing, blows below the beltline are allowed, however, the groin is not considered to be a valid target. Generally speaking, Muay Thai matches are more frantically paced than Western bouts, and thus are broken up into a maximum of five rounds of three minutes. Similar to Western bouts, Muay Thai matches can end with a winner by knockout, technical knockout, or decision; or can be declared a draw.

Muay Thai matches are held in a square ring similar to that used in Western bouts. Contestants must wear gloves weighing at least 6 ounces, and must weigh in and be examined by a physician before each match. The contestants wear only boxing trunks into the ring, and may not wear shoes or headgear. Muay Thai matches are generally preceded by a traditional ceremony during which the contestants pay homage to their teachers by praying while accompanied by traditional Thai instruments such as the Java pipe, drums, and cymbals. The music continues throughout the match, stopping only during the breaks between the rounds. The significance of this ceremony is that it is a show of respect for both the art of Muay Thai and its teachers.

In the Crowd

Perhaps the most attractive and interesting aspect of Muay Thai is the crowd of spectators that gathers to see a match. The spectators at a Muay Thai match provide as much entertainment as the contestants in the ring and are vital to the sport. Muay Thai matches are awash with color and pageantry and alive with music and spirit. The crowd of spectators erupts with each blow that a contestant lands on his opponent and as the excitement in the ring increases, so does the noise level in the arena. This tremendous atmosphere makes a Muay Thai match entertaining and exciting-even for a person who has no idea what is going on in the ring. The sights and sounds of a Muay Thai match are a one of a kind experience, and provide a unique insight into the fighting spirit of the Thai people.

Difference between Western Boxing and Muay Thai

Though both sports are called as "boxing" and "the art of fighting", Western boxing and Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) are totally different. Both sports were originated since up to thousand years ago. Informer without rules or principles, Western boxing and Muay Thai could be brutal contests in which each competitor tried to conquer his rival by any means. On the other hand, both arts of fighting at their well- controlled best are real sports. They are competition in which each man applies to beat his opponent by intelligent use of skills in which he has been thoughtful trained. However, the premier purposes, constituents and rules of the Thai Boxing make the two sports become obviously distant.

First of all Thai Boxing was originated since Sukhothai Period, three thousand years ago, though it took 300 hundred years later to become well known during Ayuthaya period (1560 A.D.). While Western boxing was well advanced by the time of the Sumerians who lived five thousand years ago, which is much older than Thai boxing. The premier purpose of Thai boxing was to be used as the unarmed fighting art by Thai soldiers. It was our traditional martial art in which ancient Thai soldiers used Thai boxing to fight against Burmese soldiers since the age of wars last 500 years ago. In contrast, the Western Boxing were started as " manly art'" or common sport or personal combat, not for the real war. The purposes of Muay Thai competitions during the age of wars in Thailand was not only for entertainment but also for motivating Thai men to be alert of possible wars that they would always prepared. In contrast the early Western boxing competitions were generated as a staging bout for the entertainment. On the other hand, today the Western boxing is a common sport used in the general sport competitions such as Olympic game, SEA game, and etc, unlike Western boxing in Thailand we recognize the art of Muay Thai as the traditional culture. With the reason professional boxers of Muay Thai then are able to enter the Olympic boxing matches.

While Western boxing match allows the contest to start since once both opponents get in the ring, Thai boxing has a lot of process to reach it's real start. Before the start of competition in Thai Boxing bouts there is much process in which the competitors must generate as traditional ritual. Wai Kru is one of them; the method is a way to pay respect to his majesty the king, Muay Thai as a sport, the founder of the Muay Thai, and the last bound to their parents and ancestors. After that the fighters must continue with Mauy Thai dance or Ram Muay. After finished the Ram Muay ritual then the real competition can start. Furthermore, in Muay Thai matches during the fight while the opponents are fighting against each other it is imperative tradition to have live music that conducted in order to encourage the fighters to put forth their best effort, while the Western boxing matches doesn't have one.

