Thai boxing

Muay Thai is an international professional sport and a fighting art. Muay Thai as a sport became established in Thailand in 1921 A.D. during the reign of King Rama VI. During that time the fighters bound their fist in rope. By 1929 fighters were using conventional boxing gloves. Although the sport is most popular in Thailand, bouts are held internationally through numerous organizations (e.g. ISKA, WMC, TBA-USA, etc.). In the USA, Muay Thai is most prominent in the UFC.

Muay Thai is a fighting art which focuses on striking. Muay Thai implements are: the fist, kicks, the elbows, and the knees. In the UFC, a fighter who can cause lacerations by executing an elbow strike is considered analogous to a Muay Thai champion.

The origin of the fighting art is consanguineous with the origin of humans. An early hero of Muay Thai was King Naresuan the Great who, in 1548, restored Thai freedom. Another hero of Muay Thai is Nai Khanom Tom who, according to legend, after being imprisoned in the city of Ungwa by the Burmese won a fighting tournament against ten Burmese fighters in 1774. Many legends maintain the glory of Muay Thai and its heroes. These legends are one example, of many, which demonstrate the rich cultural value of Muay Thai.

Another example of a cultural aspect of Muay Thai is the ceremony of wai kruu (also spelled: wai kroo, wai khru, wai khruu) which is a dance like movement performed by the fighter before the bout begins. The purpose of the wai kruu is for the fighter to give tribute to the teacher as well as others who the fighter owes gratitude (e.g. religious figure, the king, family, etc.). Another purpose is that the wai kruu consecrates the fight. In the past, the wai kruu would also exhibit where the fighter was from.

Muay Thai is closely related to Hinduism but also has connections to Buddhism. The initiation ceremony of student fighters is one area where the religious affiliations are obvious. The initiation begins with Yok Kruu, i.e. the student makes an offering to the teacher (candles, flowers, a water vassal, other items may be specified). The teacher then instructs the fighter in the movements of Wai Kruu (supra). The teacher then blesses the student and presents the student with a holy cotton laurel. Through the blessings both Ramayana and Narayana are shown respect. The ceremony sometimes includes a meal. Next holy water is poured over the student. At this point a statute of Buddha is brought out to be witness. Finally the student will perform a ceremonial dance.

The two major Muay Thai stadiums are Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen. Both are located in Bangkok.

For those who desire to learn Muay Thai a number of instructors and camps, of varying intensities, exist internationally.