What Is Muay Thai?

What Is Muay Thai?

Do you watch Muay Thai fights on television and wonder how this form of martial arts came to be, its origins, and its evolution into the combat sport it is today? Would you like to know more about the cultural significance it has for the Thai people and the millions of fans worldwide? Would you like to hear about the legendary Muay Thai fighters, both past, and present? Are you interested in learning what sort of training Muay Thai fighters go through and what gear they use? You’ve come to the right place!

Here you can learn all about The Art of Eight Limbs, its history, its traditions, and how it changed from an ancient battle technique to one of the most popular modern combat sports. Discover the different styles of fighting, the rules of the sport, its greatest fighters, and how it has inspired other forms of martial arts and pop culture. Finally, discover what this martial art can do to improve your lifestyle, what you might need to prepare for a training session, and where you can go to attend a Muay Thai class.

Summary

A comprehensive look at what Muay Thai is, how the martial art evolved from an ancient battle technique to a modern combat sport, its cultural impact, the many ways you can benefit from learning it, and how to start on your own journey.

What Is Muay Thai Or Thai Boxing?

Muay Thai literally means ‘Thai Boxing’, and is a form of martial arts that has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. Originally used by the ancient warriors of Thai kingdoms to fight their enemies, Muay Thai has now evolved into a modern combat sport and a national pastime. The popularity of Muay Thai is not limited to Thailand. ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’, as it is sometimes called, has managed to cross borders, inspire new types of mixed martial arts, and is now passionately followed by millions around the globe. 

The Art Of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai is a competitive stand-up combat sport played between two contestants. Muay Thai practitioners or ‘Nak Muays’ can utilize their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to strike, hence the name ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’ which refers to the eight contact points of the martial art. Muay Thai fighters also use clinch and grapple techniques to hold an opponent in place to get more strikes in. The use of headbutts, groin shots, biting, and stabbing the eyes has been discontinued and will be punished with a foul.

Muay Thai Rules

Points are awarded by a judging panel when a Muay Thai fighter makes a clear strike on their opponent. It’s not just about landing the most strikes or being the most aggressive, since points are only awarded if the strike makes contact and is delivered with enough force to get the opponent to react or flinch. Contestants have to be in peak physical condition, be focused, and master the techniques to be able to land hits that score well. 
Muay Thai fights go on for five rounds, each lasting three minutes, and can be won by knocking out an opponent, or by scoring the most points by the end of the match. A referee will also stop a match if a contestant is unable to continue. Unsportsmanlike behaviors like spitting or the use of foul language can be met with warnings or penalties. The use of illegal strikes, as mentioned earlier, can even get a fighter disqualified from a Muay Thai fight. For more on the rules, read our post on the basics of Muay Thai.

Muay Thai Rules

Muay Thai Fighting Styles

Depending on their build, strength, agility, level of aggression, and sometimes tradition, most Muay Thai fighters have a preferred fighting style. Others will switch their styles on the fly to suit a particular opponent. Muay Thai fighting styles usually revolve around which point of contact a fighter wishes to specialize in. There are five Muay Thai styles that are being practiced.

Muay Mat fighters specialize in punches like jabs, crosses, uppercuts, and hooks, using footwork to generate the power they need. This style is similar to Western boxing. There’s also Muay Dtae, which involves a lot of kicking. These fighters can use their legs to keep competitors at a distance and will use Muay Thai kicks like roundhouse kicks, jumping kicks, and even fancier strikes to deal some of the most powerful blows in this martial art.   

Muay Khao fighters use clinch techniques to keep their opponents in place and deliver close-range knee strikes. It’s one of the most effective ways to damage a rival and score major points at the same time. Muay Sok style is all about the elbows, which are some of the sharpest parts of the human body. It is no wonder that elbows are called the ‘Blades of Muay Thai’ and can easily cut into an opponent, making it difficult for them to continue. 

Finally, there is Muay Femur, which is a style favored by Muay Thai fighters that wish to utilize their superior movement skills to evade, wait for an opening, and deal quick strikes when they get a chance. They are masters of multiple styles and will adopt the best strategy that the situation calls for. Some of the best in Muay Thai history, like Saenchai and Samart, have been all-rounders.

