Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a combat sport originating from Thailand that involves using the entire body as a weapon. This martial art, also known as 'The Art of Eight Limbs', integrates the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins, making it a highly physical and challenging sport. The two main disciplines in Muay Thai are the traditional and modern styles, differentiated by the techniques and rules applied during the fight.

Muay Thai demands physical and mental strength, agility, and technical skills, making it a competitive sport and a rigorous body conditioning activity.

Traditional Muay Thai

• Pure Form: This style adheres to the traditional Thai techniques and customs. It includes the 'Wai Khru Ram Muay', a pre-fight dance ritual to honor the teacher. Fights are five rounds of three minutes each, with two-minute rest periods in between.

Modern Muay Thai

• Sport Form: Also known as 'Muay Thai Kard Chuek', this style is more sports-oriented and popular in international competitions. Fighters use boxing gloves, and matches are often shorter.

Amateur Muay Thai

• Learning Stage: This is for beginners and those learning the art. Protective gear is mandatory, and the rules are modified to emphasize safety.

Professional Muay Thai

• Elite Level: This is the highest level of competition, featuring the most experienced and skilled fighters. Matches are longer, and the rules are stringent to ensure fair combat.

Muay Boran

• Ancient Style: This is the ancient form of Muay Thai, used for self-defense and in wars. It involves more lethal techniques, most of which are not allowed in the sport form.

• Muay Thai is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Although not yet an Olympic sport, it is included in the World Games.
• The World Muaythai Federation (WMF) and the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) organize world championships for both amateurs and professionals.
• In Thailand, the two major stadiums for Muay Thai are the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, where national and international fights are conducted regularly.

Muay Thai: A Fighting Chance: A documentary by National Geographic exploring the origin and practices of Muay Thai https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Muay Thai History and Rules: An article by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) detailing the history and rules of Muay Thai https://www.ifma.org/