Muay Thai is a combat sport that originates from Thailand. Muay Thai has developed over centuries as tribes migrated south from China through Vietnam, Cambodia,Burma and Laos. Tribes fought fiercely among one another in order to survive, soon a fighting style began to develop which involved offensive and defensive tactics, hand-to-hand combat and skills that would enhance the fighter’s awareness. Ex-Fighters would teach their children to fight which involved passing on key fighting tactics and skills. Those that survived would then pass on the fighting skills to their children, it became a process of survival of the fittest. The Thai were on constant attack from neighbouring countries and Muay Thai soon became a part of military training.
After fighters returned from tours of duty they took part in matches as a form of sport for fun in local villages and towns. Muay Thai as a sport soon grew in popularity to the past 100 years where it has become an important part of Culture in Thailand. The first boxing ring was built in 1921 at Suan Kularp where referees were introduced and codified rules were brought in. Fighters also began to wear modern gloves and hard groin protectors both in training and matches. In 1993 the governing body for Muay Thai was founded which was called the International Federation of MuayThai Mateur (IFMA) and in 1995 the World Muay Thai Federation was inaugurated.
The sport has grown in popularity over the years and is now recognised in the majority of countries worldwide. Muay Thai is a close-contact sport that involves the combined use of the elbows, fists, knees, shins and feet. It is an art that needs to be practised and taught properly in order to learn the correct technique and moves. By training regularly for Muay Thai you can dramatically improve your flexibility which means you will have better use of the bones, muscles and tendons in your body.