Muay Thai Attire

Muay Thai is similar to other striking-based martial arts like western boxing when it comes to attire. Fighters typically wear shorts that allow for freedom of movement and wear boxing gloves that are specially designed for Muay Thai requirements to avoid injury. In addition to shorts and gloves, they also use protective gear like shin guards to absorb impacts from the contact points around their legs. Finally, it is also recommended to wear groin protection, mouth guards, and hand wraps inside the gloves for complete protection.

Muay Thai Attire

Is kickboxing And Muay Thai The Same?

Many people confuse Muay Thai with kickboxing. The Japanese boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi studied Muay Thai and blended some of its elements with western boxing and karate to form a new striking-based martial art called kickboxing, which quickly became popular in the 1970s. While they are not the same martial art, there are some similarities due to the Muay Thai DNA in kickboxing.

Kickboxing has only four contact points compared to the eight in Muay Thai, and clinches are broken up by a referee. Kickboxing has a lot more variety in its kicks compared to Muay Thai, showing its karate roots. Kickboxing doesn’t have centuries of history behind it, lacking the strong religious and cultural significance that Muay Thai has for its practitioners. 
Since fighters from both martial arts utilize very similar protective gear and even share some striking techniques like punches and kicks, it is no wonder that the two sports look the same to the untrained eye. For more on this, read our post on the key differences between Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

Is kickboxing And Muay Thai The Same?

The History Of Muay Thai

Muay Thai did not become the national sport of Thailand out of nowhere. It is a traditional form of martial arts that has been practiced by the Thai people for many centuries. It is only by turning to the past that we can discover the roots of this ancient martial art, learn to appreciate the magnitude of its cultural impact, and understand why it has lasted so long.

The Origins Of Muay Thai

There are no reliable records of the exact origins of Muay Thai, although there are many stories that have been carried through the generations, embellished over time, and have become legends. The Sukhothai Kingdom, as the region was called between the 13th and 16th centuries, was always under threat from neighboring kingdoms in the region. To keep its capital, Siam, safe, its army was trained in both close-quarters martial arts and armed combat. It is this unarmed form of combat that evolved into modern Muay Thai.  

The earliest instance of Muay Thai appearing in history can be traced back to the 16th century when King Naresuan, who was an exceptionally gifted practitioner of martial arts himself, popularized Muay Thai as a sport in addition to its application in war. Muay Thai tournaments would be held in villages, and thus began the evolution of martial art into a sport. King Suriyenthrathibodi, also called the ‘Tiger King’, was known to have dressed as a commoner to take part in tournaments. King Rama, I gave royal patronage as well, decreeing tournaments be held in front of the palace during festivals, truly making Muay Thai into a spectator sport. 

There is also the legendary Muay Thai fighter Nai Khanom Tom, who was taken captive during a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Later, the Burmese King wished to see his own warriors face off against the captured Thai boxers during a celebratory event. Then, Nai Khanom Tom, who fought for the Siamese, started with a ritual dance called ‘Wai Kru-Ram Muay’ which captivated the Burmese fighters.

Nai went on to defeat 10 opponents in a row and was granted his freedom. After defending the reputation of Muay Thai and winning the respect of their enemies, Nai Khanom Tom returned home, where he is now known as the ‘Father of Muay Thai’.

The Origins Of Muay Thai

The Modernization Of Muay Thai

During the 1930s, Muay Thai went through significant changes, with official rules being introduced as well as protective gear such as boxing gloves replacing the rope bindings that fighters had worn up to that point. Weight classes similar to western boxing were introduced as well to ensure heavier fighters don’t have an unfair advantage over others. 

For obvious reasons, the more dangerous techniques that targeted joints, the back of the head, or the groin were deemed illegal to ensure the safety of the contestants. Muay Thai also moved into a boxing-style ring, and in the next few decades, gained such a massive appeal that matches took place in huge stadiums in front of thousands of spectators. As a result of these modern changes, Muay Thai has evolved from Thailand’s national sport to a truly global martial art.

The Golden Era Of Muay Thai

The Golden Era is the romanticized period from the early 80s to the mid-90s when Muay Thai reached its absolute peak of popularity. Some of the greatest fighters ever to grace the ring in Muay Thai history, like Samart and Dieselnoi, fought during this period. It was also the time when live television broadcasts allowed fans to follow matches from home, while thousands flocked to stadiums like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern.

