Muay Thai

Muay Thai – Instructions for Kicks, Strikes, Techniques, etc.

Muay Thai is a martial arts style from Thailand that is similar to kickboxing but also involves elbow and knee strikes. Muay Thai is also known for its powerful kicking techniques. Many mixed martial arts fighters employ Muay Thai techniques given the effectiveness of this style’s strikes. A number of MMA training routines combine Muay Thai techniques (i.e. elbow strikes and knee strikes) with the grappling techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The most well-known MMA fighter with a Muay Thai background is Anderson Silva.

WikiBest Muay Thai Books

Main Elements of Muay Thai – These pages include videos and technique instructions.

History of Muay Thai

According to the Thai Boxing Association of the USA, “Muay Thai started way back in the medieval ages when wars were fought with bows and arrows, swords, and pikes. And in hand-to-hand combat arms, legs, knees, and elbows were also used as weapons. This sport which was included in military training was made famous by King Nareusan 1560 A.D. During one of the many battles between Burma and Siam he was captured. The Burmese knew of his prowess as the best unarmed fighter in the realm and gave him a chance to fight with their best for his freedom. Upon his return to Siam he was hailed as a hero and Siamese-style boxing, as it was called then, was soon recognized as a national sport. Boxing in this style reached its zenith of popularity about two hundred years ago, i.e., in the reign of Prachao Sua (King Tiger), when it was indulged in by all classes of the population.

From those days up until the early part of this century, the fighters, particularly those in provinces, used horsehide strips and later help in lieu of gloves. It was also a practice at one time to grind pieces of glass into the help if both contestants agreed. Since these practices were obviously dangerous to the fighters’ health, regular boxing gloves were introduced about 50 years ago and have been used ever since.

To the Thais, Muay Thai is regarded as a prestigious national sport.”

Difference between Muay Thai & Kickboxing

References

  1. Thai Boxing Association of the USA, History, http://www.thaiboxing.com/history, Added – 10/17/13