Techniques and rules of Muay Thai and Western Boxing are both distinct. Muay Thai boxers must be skilled in all non-armed weaponry of feet, knees, fists and elbows. Differs from the Thai Boxing, using other parts of body than the fists in the Western boxing competitions can cause the fighter to be eliminated from the tournaments. The rules must be followed and disciplined. In Muay Thai tournaments we have 19 divisions of the classification weight. Unlike the Thai Kick Boxing, Western style divides the divisions of classification weight of boxers to 17 divisions.

With information above, which included of the differences of the two sports even both are called " Boxing" my bottom line is that they are totally different and can't be count as identicalness. Purposes, constituents and rules of the Thai Boxing completely split two sports from each other. There was an argument against Thai boxers to enter the Olympic competition. I don't think it's fair for the Thai boxers. To be allowed to use only their fists to fight against the opponent, Thai boxers are not familiar with the new trend either. They must pay attention to learn the new rules of Western style of boxing as much as the so-called "amateurs" of the Western boxing style do too.

Muay Thai Boran

Muay Boran (Thai: มวยโบราณ), which translates to "Ancient Boxing", is the predecessor to Muay Thai. Its age makes it hard to trace Muay Boran's origins. Archeological evidence suggests that martial arts similar to Muay Boran have been practiced in several Southeast Asian countries as much as 2000 years ago. These were most likely aided in their development by Indian and Chinese martial arts brought through the general flow of culture into Southeast Asia from India and China. The training regimen was probably developed by or borrowed from the ancient military. Matches utilizing this style became popular and such fights became known as dhoi muay (ต่อยมวย), a term now used for boxing and pugilism in general. Originally the fighters didn't wear gloves or socks and the ring was nothing more than an open space with spectators crowded to form a rough circle. Fights went on until one competitor gave up or was incapable of continuing. The original rules simply stated that there was to be no eye gouging, grasping, hair pulling, hitting the groin area or hitting a fallen opponent. Some believe that this form of fight may have came from Cambodia or some other kingdom and spread from there but this is unproven. Either way, the art was adapted to fit the needs of the individual fighters which gave birth to a number of regional styles. Muay Boran was eventually categorized into:

1.Muay Thasao (North)

2.Muay Korat (Eastern or North-East)

3.Muay Lopburi (Central)

4.Muay Chaiya (South).

There is the phrase "Punch Korat, Wit Lopburi, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao" (หมัดหนักโคราช ฉลาดลพบุรี ท่าดีไชยา เร็วกว่าท่าเสา)

Muay Boran's form is quite efficient, in that it maximizes the amount of damage that each blow can inflict, and effective, in that it can easily lead to the death or serious injury of the opponent. Most notably, Muay Boran emphasizes the use of extremely powerful elbow and knee techniques, and combinations thereof, always thrown at full force and speed, with the intent to overcome one's adversary as quickly as possible, because another one might already be coming close or attacking.

Traditionally, Muay Thai masters would teach the techniques of Muay Boran as advanced Muay Thai but this is not often done today. Various moves in Muay Boran are forbidden in present-day Muay Thai tournaments and competitions. Even in Thailand it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a school willing to teach it; they prefer to focus on "modern" Muay Thai, as this is more easily exploitable as a form of income. Many schools nowadays who claim to offer Muay Boran just teach Muay Thai and sell it under the name of Muay Boran.

Muay Boran was previously not well-known in the West outside a small circle of practitioners. The art was featured in the 2003 Thai film Ong Bak starring Tony Jaa.

Muay Boran may be the offspring of Mae Mai Muay Thai.

Human Weapon -- Muay Thai , Muay Boran

Muay Thai Chaiya

Muay Chaiya is an ancient style of Muay Thai. Historical records reveal the art to be at least 200 yrs old, but it is believed the art originated and has evolved along with the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand) some thousands of years ago.

