Muay Thai originated during the medieval ages being adapted from the use of bladed weapons to open hand fighting. Known as the “art of eight limbs,” Muay Thai relies on devastating punches, kicks, knees and elbows to attack opponents’ entire body. The Muay Thai kick, unique to it’s art, is regarded as one of the world’s most powerful kicking techniques, with many contests resulting in broken bones, concussions and occasionally death.

Muay Thai’s popularity as a fighting art reached prominence circa 1560 C.E. by King Naureusan who was captured during one of the many battles between Burma and Siam. The Burmese knew of his prowess in Muay Thai and gave him a chance to fight their best for his freedom. Upon his return to Siam he was hailed as a hero and Siamese-style boxing, as it was called then, was soon recognized as a national sport. Boxing in this style reached its zenith of popularity about two hundred years ago, during the reign of Prachao Chao Sua (King Tiger), when it was practiced by all classes of the population.

When Ayudhya fell in 1767 A.D. many Thais became prisoners of War. In 1774 the King of Burma held a festival to celebrate the Chedi containing the Bhuddha’s relics in Rangoon, with various forms of entertainment and festivities. This included a boxing display for the King by a Muay Thai practitioner named Nai Khanom Tom, a prisoner of war from Ayudhya. Pit against Burmese boxers, Nai Khanom Tom defeated 10 Burmese opponents in a row, wining his freedom and solidifying his legacy.

From those days up until the early part of this century, the fighters, particularly those in provinces, used horsehide strips and later hemp in lieu of gloves. It was also a practice at one time to grind pieces of glass into the hemp if both contestants agreed. Since these practices were obviously dangerous to the fighters’ health, regulation boxing gloves were introduced approximately 50 years ago and have been used ever since.

Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, is Thailand’s national sport and is now becoming more popular in many countries, This is especially true with the explosion in popularity of mixed martial arts events. In full contact contests where leg kicks, knees and elbows are allowed, Muay Thai has been well adapted to the sport.

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