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Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques 

Muay Thai Society.

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Buakhao Por Pramuk (8 May 2525 -) is a famous Thai boxing and is recognized in the field of battle in a foreign country. Especially in Europe and Japan Buakhao wore boxing Por Pramuk Height 174 cm Weight 70 kg Bua Khao is one of the professional athletes who do high-income Thai. The majority of the revenue from the fight abroad also Buakhao are performed in a Thai movie about samurai Ayodhya [1] Last Buakhao have been invited to the seminar in Hong Kong for public art, Muay Thai at. Year 19 and 20 February 2554 by Mr. Alan N. Gal here to welcome the warm Impact Gym

 

History
   Bua Khao Thai boxing career was born and started life. Since the age of 8 years old, Surin province. To be under the Bangkok Boxing Camp Por Pramuk at the age of 15 years Buakhao was to bring the championship belt after a large number of professional boxing began in Bangkok. A boxing champion at Siam indirect effect model Vet Champ Thai version of her effect her magic. The boxing champion and Siam Omnoi again Aedteyd versions in November. Since 2545 Bua Khao Thai boxing champion marathon Toyota models at 140 pounds, Lumpini Boxing Stadium. Kobayashi won a Japanese bargain hunters.
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Honors.
- Former boxing champion at Siam indirect model 126 lbs.
- Former boxing champion, Thailand's version of her magical effects £ 126.
- Former boxing champion Siam Omnoi Aedteyd version.
- Boxing champion marathon Toyota models 140 pounds in November. Since 2545.
- Champion K-1 WORLD MAX 2004 in November. Since 2547.
- Vice Champion K-1 WORLD MAX 2005 in November. Since 2548.
- S1 Superwelterweight World Champion.
- WMC Midlleweight World Champion [3].
- Champion K-1 WORLD MAX 2006 in November. Since 2549.

MAUY THAI Very Very Well

Ong Bak - Muay Thai Warrior

The story of Ong Bak

In a poor village in rural Thailand the Nong Pradu temple houses the sacred statue of Ong Bak. The villagers believe that Ong Bak has magical powers that keep them safe and prosperous. One night, former villager, Don, cuts off and steals the head of Ong Bak to gain favour with crime boss, Khom Tuan.
Without the head of Ong Bak the village will fall into ruin. All hopes now rest on the shoulders of orphan villager, Ting, a reluctant but gifted Muay Thai warrior who is compelled to visit the seedy streets of Bangkok and fight for the life of his village.

Tony Jaa

Tony Jaa entered the world of entertainment working as a stuntman for both local and foreign productions. He enjoyed his acting debut in the phenomenally successful action picture Ong Bak. Tony Jaa is not only an amazing action hero, he also designed many of the stunts for Ong Bak and its sequal, Tom Yum Goong. When Tony Jaa became the lead actor in Ong Bak he gained worldwide recognition for his expertise in the art of Muay Thai. He earned a name and reputation for working without harnesses or stand-ins, putting him right up there with legends like Bruce lee and Jet Li.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong, the sequal to Ong Bak, is the story of a young man named Kham (played by Tony Jaa) whose life is turned upside down when an international mafia syndicate captures his two beloved elephants, and smuggles them away to Sydney in Australia. The elephants were to be presented as a token of devotion to his Majesty the King of Thailand. The two elephants are not mere animals to Kham and his father. They regard them as kin. Kham's ancestors were great warriors who rode their elephants into battle. The skills his ancestors possessed were passed down to Kham through the generations. Kham is to save the animals by venturing into a foreign land for the first time. has no choice but to . Taking on a mafia group Kham risks his own life for the animals he loves. He is helped by Sergeant Mark (Petchthai Wongkamlao), a Thai police Sergeant based in Australia, and Pla (Bongkuch Kongmalai), a Thai girl forced into modern-day slavery. They take on the ruthless gang of Madame Rose (Jing Xing), whose henchmen include Johnny (Johnny Nguyen), a Vietnamese thief and martial arts expert, and the hulking TK (Nathan Jones).

Muay Thai Equipment

Muay Thai Shorts

If you want to learn Muay Thai boxing a pair of proper Muay Thai shorts is essential. Thai boxing shorts are specially designed to allow complete freedom of movement, and will make you feel the part. Muay Thai shorts with Horizon Muay Thai Boxing Camp logo are available. We also have Horizon Thai Boxing Camp shirts as well as other Muay Thai gear. Check out this Muay Thai store to see special offers on Muay Thai shorts.