The art flourished most during the years of Muay Kad Chuek (Hemp bound fist fighting) where opponents were allowed to use any technique they see fit. In addition to Muay Chaiya, the other notable styles of ancient Muay Thai are Muay Korat (Northeast), Muay Ta Sao (North), and Muay Lopburi (Central) – each representing the best of their respective regions. Due to its name “Chaiya” (a province in the South of Thailand), most recognize Muay Chaiya as the Southern style of boxing, but in fact – Muay Chaiya originated within the royal compounds and was brought to the South by a warrior general-turned-monk named Tan Poh Ma. Thus, it can be said that Muay Chaiya actually a style of boxing as used by elite generals and warriors close to the royal family.

Muay Thai Chaiya

BASIC TECHNIQUE

In Earlier times Muay Thai consisted of an Arsenal of nine weapons – The Head, Fists, Elbows, Knees and Feet – collectively known as Na-wa-arud.

Modern Muay Thai no longer permits the use of the head in competition. However, there is still a formidable fighting force, capable of devastating an opponent, at the boxers' disposal.

Muay Thai is unique in that it uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competition.

The following covers basic Muay techniques and terminology. It is intended to supplement, not replace training.

Head – Slightly inclined, with the chin tucked protectively inside the shoulder line.

Eyes – Focused on the area of the opponents' navel or chest in order to assess their body and general movements.

Forearms – Both Used to protect the upper part of the trunk.

Shoulders – Slightly raised for protection.

Elbows - Not too far from the body, and not raised too high: Used to protect the body.

Body – Not stooped or stiff. Positioned sideways on to the opponent, presenting the smallest possible potential target. All vulnerable points securely protected.

Hands – Rounded into loosely clenched fists, and raised to protect the face.

Lead Fist (Mat Naa) – Less dextrous hand is raised to eyebrow level, the arm extended slightly to the front in the same direction as the foot.

Rear Fist ( Mat Lang) – More dextrous hand is raised to the level of the cheek, the palm is turned towards the cheek.

Lead Foot (Tao Naa) – Less dextrous foot, left foot if right handed, right foot if left handed – is positioned in front, and toes are pointed towards the opponent.

Rear Foot (Tao lang) – The most dextrous foot, right foot if right handed, left foot if left handed, is positioned at the rear,with the toes pointed to the side at an angle of 45°.

Do Not plant the feet flat on the ground: - raise the heels slightly, and constantly shift body weight between the balls of the feet, following a natural sense of balance – and the rhythm of the fight music (Dontree Muay) if provided.

Legs – Both Bent a little at the Knees: Rather than being held completely straight.

Muay Thai Stance-----------Jot Muay

Your guard should be 'alive', by this I mean it should be flexible so that if your opponent closes in with punches you can quickly adapt a close guard and extend your guard when defending kicks. Additionally, you should be relaxed and not tense. From your Stance and guard, you should be able to respond defensively and when the opportunity presents itself explode your attack like a coiled spring.

AMA Muay Thai seminar

Muay Thai Music

Muay Thai Music is the music that play during the Muay Thai fight. Muay Thai is unique in sense that the action has to be accompanied by music so as to heighten the excitement. This musical accompaniment is ofter referred to as Pi Muay which is, in fact, a musical instrument like a clarinet. The clarinet like instrument produces various pitches of sound reflecting the thrill and excitement of the tune played by the musician.

Generally, the musical instruments that play in Muay Thai fight music are the following 4 items:

1. Pi Java (Javanese Clarinet)

originating from India, is generally referred to as Pi Kaek. It has been much changed and developed from the original version by the Javanese. The sound is hauntingly appealing and unfailingly exciting. So the Thais have adopted it to accompany Thai boxing....

