What is Muay Thai? Muay Thai is Thai boxing and also the national sport of Thailand. Muay is pronounced “moy” like “boy” but with an “m” and Thai is pronounced like the word, “tie.”  The word “Muay” literally means “combat,” though it is also often translated as “boxing.”  Muay Thai is known as, “the art of eight limbs.” This refers to the eight points of contact used including the fists, elbows, knees, and shins. 

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            While the early history and origins of this fighting style are not clear, it is known that Muay Thai began as a close combat fighting skill for use on the battlefield. Eventually, Muay Thai was also practiced as a sport.

People from all walks of life, from commoners to the king himself, enjoy training and competing in Muay Thai. Legend has it that in the early 1700s, King Prachao Sua, known as “The Tiger King,” enjoyed Muay Thai so much that he often disguised himself as a commoner so he could fight local champions in small cities and villages.

             

            It wasn’t until the 1930s that Muay Thai underwent major changes and began to resemble the sport as it is practiced today. Fights previously took place in courtyards or open spaces but were now held in boxing rings. Rules and regulations were codified. Timed rounds were introduced. Traditional rope bindings that protected arms and hands were replaced by boxing gloves. Where traditionally fighters would fight anyone of any size, weight classes were introduced resulting in more evenly matched fights. 

      

          Muay Thai has always been a major part of Thai culture. It is even said that hundreds of years ago, national issues were decided by Muay Thai contests. Today, it is a wildly popular sport with top professional fighters competing in glitzy, live-streamed global events.

However, life for most Muay Thai fighters is tough. Often training begins at the age of seven or even younger, as fighting is often the only hope a child has for making any money or even eating regularly. Many families in poor, rural areas encourage their children to fight to eke out a living for themselves and for the family. 

 

          Young fighters don’t make much money when they win and they often have to fight multiple times during a week or even during a single day. Iin Thai culture, Muay Thai is much more than a fighting style. It is a spiritual practice and a way of life. Muay Thai is closely linked with Buddhism, and the martial art itself emphasizes values such as respect, humility, self-control, and compassion. 

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At TITANS MUAY THAI GYM the traditional techniques as well as culture and mindset of Muay Thai will be taught in a relaxed and friendly group/class environment.

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