What is Muay Thai?

Sometimes called Muay Thai, Thai Boxing, or Thai Kickboxing, the art is best known for its strong round kick which is delivered with the shin or instep. Muay Thai actually involves all parts of the body, but because a Muay Thai fighter uses hands, elbows, feet, and knees, it is called "the science of the eight limbs". Muay Thai's effectiveness is well-known throughout the world both in the ring and out. 

Dobler's Muay Thai
Practicing Muay Thai involves a vigorous workout and produces tremendous cardiovascular endurance. Practitioners can learn hundreds of different techniques, mostly practiced with sophisticated pad drills. A trainer wears the pads, and may hold them to receive kicks, punches, knee and elbow strikes, and may also use them to punch at the Muay Thai trainee. However, full-contact kicks, knees, and elbows are typically not used in training. Similar to Western boxers, training also includes running, shadow-boxing, and heavy bag work. 

Different from other martial arts, there are no forms in Muay Thai. It also differs in its use of standup grappling, a boxing ring, and timed rounds. In formal competitions, groin protectors and gloves are mandatory. Two other articles of clothing are unique to Muay Thai, both acting as good luck charms: first is a band worn around the bicep throughout the match (prajied), and the other is a cord worn about the head (mongkon). 

Dobler's Muay ThaiAlthough Muay Thai is generally regarded as a very hard, external style, some consider it to have a spiritual aspect as well. While wearing the mongkon about the head, Thai boxers typically perform the "wai kru," or homage to his teacher in the ring before each match. This is followed by the graceful "ram muay" which is considered a warm-up exercise that enables the fighter to relax and focus. Once completed, the mongkon is removed and the bout begins.

The Origins of Muay Thai                      

Much of the early history of Muay Thai was lost when the Burmese army destroyed Ayuddhaya, as the archives of Thai history were lost. Most of what is known about the origins of Thai boxers comes from Burmese accounts of warfare between Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and Thailand during the 15th and 16th centuries. All sources agree that Muay Thai began as a close combat battlefield fighting skill … more deadly than the weapons it replaced.

There are two main theories as to where Muay Thai came from. One theory is that the art developed as the Thai people moved down from China and struggled for land. The second theory, while controversial, has archaeological evidence and considerable academic backing and says that the Thai people were already in Thailand and that Muay Thai developed to defend the land and its people from constant threats of invasion. What is not disputed is that Muay Thai was an essential part of Thai culture right from its dawn and in Thailand it is the sport of kings.

Muay Thai
Interest in Muay Thai as a sport, as well as a battlefield skill, began to grow in the late 1500's under King Naresuan. During this period, every soldier trained in Muay Thai and could use it, as the King himself did. Slowly new fighting techniques began to evolve with the change in the art continuing under another fighting king - Prachao Sua. Known as the Tiger King, he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions. During contests, the hands and forearms were bound with strips of horse's hair. This was done to protect the fighter as well as inflict more damage on the opponent. Later, hemp ropes or starched strips of cotton replaced the horse's hair. The Tiger King was one of the prime movers in transforming the sport, not only influencing fighting styles but also the equipment.

The nation was at peace during Prachao Sua's reign, so to keep the army busy, he ordered them to train in Muay Thai. Muay Thai then became the favorite sport and pastime with people from every walk of life. Each village staged its own prize fights and had its champions. In addition to a contest of local pride, every Muay Thai bout was bet upon. The betting tradition has continued and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights.

Muay Thai It wasn't until the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925) that a standard ring surrounded by ropes came into use, as did time keeping by the clock. Before this period, any available space of the right size was used for the bouts. Time was kept by floating a pierced coconut shell on water. When the coconut piece sank, a drum signaled the end of the round.

Muay Thai was a part of school curriculum until the 1920's. The 1930's saw the most radical change in Muay Thai. It was codified and today's rules and regulations were introduced. Rope bindings of the arms and hands were replaced with gloves. Thai fighters have always worn groin guards, originally made from coconut or sea shells or tree bark. They were replaced by a triangular shaped pillow and later a groin box.


Weight classes based on the international boxing divisions were introduced, altering the fighting techniques that the Muay Thai boxers used. Before the introduction of weight classes, a fighter could and did fight anyone regardless of their size and weight differences. The introduction of the weight classes meant that the fighters were more evenly matched and instead of there being one overall champion, there became one for each weight class. The introduction of five 3 minute rounds was another recent innovation. Winners are determined by knockout, technical knockout, or judgment by officials.

Stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee were established during the reign of Rama VII before World War II. They gradually disappeared during the war but reappeared soon afterwards. Fights were then broadcast in full color on Thailand television. Today fights dominate televised sports and are broadcast free to millions of Muay Thai fans throughout Thailand on all stations - four nights a week. Thai Boxing has also become popular outside of Thailand with enthusiasts and practitioners around the world.