2. Klong Kaak

Klong Kaak is a set of two drums. One drum has a high-pitched sound called a male drum. The other one has a low-pitched sound called a female drum. The drum that accompany to the Muay Thai fight has a long shape called Klong Kaak which longs about 58 centimeters long. The surfaces of drums are unequal diameters. The bigger one has the diameter of 20 centimeters and called "Narai" whereas the smaller one is only 18 centimeters in diameter and called "Nathan". The drum is covered with special material. There must always be two drums (Klong Kaek) in the band, as the player will place them on his laps and uses his hands to beat the exciting rhythm out of them.

3. Ching

Ching is made of brass or iron. These cymbals are connected together with a piece of string to prevent any loss or misplace which help to accentuate the excitement. Although small in size it is an important member of the Muay Thai musical ensemble taking on the role of leader or conductor. Shaped like a teacup or like a small hollow cone.The two Ching are played by hitting them together. The diameter is of each one is 5.5-6.5 cm.

4. Kong Mong

Kong Mong is another Muay Thai music instrument. It is a drum that originate from the south of Thailand. It helps to heighten the thrill and increase the andrenalin of the fighters. Like many words in the Thai language the sound of the object has an influence on the name. This is true of the Kong Mong which is named after the sound that eminates from the instrument, namely a "Mong" sound. In olden times drums and the Kong were used to anounce the time of day and night. The Thai have had gongs and drums in their musical ensembles for a long time.

Apideh Sit-Hurin --Muaythai Legend

Apideh Sit-Hirun, whose real name is Narong Songmanee, is a legend in Muay Thai and is held in the same regard among Thais as is Mohammed Ali for American boxing fans.

Originally from a small village in Thailand, the young Apideh dreamed of fighting in the ring. After only a few bouts the young boxer became widely known in his home region for his violent and powerful kicks. The aspiring Apideh later joined the Sit-Hurin Camp run by Kassem and Angoon Iampinyo. Despite his flair, some still doubted his potential since he was often unexpectedly defeated. But after rigorous training and firm determination on his part, Apideh successfully polished his tactics and became one of the best known Muay Thai boxers ever. At one time he held seven Welterweight titles in both Muay Thai and international boxing. This historic record has never been broken since.

Read more..

Apideh Sit-Hirun--Photos

Vintage Apideh Sit-Hirun HL

Muay THAI Training - Hardcore

Muay Thai in music--Mike Piromporn - หมัด เท้า เข่า ศอก (Mut Tao Kao Sauk)

Buakaw "Greatest Muay Thai Fighter"

Buakaw Por Pramuk vs Gago Drago (2nd Round)