Muay Thai Equipment

Punching or kicking bags can be filled with sawdust, sand, cloth or even pieces of old tyres. They are a very important piece of Muay Thai equipment helping to keep fighters in top physical condition. Bag gloves lessen the impact on fists when working on the bags, and protect against wrist sprains. A sparring partner or trainer wears specially designed protective Thai pads. This kind of exercise is used to build up reflexes. Check out this Muay Thai store to see special offers on Muay Thai equipment.

Essential Muay Thai Gear

Skipping ropes build up stamina and leg muscles. Punch balls help develop eye reflexes and speed in dodging and blocking. A stop watch in the hands of the trainer helps a boxer develop a sense of time intervals. Scales are important as a boxers weight is of enormous importance to him. Sit up bench, old tyres and dumbbells are all useful in keeping fighters in good condition.

Muay Thai Mongkol a substitute teacher for wearing on the head inboxing dance before the match.
Praehiid Muay Thai arm bands. Links to the fabric sleeve to preventthe diversion of minor applications in the Expert race.
Folded around the upper arm and two sides.
Thousands of calico fabric, hand width from 2 to 2.50 meters or lessthan ½ a thousand hands to wear a glove to protect his fists.
Thumb and wrist joints to prevent injury.

Muay Thai Training

In order to undertake Muay Thai training you will need to find a suitable place in which to train. As a minimum you need and area to practice shadow boxing, ideally a boxing ring. You will need to find a place to hang bags and have suitable places to run. But most importantly, you will need a Muay Thai instructor. If you wish to learn Muay Thai kickboxing, you are very welcome to join us at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp in Thailand.

Professional boxer's Outfit

The prescribed items for a professional fighter are: Boxing gloves, Muay Thai shorts, groin guard, hand-wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajed and ankle supports to prevent strains.

Amateur Boxer's Outfit

Essential items for amateur fighters nowadays include:
Gloves, vest, shorts, groin protector, hand wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajed, ankle supports, elbow guards, protective head guard, body protector and shin guards.

Boxing Kadฟan rubber material rubber teeth and the teeth are worn. To prevent injury to the lips.
In the clash of weapons in the fight.
Thai boxing shorts, a competitive edge on the pad with the elasticfabric to absorb light.
Chestnut boxing equipment parts made ​​of metal. The leather liningcushions.
Sandbag training equipment, a vertical cylindrical foam lining. Anddebris within Instead of the opponent.
Crotch kick boxing. Boxing training equipment. Interior lining with asponge made ​​of leather with a handle.
Jump rope training materials to strengthen the ankle muscles andcardiovascular system.
Muay Thai Boxing Stadium stage. A rectangular platform with arope across the floor into 4 thick canvas.

What is Muay Thai

Muay Thai (known to some outside of Thailand as Muay Thai kickboxing) is a national sport of Thailand as well as a national passion. It is a fighting technique borne out of combat reality. Known as the science of eight limbs Muay Thai kickboxing uses the knees and elbows as well as kicks and punches. Almost any part of the body is considered a fair target and any part of the body, except the head, may be used to strike an opponent. It is considered by many to be the ultimate in hand-to-hand fighting. Muay Thai kickboxing is a professional and amateur sport, a martial art, aerobic fitness programme and a useful form of self-defence. But Muay Thai kickboxing is more than just learning how to fight. Muay Thai kickboxing is a strong and vigorous martial art art that teaches self-discipline and self-awareness. It has been passed down through generations for the last 2000 years.

Why learn Muay Thai kickboxing?

On a physical level regular Muay Thai training will give you a well-proportioned physique, build stamina and get you in excellent shape. Fat will disappear and your complexion will improve. Muay Thai kickboxing teaches you to defend yourself and toughens you up. You will gain greater strength and agility, and will benefit from an immune system boost. On a mental level the study of Muay Thai kickboxing will improve your self-confidence, discipline and self-awareness.

Who can learn Muay Thai kickboxing?

Muay Thai kickboxing is a form of unarmed combat accessible to all people everywhere, children and adults, male and female. Not everyone learning Muay Thai kickboxing wishes to compete. Nowadays people from all walks of life are turning to Muay Thai kickboxing for many different reasons.

