When professional fighters around the world armed with their respective fighting style pummel on the ring, Muay Thai destroys all challengers
Once upon a time a Thai prisoner of the Burmese army was bidden to win his way out of captivity in a bout. Early chronicles mentions his name as Nai Khanomtom, who single-handedly knocked to the ground about a dozen of Burmese fighters using bare hands, feet and elbows. That is where we start to trace on record about Thailand's national sport the Muay Thai.
Although our estimates of the time of its origin go back about 2,000 years ago (apparently from China and India), the sport has been mostly popularized when King Naresuan institutionalized the art for Thai warriors as a form of defense in unarmed combat. In fact, it was the favourite sport of kings.
So far those are well-rounded epic traces of this world-renowned and most ferocious and deadly martial art widely known as "Thai Boxing" or "Muay Thai" in Thai dialect. It is the fastest growing martial art in the world and it has the reputation of having the most murderous kicking techniques where hardly a year passes that no one is get killed. When professional fighters around the world armed with their respective fighting style pummel on the ring, Muay Thai destroys all challengers. So this probably has inspired Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and the rest.
Each fight starts with both corners performing a ritual, limbering up routine as a way of honouring and paying homage to their trainers. The ritual dance is Rum Muay Thai. It's a sacred talisman earned after years of dedication to the art. The dance starts with "wai kru", you will see them kneeling and bowing on canvass three times, which represents an act of respect to the "boxing spirits" or their teacher. This may round up the ritual after which the headbands are removed and the fight begins. Many observed that you might know beforehand who is going to win by viewing the way they perform the rituals.
And the powerful kick starts. Any part of the body except the head is used. The knockout blows can come everywhere. But movements are with graceful swiftness and artful pummeling. The blows are defined but always come in surprises. Elbows and knees are more decisive and are considered the best tools in inflicting pain and defeat to an opponent. Although punching is taken as the least effective form of attack, it is indeed the best-coordinated blow to conceal a quick, powerful and fatal kick. A winner is awarded for a knock-out or a points decision given bay panel of judges.
Each fight consists of five rounds of three minutes with a two-minute break between rounds. Accompanying the fight is music stimulated by action in the ring, rising and falling as the boxers battle it out. Throughout the fight is a never-ending surprise.
Today, Muay Thai can be seen all over Thailand, at venues ranging from hastily thrown together rings at village fairs to modern air-conditioned stadiums of international standard. It is a must-see in any tourist agenda.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Gawila Boxing Stadium, Charoenmuang Road: European Boxer and Thai Boxer. Most exciting & interesting flight in town. The standard stadium only one in Chiangmai. Ticket Bt400 will also be sold at stadium every Friday. Start at 7.30 p.m. Timetable can be change without prier notice, please contact Mr.Dang at 09-852-6947.Where to learn Thai Boxing
Lanna Muay Thai, 64/1 Huay Kaew Road. Tel / Fax. 053-892102: Muay Thai is Thailand home grown martial arts. As a sport, it is more exciting that ordinary boxing and more effective as a form of self-defense. It has English - speaking instructors and the fee is just Bt250 a day. Open daily 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Soonkeelavetket Gym (Chay-Yai-Gym)
Chiangmai-Lumphun Road, 800 m. from Maeping Police Station. Tel 053-282371, 01-950-6703, 09-434-5553, 06-524-8523, 06-093-5819: Muay Thai courses. Coached by Chay-Yai Sitheppitak and 10 trainers former superstar Muay Thai 7-10 years experience. Open daily 7 .m.- 6 p.m.
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