Checkout Links

MUAY THAI ASSOCIATIONS

www.ifmamuaythai.org - IFMA

www.wmtc.nu - World Muay Council

INTERNATIONAL

www.muaythai.hpg.ig.com.br/index.htm - Brazil

www.hanumangym.cz - Czech Republic

www.nakmuay.com - Denmark

www.muaythai.co.uk - England

www.fmtda.asso.fr - France

www.mtbd.de - Germany

www.muaythai.it - Italia

www.boxethai.it/index.html - Italia

www.muaythai.co.kr - Korea

www.vuwkickboxing.com - Nez Zealand

welcome.to/atbap - Philippines

www.rtbf.ru - Russia

www.muaythaiscotland.com - Scotland

members.es.tripod.de/muaythaiab/asociacion.htm - Spain

www.aemuaythai.com - Spain

www.muaythai.se - Sweden

www.thaiboxen.ch - Switzerland

www.muaythai.org.ua - Ukraine

www.usmta.com - Usa

web.ukonline.co.uk/wrexhamthaiboxing - Wales

MISCELLANEOUS

www.muaythaimayhem.com - American Club

www.elitekickboxing.com - Another club from Bolton, UK

www.thaiboxing.co.uk - Bolton, UK

www.pridegym.ca - British Columbia

www.britishmuaythai.com - British Muay Thai

www.lannamuaythai.com - Camp in Chiang Mai

www.bestmuaythai.com - Camp in Phuket

www.mikemiles.com - Canada

www.ultimatethaiboxing.com - Canada

www.chakuriki.com - Chakuriki gym Holland

www.slagskeppet.com - Club in Stockholm, Sweden

www.thundercats.subnet.dk - Danish club

ukmuaythai.com - England

members.tripod.co.uk/thaiboxer - English club

www.badcompany.co.uk - English club

www.tigerking.co.uk - English club

www.thaiboxing.bizland.com - Engslish club

www.fightfestival.com - Fight Festival, Finnish fight gala

www.antidoping.fi - Finnish Antidoping Agency

www.kampsportskolan.com - Finnish muaythai started from here.

www.mejirogym.com - Holland, Mejiro gym

www.boonchu.cjb.net - John "Wayne" Parr

www.lannamuaythai.com - Lanna Muay Thai camp in Thailand

www.mastertoddy.com - Las Vegas

www.ko-kickboxing.com - London, UK

www.angelfire.com/biz/soksoda - Los Angeles, Usa

www.muaythailumpinee.com - Lumpinee stadium

www.man-magazine.com/uk/ - MAN magazine. Articles also of Muay Thai.

www.mastersken.com - Master Sken

www.teammenor.com - Melchor Menor

www.uzinagaz.com - Muay Thai game

www.muaythai.com - Muay Thai portal

www.muaythaionline.net - Muay Thai portal

members.tripod.co.uk/artofmuaythai - Muay Thai site

members.aol.com/Thaiboxing2000 - Muay Thai site by Mr. Pop Praditbatuga

www.muaythaitour.com - Muay Thai tourist tour

www.tigermuaythai.com - Muay thai training camp in Phuket

www.muaythai2000.com - Muaythai portal from Thailand

www.oceaniamuaythai.com - Oceania Muay Thai

www.pattayamail.com - Pattaya mail, read all about it!

www.thaibox.dk/thaibox - Portal from Denmark

www.fightingmaster.com/legends/kaman/kaman.htm - Rob Kaman gallery, check out pics for MB-shorts!

www.deanichikawa.com/IMTI - San Diego, CA

www.muaythai-scotland.co.uk - Scotland

www.sityodtong.com - Sityodtong USA

www.muaythai.co.th/ - Songchai Promotion - Mr. Songchai Ratanasuban

www.thaiboxings.com - Sor.Vorapin Boxing Gym

www.muaythaitour.com - Stadiums

www.thaiboxing.com - USA

www.innuendo.se/vbc - Vallentuna Boxing Camp

www.vosproductions.nl - Vos Gym, Holland

www.womenkickboxing.com - Women thaiboxing site

Tribe.net

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Iðunn profile image

Iðunn  says:
2 years ago

great hub. my son is fascinated with this form of fighting, I'm going to have to show him this hub.

Curmudgeon profile image

Curmudgeon   says:
18 months ago

Great site...I've been practicing for over five years now, how long have you been a Thai fighter?

Muay Thai  says:
15 months ago

Your article is very interesting. I like it.

You can visit my website http://www.muaythaistory.com if you would like to know more about Muay Thai history.

Muaythaiman  says:
12 months ago

I really like your article. It is a very good information and resources about Muay Thai. I also have my own website at http://www.muaythai-fighting.com At my website, I include a lot of techniques about Muay Thai and a lot of Muay Thai equipment and gear at a very good price. Please come visit my website. Thank you.

raymondphilippe profile image

raymondphilippe  says:
10 months ago

This is truely a very nice hub. Very informative. Good work.

law of attraction  says:
8 months ago

What can I say about your writing but “wow” – you really know your subject and put your points across well. I can’t wait for your next post. I’ve found a guy who is good to read too will pass the details on when I find them.

swathi  says:
5 months ago

you have no instrumental music for the people how love muay thai more than there life please do attach some motivating musisc and cultural instruments of thai boxing

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