About Muay Thai
Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with
origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. It evolved from Krabi-Krabong, literally
sword and baton, the hand-to-hand tactics of the Thai army. The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies
within the Siamese army against each other with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite
popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing
gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. 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.
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. Thai training methods develop
devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Muay Thai training as
also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights. Muay Thai
has also proven very effective outside the ring and has been embraced enthusiastically by practitioners of a variety
of self-defense, sporting, military and law enforcement activities.
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