The history of Muay Thai

Today, I'd like to present an article about muay Thai which I wrote for a website a few years ago. Come through this and you may know more about the Thai fighting style.

Dating back to the medieval ages when the history of Muay Thai actually began. At that time, there were series of wars between states in Southeast Asia region. Those ancient warriors always engaged in hand-to-hand combats, which only short-range weapons such as swords, spears and clubs were proved useful. Because of close-range battle, those ancient fighters must develop their close-in fighting skills in order to win such a combat. Arms, legs, knees and elbows were therefore adapted to use as weapons.

In Thailand, or Siam as known then, this weaponless fighting style flourished rapidly. To protect themselves from continuous invasions of neighboring hostile Burmese, Siamese was to develop their individual fighting style called “Muay Boran” which means “Ancient Boxing”, or also known as “Muay Thai” to withstand the invader. Some historical evidence indicates that “Muay Thai” was taught to both commoners and royal families, even kings, to strengthen the Siamese nation. “King Naresuan” The Great, who released Siam from the occupancy of Burma in mid of 16th century and “Phra Chao Suua” also known as “The Tiger King, who distinguished himself as a peasant to take part in Muay Thai contests, are well recognized as the great Muay Thai boxer who used this martial art withstand and drive out the Burmese raiders.

Until mid 19th century, when the long-range weapons from western nations such as guns, rifles and cannons were introduced in this region, “Muay Thai” slowly faded from the battle fields. However, “Muay Boran” was adapted to be used as a sport for a brave man, which minor pains or serious injuries were unavoidable, and these boxing competitions were commonly found in Thai temples. In the early period of this sport, boxing equipments such as gloves, jockstraps, knee guards and head guards were not available. Thai boxers only bind their fists with ropes and went on the ring to fight. This kind of Muay Thai is called “Muay Kaad Chuek”. Because of its violence and savagery, this ancient type of Thai boxing is currently prohibited but you can watch the traditional “Muay Kaad Chuek” competitions between Thai and the old enemy, Burmese, which is yearly on “Songkran day” at Mae Sod district, Tak province, Thailand.

Today, Muay Thai boxers are required to wear gloves and jockstraps before fighting. In addition, rules and regulations are set up to prevent boxers from critical injuries. Although its sensation and thrill are decreased, but Muay Thai remains one of the most famous sports which most of Thai people always pay great attention to. The popularity of Muay Thai has now expanded to the west. Muay Thai schools are generally found in countries like Holland, England, France and United States. For more recognition, Muay Thai was recently been added to SEA Games, a biennial multi-sport event of Southeast Asia countries, as one of the sport in the official competitions.

In the future, if Muay Thai has received more acceptances from the wider circle, there might be seen Muay Thai in the bigger competition of humanity, the Olympic Games.