In 1913, British boxing was introduced into the curriculum of Suan Kulap College and this is where the first time the term “Muay Thai” was actually used. The three regional styles combined were believed to be Lopburi, Korat and Chaiya. Also, in ancient Thailand (also known today as Siam) there are many more regional styles that included Lopburi, Korat and Krabi Krabong (which uses weapons like a staff, sword and shield).ģ) Modern Thai Boxing Incorporated Western Boxing From the BritishĪround 1909, the King Chulalongkorn formalized Muay Boran by combining three styles from the top three regional victors at his son’s funeral. He taught the local townspeople and many of his students became successful fighters which lead to its popularity. For example, Muay Chaiya is a style from the Chaiya region roughly two hundred years ago whose founder was an army leader of the Rattanakosin Kingdom .
In the past many fighters who have made a name for themselves passed on their particular brand of Muay Boran which spread in their region. In Thailand, the terms Muay Boran is often used to describe the ancient martial arts of Thailand that served as the precursor to modern Muay Thai and included far more self-defense applications including joint breaks in addition to the repertoire that we have today. Thai boxing is recognized for having a long history with the Thai people extending thousands of years and derives from warfare. It is generally frowned upon by Westerners to adopt the titles ‘Kru’ and ‘Ajarn’ as it is a sign of their lack of understanding of Thai culture (even John Wayne Parr refrains from using any titles despite his achievements and recognition).Ģ) Muay Thai Boxing is Relatively Modern And Comes From Ancient Styles
Unlike other martial arts, however, the titles in Muay Thai are far less formalized and only apply to the Thai people. In Thai boxing the teacher is often addressed as ‘ kru’ as a sign of respect towards the instructor and ‘ajarn’ for the more experienced and life-long practitioners of the art. In Okinawan Karate and other Japanese arts like Judo and Jiujitsu the title for the teacher is Sensei (先生) and in Chinese Martial Arts the teacher is called Sifu (師父) or “Teacher-Father”. In many arts a title of respect and authority is bestowed upon the teachers of a given discipline as recognition for their years of dedication to training as well as the knowledge they have cultivated in their discipline. Here are 5 facts about Muay Thai you may or may not have known – Let’s get started:ġ) Muay Thai has Traditional Titles Like in Other Traditional Martial Arts However, despite the popularity of Muay Thai internationally there are many misconceptions surrounding the fighting art.
Thai boxing is deemed one of the most effective fighting styles by the UFC and is generally expected for a fighter to have some background in Muay Thai either as a specialist or to have enough knowledge to defend against the devastating leg kicks, knees and elbows. Fast-forward to the 21st Century and Muay Thai is now a household word for many who have an interest in fitness and MMA. Muay Thai became widespread during the 20th Century when many Thai boxers have gained a reputation for beating many respected styles of martial arts in both the Western and Asian world leading to the interest and expansion of Thailand’s National fighting art. It is practiced by millions of people worldwide and is characterized by the use of deadly kicks, elbows, fists, knees and grappling which includes clinching and executing takedowns. Muay Thai is known as the “Science of Eight Limbs” and is the official combat sport of Thailand.
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