Thaiboxning is a devastatingly effective full contact sport that requires the highest levels of fitness. It is one of the most popular styles that MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competitors train in. It is also a highly effective self-defense technique.
While many people are drawn to this martial art for its practical applications, others are hesitant to give it a go due to the brutal nature of the sport and fear of getting hurt. In this article, we take a look at some of the key aspects of Thai boxing that will help you decide whether it is right for you.
Muay Thai is the national fighting art of Thailand, and it originated in the Rattanakosin Kingdom era (18th-early 20th century). It was due to wars with other tribes and kingdoms that this form of combat developed into its distinctive style. A famous example of this occurred during the Ayuthaya period when the legendary Nai Khanom Tom defeated 9 Burmese fighters to uphold the honor of his homeland.
King Rama V was a huge Muay Thai enthusiast and worked hard to promote the sport, with fighters often invited by him to compete in tournaments around the country. It was during this era that Muay Thai grew in popularity and a system of weight classes were introduced along with rules and regulations to make it safer for fighters.
During this time, it was common practice for fighters to wear cotton and hemp gloves as well as a sarong or khat around their waist. Fighters would also tie their hands together using a traditional rope-binding technique known as khat chueak to create a dangerous, deadly striking tool that was difficult to break.
Throughout history, Thai boxing has continued to evolve as it became more refined and standardized. In the 1920’s, a permanent boxing stadium was built at Suan Kulab and modern fighting techniques such as footwork, stance, and grappling were developed. Rings were also used for the first time and it was around this time that rules were codified to make the sport safer. Modern protective equipment such as gloves and hard groin guards were also introduced at this time.
Nowadays, Muay Thai is still popular in Thailand, where children are taught the basics from an early age. The discipline has become a major part of Thai culture and is an integral part of many festivals and ceremonies. This is in spite of the fact that it can be a very dangerous and intense sport to learn without proper instruction and supervision. It is important to find a reputable and experienced teacher to ensure that you are safe as you train, and that the lessons learned will be effective in real-life situations. This is especially true if you are planning to fight professionally. The training is physically and mentally demanding and you must be willing to push yourself to your limits in order to succeed. If you are not prepared to do so, you will quickly burn out and lose motivation.