The value of Muay Thai kickboxing

Muay Thai kickboxing has enriched the physical and moral well being of the Thai people for hundreds of generations. It has brought fame, honour and wealth, and strikes fear in the hearts of opponents. A genuine Muay Thai boxer (Nak Muay) will lead a virtuous life with kindness and modesty, and respect to law and traditions. Muay Thai kickboxing consists of the qualities of true knowledge, endurance, compassion, patience, courage, gratitude and honesty.

Attributes of a Muay Thai boxer

A Muay Thai boxer should be outwardly humble but maintain an unshakeable inner resolve. He should be honest and reliable, not proud or overconfident. He needs courage to become accustomed to pain and danger without fear. A genuine Muay Thai boxer will create unity, make himself useful to society, be a good patriot and avoid unruly behaviour. A man (or woman) truly absorbed in the art of Muay Thai kickboxing is always in control of his feelings. He is intelligent and wise. He is gentle as a lamb and fierce as a lion.

A common misconception

There is a common misconception that Muay Thai kickboxing and other contact sports breed aggression, but this idea could not be farther from the truth. While it is a tough sport the central precepts of Muay Thai boxing promote compassion, gratitude and honesty. A genuine Muay Thai boxer seeks to create unity and is always in control of his feelings.
‘It is unfortunate that people often have the wrong impression that Muay Thai does not originate in Thailand or that the Thais have borrowed the art from another country. This misconception is caused by the fact that foreigners often learn Thai boxing in an incorrect way, and without sound foundation, from those who do not possess sufficient knowledge of Thai boxing.’
A quote from ‘Muay Thai–The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting’ by Panya Kraitus
Thai people are delighted their national sport is becoming so popular internationally. In this way it can become globally recognised, receiving the credit it is due. But Thai people do not want their martial art to become diluted or for its important traditions and values to be lost. So, it is important for anyone wishing to learn the martial art, particularly those with aspirations to teach, to spend as much time as possible training in Thailand, where they can meet with genuine Muay Thai boxing masters. Thai boxing masters in Thailand are happy to pass on their knowledge to any student, wherever they come from, who displays commitment and appropriate humility. It is our aim at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp to facilitate the travel of true Thai boxing masters to different places around the world so they can teach and preserve the art of Muay Thai in its original form.

Muay Thai Stadiums

Muay Thai fight nights

The crowd of spectators that gathers to see a Muay Thai match provide almost 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. 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. A boxing match normally includes around eight fights with a maximum of five rounds each. Make sure you experience the excitement of a Thai boxing match during your visit to Thailand. A well-fought match generates incredible intensity in and out of the ring. The increasingly frenetic rhythms of the traditional three-piece band and the loud shouts of "Oy, oy, oy" from the crowd ramp up the intensity still higher.

Lumpinee Stadium

Lumpini Stadium, located to the east of Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road, is one of Bangkok's major boxing stadiums. Bouts at Lumpini are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.00 pm, and twice on Saturdays at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm. It is easy to tell when a fight is in progress by the hundreds of motorcycles parked outside on the road. Ticket prices vary according to the seating and are astronomically more expensive for foreigners.

Rajadamnoen

The Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue near the TAT office is another major boxing stadium in Bangkok. They hold bouts on Mondays at 5.00 and 9.00 pm, Wednesdays at 6.00 pm, Thursdays at 6.00 pm, and Sundays at 5.00 pm. There are also practice bouts held at 2.00 pm on Sundays. Tickets vary in price depending on the seating. And as at Lumpinee foreigners are expected to subsidise the event through high ticket prices. The area in the immediate vicinity of Ratchadamnoen Stadium has some of the city's best Isaan (northeastern) food, with popular dishes such as 'som tam' (spicy papaya salad) and 'kai yang' (grilled chicken).

Samrong stadium

The smaller Samrong stadium is in Samut Prakan province, just east of Bangna District in Bangkok. Bouts are held on Sundays and Fridays at 8.30 pm. The cards here are generally smaller than the main stadiums at Rajadamnoen and Lumpinee.

Muay Thai Camps/Thai Boxing Trainer

 In Thailand a person wishing to become a professional Muay Thai boxer will join one of the many thousands of Muay Thai training camps that can be found in every corner of the country.

