What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is often referred to as Thai Boxing or ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’. It's a form of close combat in which your body becomes your weapon and is Thailand’s national sport and cultural martial art. Muay Thai combines stand-up striking techniques with clinching movements and is a discipline of both the body and mind.

Origins

The term Muay Thai originates from Sanskrit, and ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’ stems from the eight points of contact the body uses to mimic war weapons. The legs and knees function like an axe, the hands like swords, and shins and forearms become your shield.

The first Thai army was created in Sukhothai, and history points to many wars between tribes and kingdoms which spawned a need to defend its capital, Siam. The Siamese army was developed in order to protect the government and inhabitants within Siam, and they were taught traditional fighting with weapons, as well as how to use their body as a weapon in close-combat. These skills eventually evolved into what we now know as Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong. Muay Thai grew in popularity and soon became a requirement of the upper classes and royals.

Muay Thai Now

Centuries later, Muay Thai is now widespread, and the professional league is governed by The Professional Boxing Association of Thailand sanctioned by The Sport Authority of Thailand and World Muaythai Federation overseas.

The focus of the sport is to utilise kicks, punches, elbows and knee strikes in order to handicap your opponent.