Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and
is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese army. It is considered as Siamese fighting arts. Muay Thai is known as "King of the Ring" in kickboxing
circles. These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees, standing grappling and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent. It is therefore known as the fighting art of eight
weapons. Thai boxing focuses on the kicking, boxing, and trapping ranges of combat. Thai boxing utilizes eight of our natural weapons; hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
During the latter half of the 20th century Muay Thai was exported to many countries and is now practiced by hundreds
of thousands of people all over the world.
Thai boxing and the local religion of Buddhism are brought into the ring and training camps with traditional Muay Thai fighters. Muay Thai has a long tradition by practicing and memorising through the ancient inscription of Muay Thai by different generations. Teachers of Thai boxing each school have applied their techniques and skills of Muay Thai as the original principles to train their students to learn and practice their widely different techniques. The original concepts of Thai boxing has come from the Buddhist principles : emphasizing on protecting one’s own bodies rather than using brute force to others. This can be seen when a individual wants to join a Thai boxing camp or before the fight occurs in the ring. Thai fighter should “Wai-Kru” (to pay respect to teacher). The Wai-Kru is done to rid evil spirits, and pledge loyalty to his teacher. This can be seen as the fighter bows low and simultaneously touching the gloves to the canvas. The performance will continue into what is known as the Ram-Muay. This act as a pre warm up exercise that simulates movements of Thaiboxing. This dance also serves as a meditation ritual to dissolve fear and allows prayer for ones protection while fighting in the ring.
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