Muay Thai camps are sometimes connected with the temple; the military also plays an important role in Thai boxing in Thailand.
Muay Thai practitioners will enter these training camps at a very young age, perhaps even as young as six or seven. It surprises some visitors to discover that almost all members of provincial Thai boxing camps are young children, and most of the competitors at fight nights away from tourist areas are children too. Sometimes orphaned children, or children from families with financial problems, may be taken into a Muay Thai camp.
The instructors become more than just Muay Thai teachers; they are mentors for their students.
Members of a Muay Thai camp consider the other boxers to be family, the ties between boxers being the same as kinship. Instructors will often take on a fatherly role, assuming full responsibility for their student's life and education.
Equipment is fairly standardised at Muay Thai training camps across Thailand, but many are poorly equipped by Western standards of perfection.
Conditions at these camps may appear rustic.
Many Muay Thai camps are reluctant to take on foreign trainees unless they are willing to conform completely to the lifestyle of the camp, not least by demonstrating an ability to speak Thai. And not all training camps will accept female fighters. Increasing numbers of foreigners are taking an interest in the sport, and a number of Muay Thai camp owners in Thailand have taken the initiative to exploit this new form of potential income.
Many Muay Thai camps in Thailand now welcome foreign students
and provide special services (such as private bungalows and English-speaking instructors) to accommodate them. If you plan to join a Muay Thai training camp in Thailand you are very welcome to come and train with us at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp on Koh Phangan Island, in southern Thailand. Everyone is welcome.

Muay Thai Camps in Thailand

Below is a list of Muay Thai camps and gyms in Thailand that are willing to take on foreign trainees. The list is provided for your information and does not neccessarily constitute a recommendation. This list is not exhaustive. Please send us details via the enquiry form if you know of any other Muay Thai camps in Thailand that cater to foreigners and that you would reccommend to others.
Horizon Muay Thai Boxing Camp
Location: Haad Tien Bay, Koh Phangan island, Surat Thani Province, Thailand
Tel: 077 238374 Mobile: 095881241
Owner: Aphiwat Sriwatcharaporn
Description: Muay Thai training camp in a tropical island paradise which accepts foreigners. All levels of boxer and women welcome.
How to get there: Take a bus or train from Bangkok or fly to neighbouring island Koh Samui.
Sasiprapa Muay Thai Gym
Location: 401 Soi Laprao 130 Klongchan, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Tel. 662-379-0270 Mobile 661-856-6684hakoonp@hotmail.com
Manager: Thakoon Pongsupha
Description: This is a well-organized Muay Thai training camp located in the Bangkapi area in Bangkok. Accommodations are available at the camp or there are hotels close by. Women fighters are accepted.
Pundit Mangphimai Camp
Location: 284/3 M.14 Pimea, Naconrachasima 30110, Thailand
Mobile phone: 661-071-6963
Description: This is a very small rural training Camp near the ancient Khmer Ruins in Pimia The Manager is a professional Muay Thai fighter. There are no accommodations at the camp but there are guest houses nearby.
How to get there: By Bus from Bangkok. It's about a five-hour trip.
Nongkee Pahuyuth Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) School (Sit-o Camp)
Location: 24 Seepetch Road, Amphur Muang, 159/9 Nongkee Pahuyuth,Nongkee 31210, Buriram
Tel: 044-641185 Mobile 09-844-2601 nk_pahuyuth@hotmail.com
Manager: Master Pramote Hoimook
Description: This is a beautiful camp. Master Promote is one of the famous Trainers of Muay Thai. There is also a Sit-O Camp in the USA and Mexico. And soon there will be a camp in Australia. Female fighters are not allowed.
How to get there: Fly or Bus to Korat where you can be met. Otherwise local bus to Nongkee. Ask for directions at the Police kiosk and it is about one kilometer further.
Sityodtong Boxing Camp
Location: 90M.6 Nongprue, Pattaya City,Chonburi 20260Thailand
Tel/Fax: 6638-730079 Mobile: 661-983-7175
Owner: Yodtong Senanan
Chief Trainer: Khun Angkarn Sriwaralak (Khun Toy )
Description: This is a big camp. Sityodtong also has a branch in the United States and Mexico. And is affiliated with Camps in Switzerland, Italy, Holland, and Australia. The Owner of the Camp is a legendary Muay Thai Champion and is usually present. Master Yodtong is one of the Famous Trainers in Thailand and has taken Muay Thai Teams to compete internationally. Female Fighters are allowed. There are three rings plus an adjacent boxing stadium. An amazing amount of equipment is present.