Major Muay Thai gear manufacturers like Fairtex and Twins Special were getting established during the Golden Era. Boxing promoters as well as sponsorship deals also contributed to the success of the martial art, and with so much money involved, Golden Era fighters received record-breaking payouts. Unsurprisingly, gambling was also involved, which may have negatively impacted the sport in the long run. 

Many of the most iconic Muay Thai matches took place during the Golden Era and captivated millions of fans, inspiring the next generation of martial artists.

The Golden Era Of Muay Thai

Muay Thai Today

Muay Thai continued to flourish after the Golden Era and is now bigger than ever, with its ancient fighting techniques now being used in all sorts of mixed martial arts tournaments around the world. It has also entered popular culture, mainly through martial arts movies and even video games. The Muay Thai of today has truly gone global.

Muay Thai At The Olympics

In 1993, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) was formed as the official international governing body for combat sport. Starting with a few member countries, the organization has grown to include 128 countries since its creation. Muay Thai has been included in major international sporting events like the Southeast Asian Games for years. 

However, it is only in 2021, after working tirelessly for nearly 30 years, that IFMA has managed to get Muay Thai to be officially recognized as an Olympic sport. Fans can expect to see Muay Thai matches taking place at the next Olympics in France in 2024.

Muay Thai In MMA

Mixed martial arts (MMA), which incorporates techniques from multiple disciplines, has risen to prominence in recent years due to sporting events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since Muay Thai is such an effective striking martial art, it’s no surprise that MMA fighters like Anderson Silva have used it to great effect in knocking out opponents. 

This type of Muay Thai isn’t exactly traditional Muay Thai but an adaptation of the martial art, with its own unique stances, footwork, the rhythm of combat, and attacks that are better suited for MMA. This only goes to show how adaptable Muay Thai is and how it will continue to evolve with the times.

Muay Thai In MMA

Muay Thai In Pop Culture

Muay Thai has also graced the silver screen multiple times in the last 20 years, with many martial arts films showing off its techniques. Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003) is undoubtedly one of the biggest films to feature Muay Thai and the breakout role for action star Tony Jaa. It was a box office hit, spawned multiple sequels, and impressed action fans with its excellent stunt work as well as traditional fighting techniques.  

After the success of Ong Bak, there have been more Thai-boxing-inspired films like The Legend of Muay Thai: 9 Satra (2018), a 3D animated fantasy action film, Tom-Yum-Goong (2005), an action flick that featured Tony Jaa, and A Prayer Before Dawn (2018), which was a serious look at the grittier aspects of the sport. And of course, not to forget the Jean-Claude Van Damme classic Kickboxer from the 80s. 

Muay Thai has also entered the world of video games. The Street Fighter series of fighting games, made by the Japanese publisher Capcom, has always featured a character called Sagat. He was a villain in the first game and a playable character in later entries. Sagat wears Muay Thai shorts and is even called the ‘Emperor of Muay Thai’. The character is widely believed to be inspired by the Golden Era fighter Sagat Petchyindee, who had a large Japanese following after winning multiple matches in the country.

Muay Thai In Pop Culture

Muay Thai Traditions

While Muay Thai has modernized with standard rules and the latest protective gear, it has retained many of its cultural roots with regard to the rituals carried out by its fighters. There are also practitioners that are still passionately preserving the old traditional fighting techniques even though they are no longer accepted in official tournaments.

The Wai Kru And Ram Muay

Before a Muay Thai fight takes place, the contestants perform the Wai Kru and Ram Muay rituals. The Wai Kru is done to respect their teachers, parents, and Buddha. Fighters walk around the ring three times, and they pray at each corner. The traditional Mongkon headdress is worn by fighters during this ceremony and is removed by their teacher at the end. The Prajioud braided armband is also worn and is believed to offer the wearer luck and protection for the fight. 

‘Ram’ means dance, and is choreographed to showcase the Muay Thai fighter’s physical prowess, fighting style, and, in some cases, the region or gym they represent. Traditional Thai music called ‘Sarama’ is played during these ceremonies by a live band and adds a unique atmosphere to the Muay Thai fight.

