Muay Thai

Muay Thai: An International Passion 
 

What is Muay Thai

Muay Thai, or Thai kickboxing as it is more commonly known worldwide, has been a popular spectator sport in Thailand for several centuries.  Muay Thai can be practiced by men and women, young and old, and involves fighting at close quarters, using elbows, knees, fists, and feet more effectively than in any other sport.  The fight is full of powerful grappling, furious punches, lethal kicks, crushing elbow strikes, and artful feints.  The history of Muay Thai is as old as Thailand itself.  The gentle, peace loving Thais have had to defend themselves over centuries from aggressive encroachments by neighboring countries and colonial powers.  This led to the development of close, hand-to-hand fighting that was suited to the terrain of the country - Muay Thai.

Muay Thai: A Spectacular Experience

A Muay Thai bout starts with the Wai Kru or Ram Muay ceremony to pay respects to the teachers who are revered figures in Thailand.  These eloquent performances, before every Muay Thai bout, are an integral part of the fight. Muay Thai is followed with passionate devotion in Thailand with television networks and newspapers covering the events.  But watching it on television does not compare to seeing it live.  Tickets cost between 200 Baht to 2000 depending on the size of the event, although many matches sell out early.  So it is advisable to procure tickets in advance through hotels or travel agents.  Muay Thai is fought in five rounds of three minutes each with two minute breaks in between.  The fight is accompanied by live music from wind and percussion instruments and the tempo of the music goes up with each successive round.  The musicians are usually old timers, who have fought their share of bouts, and now egg on the junior lot with the vibrant tempo of their music.  The referee plays an important role in a Muay Thai bout, as the safety of the boxers as well as the outcome of the match is dependant on him.  With the increased interest in Muay Thai, a number of institutes have started offering a variety of courses in Thai kickboxing to foreign visitors.