The life of a Muay Thai Fighter

The daily routine at a Muay Thai camp varies from place to place. Some camps are open only in the afternoon as many of the fighters are still students. Other camps have the younger fighters run only and then go to school in the morning. Muay Thai Gym with only professional fighters usually train from 6:30 am till 10:30 am and then again from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm. The fighters rise very early in the morning and start running at 6:30 am. Upon finishing their run they start shadow boxing. After that they start bouncing on rubber tires to develop their legs and build stamina. Some start working on the body bags while others work sparring with trainers. Some other fighters will be in the ring practicing grappling. During this time the junior fighters clean the training area. Everything is timed by a bell usually at five-minute intervals.
The fighters fight three-minute rounds, but train five-minute rounds for conditioning.
Some of the fighters are directed to work with weights, do sit-ups and pull-ups to develop their strength. After the morning session the fighters shower, eat communally, wash clothes, some play guitar or watch TV. In the afternoon the same training routine is followed again but with greater intensity. The intensity is varied from day to day depending on the fighter's fight schedule and other factors. After the acceptance of a fighter into a camp he becomes a member of the Manager's extended family and is given a fighting name. In past days this was complied by a ceremony called the Wai Kru (showing respect for one's teachers) and was done at a Buddhist Temple (Wat).

History of Muay Thai…

 

Muay Thai is the popular Thai kickboxing and is a mixture of several techniques employed in the rest of the forms of martial arts. Most of the times it is termed as the “science of 8 limbs” simply because almost all parts of the body are employed during the fight. The forehead, the fists, elbows, knees, and feet are often used as the weapons. It has been around for more than 2000 years and is basically regarded as the oldest variant of martial arts. Muay Thai was once called the martial art of the kings because of the fact that in 1914 the sons of the King Sen Muajng Ma fought until their death for the throne of their father.

Origins of Muay Thai Boxing

Muay Thai history is deeply entwined with the history of Thailand itself. Because of perpetual invasions from neighbouring countries when Thailand was in the process of forming, Thai people depended on their ability to defend themselves. In these early times only short-range weapons such as spears, pikes and clubs would have been available for use in battle. During this kind of hand-to-hand combat, fighting methods can quickly change and the body’s natural weapons such as the head, fists, elbows and feet would necessarily also have been utilised. Undoubtedly, it is the systemised use of these natural weapons, developed as a practical fighting skill for the battlefield that came to be Muay Thai boxing.

 

The early days of Muay Thai history

There are few written records pertaining to pre-twentieth century Muay Thai history. Knowledge has been passed down by oral tradition, which makes it difficult to be sure of the facts. But even in times of peace self-defence techniques have always been of great importance to Thai military leaders and the monarchy; we can be sure that Thai soldiers have studied Muay Thai boxing since early times. Muay Thai has most likely earned money for its competitors since the Sukothai era (1238 – 1377). During this time Muay Thai boxing gradually became a means of personal advancement as the nobility increasingly esteemed skilful practitioners. About 50 miles north of Bangkok lies the ancient city Ayuthaya. This once great city was Thailand’s capital for over 400 years. Here a platoon of elite guards was formed to protect the king. Officers were highly skilled in Muay Thai boxing. As well as its continued use as a practical fighting technique Muay Thai became a sport where spectators went to watch for entertainment. Regional varieties of Muay Thai existed with different fighting styles being adopted in the various provinces. For example, Southern fighters from Surat Thani province are renowned for using their brain to decide on strategy and tactics.

Early Muay Thai Boxing competitions

In the beginning Muay Thai boxers fought bare-fisted. Early competitive forms of Muay Thai had no grappling; fighters moved in, then quickly withdrew again. There was no attempt to pair opponents based on their weight. They needed only to express a willingness to fight. Sometimes fighters on a winning streak could be matched against several opponents in succession. There were no real rules. The head was used as a weapon and the groin was an acceptable target. The ring was a bare patch of earth. At some point came the division of the contest into rounds. Time for these was measured by placing a coconut shell with a hole bored through the bottom into water. When the coconut was filled with water and thus submerged the round was over. Tree bark, seashells, and later kapok-stuffed triangular cushions were used to protect the groin.

Muay Kaad Chuek

During the Ayuthaya era came the introduction of Muay Kaad Chuek. That is the use of unrefined hemp wrappings to protect the fingers and wrists. A length of around 20 metres was enough to bind one hand. The use of Muay Kaad Chuek quickly spread, as a bound fist is tougher, stronger and better protected against injury than an unbound one. It is said that before a contest fighters immersed their fists in water. This would cause the binding to harden when it dried, making it capable of producing serious injury. Some people go further and claim that fighters dipped their hands in glue and ground glass. Such a contest would certainly have made a gory sight! To this day an annual Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Laos is held in Nong Khai near the NE border with Laos, on the Thai side of the Mekong River. A Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Burma is staged in the Mae Sot, western Thailand, during the Sonkran (Thai New Year) festivities (April 12-14). Boxers fight until knockout. If both competitors remain standing at the end of the bout a match is declared a draw.

