About Muay Thai
The History of Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. Its definite origin is debated but it is known to have been developed several hundred years ago as a form of close-combat. It originated with the first Thai army who were taught hand-to-hand combat, the use of weapons and how to use the whole body as a weapon. This training eventually developed into Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong (staff and stick).
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The use of the whole body has led to Muay Thai being known as the 'Art of the Eight Limbs', Feet and hands, knees and elbows are used together, both in attack and defense. Using eight points of contact mimics weapons of war; the hands become like the sword or dagger, the shins and forearms are conditioned to act like armor, the elbows are used like a heavy mace or hammer, the legs and knees are the axe and staff.
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During the era of King Narai, Muay Thai became a national sport, and the fundamental traditions were developed. The Mongkong (headband) and pa-pra-jiat (armband) were both introduced as well as the first fighting ring which was made by laying a rope on the ground in a square or circle. The fighters used hand wraps made of hemp ropes and thread to protect their hands and forearms, sometimes using a starchy liquid to bind the threads and make the surface harder.
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By the time Rama I was king, Muay Thai had become a national art, and was now an important part of the culture being used at celebrations and festivities. Rules were also beginning to be introduced; the length of each round was measured by the time it took a coconut with a small hole to fill with water and sink to the bottom of a barrel.
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Muay Thai was introduced to the rest of the world during WWI when Thai soldiers were stationed in France. Their commander would organize Muay Thai fights to boost morale. After the war the first permanent stadium was built at the Suan Khoolab school.
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Over the last 100 years Muay Thai has progressed greatly due to the growing international recognition and exposure it has received since WWI. As it became more popular the rules began to develop to provide beter organization and government, like more established sports. Large stadiums were erected in Thailand’s major cities including Bangkok and Sukothai. The Lumpini stadium in Bangkok is now the most renowned of all and it is considered an honour to fight there for fighters all over the world.
The Benefits of Muay Thai
Due to its history as a form of military combat, Muay Thai is a sport based on discipline and respect. Students are expected to bow to their instructor at the beginning of every class, similar to how fighters perform a Wai Kru before each fight. The Wai is a traditional greeting and Kru means teacher. As such the Wai Kru is a means for the fighter to show respect and honor to his/her teacher and gym.
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Muay Thai is a strict discipline and teaches respect for ones self as well as the opponent. Students are taught to listen to each other as well as their instructor, and to work together to achieve their goals. Students are encouraged to have fun and build positive relationships with their peers.
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Some people may see Muay Thai and martial arts in general, as an aggressive combat sport that is all about fighting and causing harm. This is not the case, the discipline and focus it takes to learn and perfect the art, means that those who learn it have a greater understanding of their body, their mind and soul. They are able to analyze situations and act accordingly. As a result the majority of those who have studied a martial art are less likely to be aggressive or cause harm to others.
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A study published in the January 2019 issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, explored how a martial arts program was able to help children who were subject to bullying.
The study found that studying a martial art had a significant effect on the individuals overall resilience and also on their academic, social and emotional self-efficacy. Although general use of the skills outside of class is discouraged, it also ensures that individuals would be able to keep themselves, and others safe using the minimum, appropriate and proportionate self-defense skills when necessary.
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Several studies have shown that practicing any form of martial arts has a positive effect for individuals with a disability including learning disabilities, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. These individuals have seen positive changes in relation to social interaction and communication skills, self-regulation, memory, cognitive function and postural control. Furthermore, it provides a safe outlet for energy, aggression and/or negative emotions, turning them into something positive.
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On top of all this practicing martial arts is a great way to encourage fitness and a healthy balanced lifestyle.
