Some say that devastating Muay Thai Kicking originated from south east China while others say that its origin was in India. Whatever the case, this martial art was introduced into the Kingdom of Thailand and was developed into a deadly form of unarmed combat used by the ancient Siamese armies of old.
Quite unlike many other martial arts, Muay Thai was not founded by a single master, but was by the evolution of generations of the Thai people and Muay Thai warriors. Ancient wars and conflicts between countries, kingdoms and states in South East Asia gradually brought about the development of this devastating martial art fighting form to much prominence.
There are basically four styles of Muay Thai named after the regions they came from and they are the Ta sao, Koraj, Lob buree, and Chaiya. The Koraj style is what we see in Thai boxing rings today. There are also smaller groups of enthusiasts who practice their local styles various parts of Thailand.
Today, this martial art form has morphed into a sport and is the national sport Thailand and the interest in this sport is growing around the world with Muay Thai Gyms sprouting out in every continent. Let s take a look at the rules of this sport to enjoy watching it in action live.
Muay Thai is usually fought in a boxing ring in five three minute rounds with two minute breaks in between each round. Before a match, the fighters perform the wai khru dance in the ring where each boxer pays his respects to his teacher. Besides the symbolic meaning, the dance is also performed as a form of pre match warming up exercise.
Spectators will notice that the fighters wear a headband and armbands. The headband is called the mongkhol in Thai and is believed to bring good luck to the wearer as it has been blessed by a monk or the fighter s own teacher. So the headband serves as both a lucky charm as well as a spiritual object. The headband will be removed after the wai khru dance by the fighter s trainer, whereas the armbands which are believed to offer protection to the boxers are taken off only after the bout has ended.
Just like in a western boxing bout, a Muay Thai match is decided by a knockout or by the accumulation of points. The three judges will award the points and the fighter with the most points will be declared the winner. The referee plays a very important role as the fighter s safety depends on his decision.
Muay Thai matches are very colorful and vibrant with its many traditions and one of which is a traditional band comprising of musicians playing the clarinet, drums and cymbals stationed outside the ring playing music to accompany the fight from the wai khru dance ritual to the end of the bout. The tempo of the music goes up as the action inside the ring intensifies and thus increasing the excitement of the bout.
Equipment that are necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium where the bouts are being held. There is a stopwatch, a gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves, medical aid, water and other personal accessories such as boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords just to name some of the equipment for a Muay Thai Match.
If you have the chance, instead of just watching Muay Thai kickboxing on TV, go to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand where bouts are regularly held to soak up the exciting festive and entertaining atmosphere watching authentic Muay Thai Kickboxing in action live!
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