Early Muay Thai training methods

In the early days Muay Thai training equipment was found from nature. The smooth, slightly spongy nature of the trunk of a banana tree was found suitable for kicking practice. Repeatedly climbing out of water quickly improves stamina. Chopping the sea in front of your face assists in developing unblinking focus. Muay Thai trainees also used floating coconuts as targets and suspended limes for punching and avoidance practice.

A golden age for Thailand

With the ascension of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1868 a golden age for Thailand was ushered in and the country developed rapidly. It was a time of great reform that set the nation on the road to becoming a modern society. Royal patronage of Muay Thai boxing continued, the country was at peace and a Muay Thai boom occurred. King Rama V constructed roads making travel to the capital, Bangkok, feasible. Muay Thai fighters who had proved themselves in the provinces were invited to the capital to fight.

Muay Thai boxing becomes organised

The first permanent Muay Thai arena was constructed in 1920 at Suam Gularb (rose garden) in Bangkok. The reigning King Rama VI arranged for a great Muay Thai boxing tournament to be staged. Many foreigners came to match their skills against the Thais. A huge crowd gathered and the proceeds were used to purchase weapons for the countries defence. The floor of the ring was made from wooden planks and rushes were laid across the top. Time was measured in minutes and there was a referee.

Modern Muay Thai history

As late as 1920s Kaad Chuek was still in use. In a tragic event fighter Jia Kaegkhmen died in the ring of the Lak Muang Arena after being punched by Pae Lieng Prasert. He clung to the ropes dying but refused to give up. After this a new rule was introduced that fighters should wear gloves and Kaad Chuek was slowly phased out. The sport took the name Muay Thai post 1920s after the introduction of gloves and other elements of Western Boxing. In 1928 a rudimentary ranking system was introduced. There was a title fight held in November of that year and people flocked to see the fight. The following year, modern groin protectors were used in Siam for the first time. The convenience and safety of these quickly caught on. The groin was a legal move until the 1930s. In 1950 a fully developed ranking system was implemented with eight weight divisions. Rajadamnoen and Lumpinee Muay Thai boxing stadiums were erected in Bangkok and standard regulations adopted by the sport.

Introduction of modern training methods

During the late 1920s and 30s Muay Thai training was developed. Gyms were constructed and punch bags and balls became widely available. The use of training gloves and contest gloves became the norm. Muay Thai became a favourite sport and pastime. Every village staged prize fights and people from all walks of life flocked to training camps.

A golden decade for Muay Thai Boxing

Interest in Muay Thai flourished until the 1970s, which was a golden decade for Muay Thai with the emergence of many great fighters. The oriental martial arts enjoyed a boom in general thanks to the movies of Kung Fu Legend Bruce Lee. Muay Thai gyms began appearing in USA, Germany, Holland and Australia.

Muay Thai Boxing today

After WWII Muay Thai boxers headed to the capital for fame and fortune, and the glory is still to be found at Rajadamnoen or Lumpinee boxing stadiums in Bangkok. Today in the villages in the provinces people can be seen clustered around available TV sets to see televised matches. All professional fighters have official ring names. The first part of the name is generally their own, while the second is the name of the training camp to which they belong. Today many men and women of all ages enjoy regular training sessions. There is now a World Championship for Muay Thai and it has become an accepted amateur sport in many countries. Muay Thai boxing is an essential part of Thai culture. Thais have a fiery belief in the lethal effectiveness of their fighting art and have proved it time and again.

The Muay Thai Boxing Stadium

Nowadays the Muay Thai ring is the same size as that used for Western boxing, 24 foot square. The floor of the ring is wooden with canvas-covered matting. Traditionally the four sides of the ring are aligned with the points of a compass. The red corner points NW, the blue SE. The other two corners are white. These colours are derived from Western boxing and were introduced in the 1920s. The red corner is usually assigned to the defending champion or the contestant thought to have the advantage.

The betting tradition of Muay Thai Boxing

From the earliest competitions each bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained and today large sums of money are wagered on the outcome of fights. A trip to watch a Muay Thai match in Thailand is worth it for the spectacle of the frenzied betting alone.