The Wai Kru And Ram Muay

Sak Yant Tattoos

The Sak Yant tattoos are believed to grant the wearer with magical powers of strength and protection during the fight. Heavily influenced by Buddhist philosophy, the most commonly used designs are the Buddha Peaks (Gao Yord), the five lines (Ha Taew), and the eight directions (Paed Tidt). 

While there are many modern tattoo parlors that will allow you to get these tattoos, superstitious practitioners will say you have to use the old ways to get the magic. This means getting inked with a bamboo needle by a Buddhist monk, a process that is more time-consuming and painful compared to modern methods.

Sak Yant Tattoos

Muay Boran

Muay Thai took this name to distinguish itself from western boxing when it was going through its modernization during the 1930s. Muay Boran, which means ‘ancient boxing’, is simply referring to Muay Thai as it would have existed in the past, encompassing all the traditional techniques but without the modern safety equipment and rules. There are multiple fighting styles that originate from the different regions of Thailand, like Korat, Lopburi, Thasao, and Chaiya, each of which has its own unique variations. 
Muay Boran is mainly done for display, with practitioners wearing hemp rope to bind their hands instead of gloves and hand wraps. They also wear a loincloth called ‘phakaoma’ for protection instead of modern groin guards.

Muay Boran

Famous Muay Thai Fighters

While there are too many great Muay Thai fighters to name here, one of the most famous and beloved of the Golden Era, according to fans, is Samart Payakaroon, considered by many to be the greatest of all time. He was a multiple Lumpinee championship title holder, known for his technical proficiency and high IQ. He was known to win matches by points, although he was also a great puncher, as displayed by his successful foray into boxing. 

One of Samart’s biggest fights was against another Golden Era Muay Thai legend, the ‘Sky-piercing Knee-Striker’ Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn. Dieselnoi was much taller than his competitors and specialized in devastating knee strikes to win. He was an undefeated Lumpinee champion but had to retire early due to a lack of competition. 

Other notable names of the Golden Era were Sagat Petchyindee, the ‘Knockout King’ of Street Fighter fame, who won over 150 matches by knockout, and Ramon ‘The Diamond’ Dekkers, the Dutch fighter who was the first foreigner to defeat a Lumpinee champion in Thailand. 

Looking at modern Muay Thai, Suphachai ‘Saenchai’ Saepong is the clear favorite for many fans. Saenchai is known to be a technical master and is famous for his cartwheel kick. Considered a modern Muay Thai legend, he won the Lumpinee title five times, has multiple world titles to his name, and won an impressive 313 matches with only 41 losses. 

Buakaw Banchamek is another Muay Thai fighter known for winning multiple world championships and is considered to be one of the best in the modern era. He is known for his aggressive style, and his knockout punches. He is a favorite for younger fans that grew up after the Golden Era was over. Both Buakaw and Saenchai starred in Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya (2010), a historical action film that featured Samurai and Muay Thai fighting. 

Famous Muay Thai Fighters

Benefits Of Practicing Muay Thai

Muay Thai is not just a martial art used by the ancient Thai army and it’s not just for sport. Even if you’re not interested in competing in professional tournaments, there are many practical applications for Muay Thai that will help any ordinary person live a balanced and healthy life.

Muay Thai For Self-Defense

Muay Thai is one of the most effective methods of self-defense. Its techniques can help you learn how to react quickly to an attacker, guard yourself against further attacks, and pin down an assailant to protect yourself or your loved ones. Even a complete beginner can learn these basic self-defense techniques within six months, allowing you to have peace of mind with the knowledge that you will be able to handle these life-threatening situations.

Health Benefits Of Muay Thai

Muay Thai training includes aerobic exercises like running, jumping rope, and shadow-boxing, which are great workouts for your heart and lungs. In the short term, you can build your stamina, improve your cardiovascular health, and be able to carry out any of your daily tasks without running out of breath. In the long term, you’re reducing the risk of health conditions like heart problems and high blood pressure.

You’ll also be burning a lot of calories, helping you get rid of excess fat and get in shape. All the jabs, knee strikes, and kicking you’ll be practicing with a heavy bag or sparring partner will allow you to build the strength of your muscles. Muay Thai toughens you up and is one of the best workouts you can do to get in peak physical shape. 

