8 Facts About Muay Thai
These days Muay Thai is widely known as one of the most efficient striking martial arts
because of it’s use and popularity in MMA. Yet sometimes we forget the deep heritage
and traditions that it comes from and some of the reasons it exists. Here are eight essential facts about Muay
Thai that make it such an amazing and unique martial art. Fact I
Although Muay Thai litery means Thay Boxing, it is also referred to as the "Art of Eight
Limbs" or the "Science of Eight Limbs", because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and
knee strikes, thus using eight "points of contact", as opposed to "two points"
(fists) in boxing, and "four points" (hands and feet) used in other more regulated combat
sports, such as kickboxing and savate.
Fact II
The Thai were on constant guard against attack from neighboring countries, including Burma
and Cambodia. Needing an efficient way to protect themselves,
Muay Thai became a primary part not only of the Thai culture but was also a mandatory
training part of the Thai military. Thus Muay Thai evolved in the midst of war
as the military continued to train soldiers for centuries in the art of Muay Thai refining
the skills, tactics, and techniques with the wars against the invaders.
Fact III
Being partially a product of constant battles, Muay Thai uses the body to mimic the weapons
of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the
shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, the legs and
knees became the axe and staff, and the elbows to bring down opponents as with a heavy mace
or hammer. The desired end result was having the body
operating as one unit. Fact IV
Muay Thai, with it’s rich history and culture is full of honor, respect and dignity. Sometimes it is called "The Sport of Kings"
as the Thai monarchy has always played a prominent role in the development of the art and sport. Here the same values applied. One of the kings, wanting a fair fight, was
known as "The Tiger King," who was infamous for disguising himself in a tiger mask while
competing in tournaments to hide his royal heritage since if the other Thai fighters
would have known it was their King, they would have bowed before him and pleaded not to fight
out of deep love and respect.
But the King hid his identity to have fair
and hard fought match with each of his opponents, as a result being a great example of the values
of this martial art. Fact V
While in many Dojos and martial arts these days, a new practitioner can feel that he
deserves respect and full attention just because they paid the monthly fee, when young men
want to enter into a traditional Muay Thai gym in Thailand to become a fighters, they
must first pay respect to their teacher and give respect and honor to the gym where they
will train. There may also be a significant initiation
where the prospective student must spend time in meditation at a temple, or perform some
ritualistic tasks. Students are also usually expected to give
some form of gift or offering, such as white linen cloth, flowers or incense along side
a some small monetary offering.
Fact VI
One of the oldest traditions of Muay Thai is a dance called “RAM MUAY”, which every
fighter performs before a fight. Before every fight the boxer “seals the
ring” by circling it three times, after which they perform the ritualistic dance,
showing respect to their opponents and opposing camps, as well as parents, teachers and whatever
religions they may believe in. Many boxers will also display their techniques
in this warm up giving the perfect opportunity for their opponents to study them. For some boxers the Ram Muay represents deep
spiritual beliefs while for others it’s the perfect warm up before a fight to get
the mind and body ready for competition. Fact VII
The Thai people are known for being superstitious and their belief of evil spirits and ghosts. Muay Thai is also influenced by this culture. Fighters have for centuries used special tattoos,
wards, amulets, and ceremonies to increase their good fortune and ward off bad luck and
evil spirits that might follow them into the ring.
Some fighters will often go the temple, a
witchdoctor, or a high-ranking priest to have tattoo inscriptions in Thai language etched
into their skin. The powerful inscriptions are supposed to
provide special protection, grant strength, courage, long-life, or even sexual prowess. Fact IIX
Muay Thai fighters often begin training when they are 6 to 8 years-old. They will begin fighting between 8 to 10 years
of age and may have as many as 120-150 fights, which is 3 times as many as a very active
boxer, before they are 24 years old. The typical Muay Thai fighter in Thailand
trains many hours every day, yet most of them do it not because of a good life. Many fighters will fight every 3-4 weeks just
to be able to support their family.
Unlike boxing in the West, regular Muay Thai
fighters in Thailand make very little money from each fight bringing home about $100 – $150
dollars every month which is barely enough.
