Muay
Thai or Thai Boxing is an ancient martial art from the country of Thailand, which
is thought to be over 2000 years old.
Muay
Thai, now the national sport of Thailand is deemed the "Hardest Ring Sport
in the World".
Muay
Thai optimises the use of the eight limbs and is often referred to as the "Science
of 8 Limbs". These eight limbs are the two Fists, two Elbows, two Knees and
the two Feet(Shins), which are all used to devastating effect in battle.
Muay
Thai also incorporates the use of the Clinch, which is stand up grappling. From
this position Knees, Elbows and Throws are often executed to disable the opponent.
Muay
Thai involves development of balance, co-ordination, speed, strength, flexibility
and all round fitness, giving you a total body work out.
It
is all these factors that prove Muay Thai to be the most prominent striking art
there is.
Muay Thai is
fought in a square ring using the rounds system, which separates the bout. These
rounds are usually 5 rounds at 3 minutes each, with a 2 minute break in-between.
Nowadays
bouts are fought under the Queensberry rulings, but that wasn't always the case!
There was a time when there were NO gloves worn by the fighters only hands that
were tied with hemp rope and dipped into glue, and then broken glass were used.
There was also NO rounds
system, the fighters fought until there was only one fighter standing also head
butts and groin shots WERE allowed, so I think I am glad in saying thank god for
the Queensbury rules :-)
The
art of Muay Thai has a great history. Thailand itself is a very cultural and religious
country and there is lots of fascinating information available on it.
If
you check out the `Links` page on this site you will
find links to other Muay Thai related sites. These links will point you in the
correct direction to gain more knowledge on Muay Thai and Thailand.