Learning striking combinations will require proper coordination, and some moves, like kicks, need a good level of balance to pull off effectively. After a few months of training, your body will feel much more coordinated than before. Muay Thai instills a greater sense of control over your body movements, and you will feel a boost of confidence when you achieve this.  

Muay Thai As A Stress Reliever

Muay Thai training can be intense, and the human body will naturally react to this by releasing endorphins to reduce pain during exercises. This also has additional benefits, like reducing stress and improving your mood. As you learn more techniques and begin to master them, the satisfaction of a great Muay Thai workout will help reduce depression.

Muay Thai As A Stress Reliever

What To Expect In Muay Thai Training

If you’re planning to attend Muay Thai classes, you may be feeling a bit nervous about what to expect. You may also be wondering what to wear and whether you need to purchase any safety equipment. Here are a few things you should know when attending a Muay Thai training session.

What To Wear For Your First Muay Thai Class

Muay Thai shorts and a breathable t-shirt are the best options, but any comfortable pair of gym shorts will do. A sports bra is recommended for ladies. Dress for comfort and flexibility that doesn’t restrict your movements. You might want to pack some running shoes as well since your trainer could start the class with a run as a warm-up exercise.

Muay Thai Protective Gear

For your first lesson, you can use one of the many pairs of boxing gloves that are kept for students in many of the training centers. These gloves have usually seen plenty of action and will most likely stink, but it’s a great chance for you to get used to them. Talk to your trainer or other students about what sort of gloves you need. After you get a feel for wearing the gloves and striking a heavy bag, you’ll be ready to buy your own pair. 

You won’t be sparring in the early training sessions, so it’s unlikely you’ll need shin guards on your first day. After a few weeks, when you have learned all the basic stance, footwork, and striking techniques, you’ll be ready for some light sparring.

What To Expect In Your First Lesson

A typical lesson will begin with warm-up exercises like jogging and jumping rope, which are followed by stretching. It’s very important to stretch properly to allow your muscles to be flexible for the exercises to come. Afterward, you can expect some instruction on the basic fighting stance and movements. 

You are extremely unlikely to learn any flashy moves or punch a heavy bag on your first day, although you can expect to do some basic punching drills. Strengthening exercises like sit-ups and push-ups will follow these drills, and the session will end with cooling-down exercises. Don’t forget to stretch again at the end of the lesson to relieve stress on your muscles. 
This first lesson will feel very intense and will last for 60 to 90 minutes. Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for you to feel properly coordinated in your movements and build the required stamina to get through these lessons. Remember to prepare yourself and talk to your instructor if you need advice. For more guidance on preparing for your first lesson, check out What to Expect in Your First Muay Thai Lesson.

What To Expect In Your First Lesson

Where To Learn Muay Thai In Phuket

Now that you have an understanding of Muay Thai history, why it is the national sport of Thailand, its cultural significance, the notable fighters that have practiced it, and the various ways you can benefit from it, you may be thinking it’s time to find a Muay Thai gym to get started. One of the best places to find a Muay Thai gym is in Phuket, an island located in the South of Thailand. 

The training at these establishments is carried out by knowledgeable instructors, many of which are former professional fighters with years of experience. These gyms are also well-maintained with all the latest training equipment like heavy bags and focus mitts, as well as safety gear like shin guards, and boxing gloves to use.

Learn More About Muay Thai

If you wish to learn more, then visit Ushup, a place for passionate martial arts fans to start their own journey. You’ll discover training tips, the best discounts you can get for protective gear, events, and the latest happenings in the world of Muay Thai.

FAQs

What Is A Nak Muay?

A practitioner of Muay Thai is called a Nak Muay.

What Is Muay Boran?

An ancient form of close-quarters combat that was originally used by Thai warriors in battle and to defend their kingdoms from neighboring invasions. Muay Boran is the ancestor of the modern combat sport of Muay Thai.

Is Muay Thai Kickboxing?

No. While there are similarities, Muay Thai and kickboxing are separate combat sports. Kickboxing was created in the 20th century by combining aspects of Muay Thai, Karate, and western boxing.

Is Muay Thai Used in MMA?

Yes. Some of MMA’s greatest fighters have incorporated Muay Thai techniques in their mixed martial arts fighting styles.