The origins of Muay Thai

Muay Thai differs from other combat sports by its centuries-old origins. This sport is considered to be one of the most effective combat sports.

But do you know what are the origins of Muay Thai? Who is the legend Nai Khanom Tom? How did Muay Thai become the national sport in Thailand?

Let's learn more about this exciting sport full of values…

Muay Thai has its origins in ancestral martial practices.

Muay Thai , is a combat sport originally created for the Thai military in the 16th century.

Muay Thai is also called “The Art of the Eight Limbs” or the “Science of the eight limbs” , because it uses punches, kicks, elbows and punches. knee, thus using eight “contact points”.

Muay Thai is a combat sport which has its origins in the ancestral martial practices of Muay Boran. This discipline was best known during the Khmer era and was made at that time by King Naresuan the Great, compulsory for his soldiers.

According to the story told by the Thai people, around 1411, when King Sen Muang Ma died, his two sons, Ki and Fang, wanted to seize power. They decided to settle their conflict by a duel. Each side chooses its best boxer. Fang's man was defeated and Ki ascended the throne. Thus, the fighting technique of his warrior emerged and the teaching of Muay Thai took its example.

The legend of Muay Thai Nai Khaom Tom

Around 1774, a man named Nai Khaom, during the war against the Burmese armies, was taken prisoner. He participated in a tournament organized by King Mangra of Burma, during which he emerged victorious in the various fights.

To reward him for his victory, he was released and was greeted as a hero by his people.

He has become a national hero, to whom the Thais pay homage every year on the occasion of the “Night of the Boxers”.

The night of the boxers is inspired by the heroic fight of this Thai legend. The fights also respect tradition. The boxers perform a ritual by entering the ring, a kind of dance intended to warm up. The rounds are also punctuated by traditional music.

The ban on muay thai because of its dangerousness

In the 1920s, the practice of Muay Thai was banned. This can be understood insofar as Muay Thai is basically created for the military.

Nevertheless, in the 1930s, Muay Thai resurfaced and its practice became authorized with new, more secure competition rules.

Today Muay Thai

Today Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the national sport in Thailand. It is a real industry and above all a very good way to live in Thailand. Indeed, hundreds of fights are organized each week.

In Thailand, Muay Thai is a very good way to improve one's social condition and to climb in society.

Good Thai fighters are seen as real heroes in Thailand. A bit like zizou in France for football fans…

The nak muay: fighter of muay thai

Thai boxing fighters have a very specific name. A Muay Thai practitioner is known as a nak muay.

Western practitioners are sometimes referred to as Nak Muay Farang, which means "foreign boxer".

Among the most popular foreign fighters we can cite Ramon Dekkers, Toshio Fujiwara or even Dany Bill

As for Thai fighters Samart Payakaroon , Saenchai, Tongchai Tor Silachai, Sagat Petchyindee are just a few names.

Rituals in Muay Thai

In a sport like Muay Thai, inspired by Thai history and tradition, rituals have an important place.

Before the fight, the fighters pay homage and show respect with the ritual of Wai khru and Ram Muay.

The Wai Khru allows you to greet your master and send him gratitude and respect.

Ram Muay is used to greet the public.

These rituals are also used to warm up. Thai boxing fighters perform this ritual with a headband called "Mongkon", placed on the head by the coach. This is a traditional head covering. The warriors of the time would tie a bandana around their head before going to war. It is from this tradition that the Mongkon comes.

The Mongkons are part of Muay Thai culture.

During the fight traditional music is played.

In conclusion, Muay Thai is therefore not just a simple combat sport but a sport that embodies values, symbols, culture and traditions. This is what sets it apart from other combat sports.

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In the same topic, find our article " Ramon Dekkers, The Diamond " .

Have a good training!

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