What is Muay Thai? Origin, history, and all the details

Muay Thai is a martial art or combat sport that originated in Thailand. 'Muay' means 'boxing' hence the name Thai boxing. The sport has also become popular in several countries and is now part of the International Olympics. So, what is Muay Thai? What does it take to master the art?

The sport is similar to kickboxing, which uses punches and kicks. Most people call it the 'art of 8 limbs' because it utilises fists, feet, elbows, knees, and shins. Traditionally, fighters also used their head to fight, but that is no longer allowed.

Muay Thai history

Where was Muay Thai invented? The origin of Muay Thai dates back to the early 13th century in Thailand, with roots in the military. It began during the time of the Sukhothai Kingdom after borrowing some rules from British boxing.

The Siamese army of the Sukhothai Kingdom in Thailand used ancient Muay Thai techniques during wars with their neighbours. Today, the country celebrates National Muay Thai Day annually on 17 March to remember their hero, Nai Khanom Tom. Nai defeated nine Burmese fighters during his imprisonment following the capture of the Siam kingdom.

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Is it in the Olympics?

The sport has never featured in the Olympic Games. In January 2023, The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the Olympic Committee officially approved the sport as part of the 2028 International Olympic Games.

Muay Thai rules

Thailand formalised the sport during the 20th century, making it a national sport with rules and regulations. The competition involves two fighters battling each other in a boxing ring. Here are some of the laws that every professional should know.

• Muay Thai fighting rings range between 6.1m x 6.1m and 7.3m x 7.3m.
• Professional competitors should be over 15 years old. One can only fight in the same weight category (5 pounds difference or less).
• According to tradition, every boxer should pay homage before a boxing match. It includes performing ritual dance with traditional music.
• Fighters must shake hands before the bout begins to agree that they will abide by the rules in a sportsmanlike manner.
• Professional bouts have five rounds of three minutes each, with two-minute rests in between.
• Competitors can use their fists, feet, elbows, knees and shins to attack their opponent.
• A fighter can win on points or when the referee declares the opponent unfit to carry on following a technical knock-out. A match is declared a draw if the points totals are equal.
• The referee can stop the fight if one competitor is unfit to continue.

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What do you do in Muay Thai?

In Muay Thai fighting, athletes can use their fists, feet, shins, elbows, and knees to attack the opponent. They can occasionally use clinch and grapple techniques to win a contest. It requires a lot of skills to become a professional fighter in the sport.

Benefits of the Muay Thai

The martial art is a source of livelihood for many people. Some practise it as a career, while others use it for body fitness and recreation. It is also suitable for strengthening the body, self-defence, confidence, and mental toughness.

How many years does it take to master Muay Thai?

The game has evolved, and it takes years to become a master. Learning fundamental skills could take up to six months. To become competent, you must regularly train for around three years and have about 5-6 fights. Many experts like Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Panpayak Jitmuangnon, and Superlek Kiatmoo9 spend 7-10 years with about 15 bouts perfecting their skills.

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Other athletes take 15 years to become masters in the art. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao is a seven-time champion and one of the best fighters in the modern era.

Is it hard to learn?

The sport is pretty hard to master compared to other forms of martial arts. It requires mastery of eight limbs and techniques of using fists, knees, elbows, and legs.

Are there belts in Muay Thai?

Traditional Muay Thai does not have a ranking system and belts. However, modern Western Muay Thai has a belt system. US-based World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA) combines traditional armbands with the coloured belt system and armbands. The ranks are as follows.

• Beginner - White (1st rank), yellow (2nd rank), orange (3rd rank).
• Advanced - Green (4th rank), blue (5th rank), purple (6th rank), red (7th rank), brown (8th rank), black (9th rank).
• Instructor - 1st instructor (black/white), 2nd instructor (black/red), 3rd instructor (black/silver), 4th instructor (black/gold).

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Weight divisions

Fighters compete in different weight divisions. They include Super Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, Junior Flyweight, and Mini Flyweight.

Fighting equipment

Every boxer must have appropriate gear for practising and competing with opponents. These are gloves, Muay Thai shorts, mouthguards, shin guards, and ankle and hand wraps. Boxers also need special oil for their body and towels to wipe out sweat.

Muay Thai vs Kickboxing

Is there a difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing? The two martial arts differ in many aspects, like fighting styles and techniques. Here are some differences between the two sports.

• Kickboxing is a 4-point striking system (involves kicks and punches only), while Muay Thai is an 8-point system ( involves kicks, punches, elbows, knees, and upper body grappling).
• In kickboxing, boxers actively use their hands, angles and movements with volume combos, whereas Muay Thai is more of a timed sport, relying on quick and powerful counter-attacks.
• A Kickboxer's tactic is often more defensive and fluid than the movements Muay Thai fighters adopt.
• Muay Thai's kick involves turning the hip and connecting it with the shinbone (the tibia). Kickboxing usually involves 'snapping' the knee and throwing a kick when connected to the foot.
• Muay Thai fighters can striker opponents below the waist but not the groin area. However, in kickboxing, kicking a rival below the waist is prohibited.

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Best Muay Thai boxers in history

Samart Payakaroon ranks as the best Muay Thai boxer ever. He made his debut at ten before conquering the arena. Samart had an eye for timing and lightning-quick reflexes. The Thailand legend earned four weight class titles in Lumpinee Stadium. Other great Muay Thai boxers include Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn (master of the knee) and Apidej Sit-Hirun.

What is Muay Thai? It is a type of martial art that originated in Thailand. The Asian country has produced the best fighters in history. The sport continues to spread in most parts of the world.

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