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History of Muay Thai
The History of Muay Thai
Muay Thai is one of the oldest and most widely respected martial arts in the world. Unlike many other martial arts that have lost their roots, Muay Thai remains true to the traditions and culture that developed as the sport developed. One of the most mentally and physically taxing fighting styles, those that train in this sport learn about the history of this boxing style and how history has affected the sport as a whole. Originally developed as the standard hand to hand combat style of the first Thai army, based in Siam, this fighting style is unique and beautiful.…
Mongkon
Muay Thai Mongkon
If you have ever seen a Muay Thai bout, you have probably seen at one of the fighters wearing a headband. This is called the Mongkon, and is a traditional part of any fighter’s in-ring clothing. It is representative of the fighter’s training, gym, and teacher and is believed to repel danger and injury during a fight. Those who wear them are promised prosperity and good fortune. Most fighters only wear the Mongkon during the Wai Kru Ram Muay (the traditional dance use to demonstrate respect for teachers, family, and the sport itself), and is then removed for the actual…
Sarama
Sarama Muay Thai Music
The music that accompanies both the Ram Muay and the Muay Thai match itself is called sarama. This kind of music is generally played by four musicians, often live, as the music should follow the excitement of the fight. It can also become more intense to encourage the fighters to attack one another. This music is part of the Muay Thai tradition and is played before, during, and after every fight.
Wai Khru Ram Muay
Ram Muay
Wai Khru Ram Muay sometimes called just Wai Khru or Ram Muay, is an essential and very important part of every Muay Thai boxer’s training and competition ritual. Designed to show respect to the trainers and teachers who have given their knowledge to their students but also used as a way to show remorse for the violence involved in boxing when it was performed in front of a king or other ruler, it continues today as a show of respect and as a demonstration of a fighter’s style and skills before the match even begins.
Prajied
Muay Thai Prajied
The Prajied is an armband worn by a Muay Thai fighter, throughout the whole of their fight. The characteristics of this armband vary from fighter to fighter, but in general, it is red and white and worn around the bicep. It is cloth and is meant to protect the fighter from danger and injury throughout the whole of the fight. It carries many of the same characteristics of the Mongkon, except that the Mongkon has to be removed before the fight and the Prajied is worn the entire time.
Rules of Muay Thai
World Muay Thai Council Rules and Regulations for Competitions in Thailand
Rule 1. The Ring In general competitions, the ring will be as follows: 1.1. The ring is a place constructed for competitions. The ring will be 6.10 x 6.10 meters for small size and 7.30 x 7.30 meters for a larger size. Measurements shall be taken from the inner edge of the ring rope. It must be constructed sturdily and safely at a level without any obstructions. The ring floor must stretch out beyond the ring ropes at least 50 centimeters, but not more than 90 centimeters.
Muay Thai Equipment Manufacturers in Thailand
The best manufacturers from Thailand
You cannot go wrong by purchasing Muay Thai gear from the company that has named itself Muay Thai. Few westerners have heard of this brand, unless they are heavily involved in the Thailand Muay Thai circuit, as the products are not marketed abroad, despite their extremely high-quality design and production. Many fighters compare the quality of Muay Thai to the quality of brands like Twins and Top King.
Heavy Bag Work
The Heavy Bag
To get the most benefit from the heavy bag you must be alive yourself, use your imagination, circle it, move in, move out, move from side to side (moving should not be a pre-conceived plan), practice bobbing, weaving, feinting, slip punches. You have to spar with the bag as if you are fighting an imaginary opponent. Always remember to keep your guard up and do not forget about footwork.
Muay Thai Ankle Supports
Ankle Supports
If you’ve ever seen a Muay Thai fight, you’ve probably seen most of the fighters wearing ankle supports. As with any combat sport, both competition and training can result in serious injury, if you do not have the right supports and protection. Ankle supports can protect the ankles, which can be rolled, broken, or sprained easily during a fight. There are several different options that fighters can choose from.
Lumpini Muay Thai Stadium
Lumpini Stadium
If you know anything about Muay Thai, you have probably heard about Lumpini Stadium. It was opened in 1956 as a promotional stadium to improve the profile of Thai boxing not just in Thailand, but around the entire world. It has definitely achieved that goal. Built-in Bangkok, it is the aspiration of every Muay Thai fighter to win a title at this prestigious boxing arena. Only the Rajadamnern can equal Lumpini in popularity and importance.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Rajadamnern Stadium
Since its inception, Muay Thai has sought a central home, a place where fighters and promoters can gather, a place to help spread the sport abroad. While those involved in the sport have always found somewhere to box, they did not have a real home in Bangkok until 1941. This was when Rajadamnern Stadium began construction. Since that time, it has been the home of Muay Thai, not just in Bangkok, but for the entire world.
Traveling To Thailand
A Guide to Visiting Thailand for the First Time
The famous “Land of Smile” is located just a few degrees above the equator and shares borders with Burma to the west and northwest, Laos to the east and northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia to the south. The climate is tropical all year round, yet may vary slightly between the north and south. Most nationalities are granted a stay for up to 30 days without the need of obtaining any visa prior. Make sure to check the website of the nearest Thai Embassy.