While we often think of martial arts as a spectator sport or even a way to keep in peak physical condition, many of these ancient arts truly began as types of combat. Muay Thai, so prevalent in today's MMA fights, is one such ancient form of fighting.
Because of its versatility, fighters train in the art of Muay Thai when preparing for an MMA battle. Combining clinching, striking and punching, Muay Thai uses eight different points of contact. In addition, it is relatively easy to learn, which makes it a great tool for MMA and during war.
Muay Thai is a modern form of an ancient fighting skill known as muay boran. Siamese soldiers would turn to this martial art if they lost their weapons in battle. In many cases, muay boran was a more effective weapon than swords or other weaponry.
As the years past, you see the art of muay boran transitioning into the more modern art of Muay Thai. In the 16th century, for instance, Muay Thai was part of the training regime for all Siamese armed forces. Muay Thai battles also were used as a way of settling national disputes and political issues of the day.
Perhaps one of Thailand's greatest bits of martial arts folklore occurred in the mid-1700s when the Burmese attacked and took over the Thai capital. They imprisoned many Siamese soldiers in Burma, among them a well-trained soldier known as Nai Khanomtom. During a weeklong festival, the Burmese king wanted to have a Thai fighter pair up with a skilled Burmese fighter to see how the two arts compared. Khanomtom entered the arena and demonstrated a complex dance to honor his teachers and ancestors. Then he proceeded to handily defeat the Burmese fighter. The king believed that the dance was a form of magic and therefore the fight was invalid. He then paired Khanomtom up with nine more of his fighters. Each Burmese fighter was easily defeated by Khanomtom.
Many of Thailand's kings were huge supporters of Muay Thai. King Pra Chao Sua who ruled during the relatively peaceful years of 1703 to 1709 not only required his soldiers to become skilled in Muay Thai, he, himself, would fight in local bouts incognito. During these years, it became a huge national pastime and even was included as training in local schools. King Rama V was yet another huge proponent of Muay Thai and honored the winners of Royal Command fights with military titles. King Rama VI was the first king to encourage that rules be put into place. During his reign from 1925 to 1935, referees were added, and matches were timed. In addition, gloves and coverlets for the ankles and feet were added to increase safety.
As the years passed, Muay Thai became popular throughout Asia and then in the United States, where it was incorporated into Mixed Martial Arts. Many MMA fighters are well trained in the art of Muay Thai, including champions such as Anderson da Silva, Muaricio Rua, Cristiane Santos and many more.
Because of its versatility, fighters train in the art of Muay Thai when preparing for an MMA battle. Combining clinching, striking and punching, Muay Thai uses eight different points of contact. In addition, it is relatively easy to learn, which makes it a great tool for MMA and during war.
Muay Thai is a modern form of an ancient fighting skill known as muay boran. Siamese soldiers would turn to this martial art if they lost their weapons in battle. In many cases, muay boran was a more effective weapon than swords or other weaponry.
As the years past, you see the art of muay boran transitioning into the more modern art of Muay Thai. In the 16th century, for instance, Muay Thai was part of the training regime for all Siamese armed forces. Muay Thai battles also were used as a way of settling national disputes and political issues of the day.
Perhaps one of Thailand's greatest bits of martial arts folklore occurred in the mid-1700s when the Burmese attacked and took over the Thai capital. They imprisoned many Siamese soldiers in Burma, among them a well-trained soldier known as Nai Khanomtom. During a weeklong festival, the Burmese king wanted to have a Thai fighter pair up with a skilled Burmese fighter to see how the two arts compared. Khanomtom entered the arena and demonstrated a complex dance to honor his teachers and ancestors. Then he proceeded to handily defeat the Burmese fighter. The king believed that the dance was a form of magic and therefore the fight was invalid. He then paired Khanomtom up with nine more of his fighters. Each Burmese fighter was easily defeated by Khanomtom.
Many of Thailand's kings were huge supporters of Muay Thai. King Pra Chao Sua who ruled during the relatively peaceful years of 1703 to 1709 not only required his soldiers to become skilled in Muay Thai, he, himself, would fight in local bouts incognito. During these years, it became a huge national pastime and even was included as training in local schools. King Rama V was yet another huge proponent of Muay Thai and honored the winners of Royal Command fights with military titles. King Rama VI was the first king to encourage that rules be put into place. During his reign from 1925 to 1935, referees were added, and matches were timed. In addition, gloves and coverlets for the ankles and feet were added to increase safety.
As the years passed, Muay Thai became popular throughout Asia and then in the United States, where it was incorporated into Mixed Martial Arts. Many MMA fighters are well trained in the art of Muay Thai, including champions such as Anderson da Silva, Muaricio Rua, Cristiane Santos and many more.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves blogging about mma advantages. For more information about mixed martial arts gyms in San Diego or to find San Diego muay thai classes, please visit The Arena MMA website now.
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