Monday, June 22, 2009

Sityodtong Muay Thai Legacy

By:
Roberto Bell


Kru Yodtong Senanan's place in Muay Thai history is legendary. That's why just two Muay Thai academies in the United States qualify as recognized affiliates of the Thailand camp that bears his name.

The significance of Muay Thai's Kru Yodtong Senanan's recent U.S. visit may have been lost to those unfamiliar with his celebrated contributions to the ancient art. But for students and trainers devoted to the art and sport of Muay Thai, his presence was treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for dignitaries of international distinction.

So important is Kru Yodtong's role in preserving the history culture that the Kingdom of Thailand recognized him as a "Superior Teacher of Muay Thai." With the proclamation issued directly from the Royal Family, Yodtong's place of honor as a master, teacher and conservator of the sport will be forever documented in the annals of Thai history.

On a recent U.S. trip, Kru Yodtong accompanied Yodsanan 3k Battery, a WBA super featherweight world boxing champion and just one of many titleholders from Yodtong's namesake camp - Sityodtong Muay Thai Training Camp.

Along with producing number of skilled Muay Thai champions, the camp also turns out an equally impressive number of Western-style boxing champs, all of whom are students of the master himself, Kru Yodtong Senanan.

Muay Thai Master

Born 68 years ago as Erawan Sriwaralak, Yodtong's study of Muay Thai began at a distance, as the sport was then considered too dangerous for boys under the age of 15. Still, from the time he was four, Erawan observed and studied until he was old enough to begin formal training. That training began in earnest at Detrprasit Muay Thai camp when Yodtong was 14. His natural proclivity for the art became evident early on. Fighting under the moniker "Erawan Detrprasit" to honor his camp, he had his first bout just one year later. At 17, Yodtong moved to the Senanan Muay Thai camp and competed for six years before becoming a trainer to a string of Muay Thai champions. Though there are many camps throughout Thailand that specialize in any number of techniques, the heralded success of the champions hailing from the Sityodtong Payakaroon Camp comes down to teaching refined basics.

"Sityodtong is best known for our comprehensive instruction in all basic Muay Thai techniques," Yodtong said, adding that his camp is especially known for teaching the proper techniques for the use of elbows, kicks and knees. The age restriction placed on young fighters back when Yodtong was a boy have since been removed, allowing training to begin much earlier.

In fact, many of the young fighters at Yodtong's camp are orphans, some even juvenile delinquents. Not only are they trained in the fighting arts, they are also given food and shelter and attend school as well, allowing Yodtong to train the whole person. In addition to his rigorous training regimen, Yodtong offers sage advice to young fighters: "Be a good student, become a good teacher and stay away from a path of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. To be a good person is the most important thing."



Sityodtong Muay Thai Training Camp is located near the resort town of Pattaya Beach, about a 90-minute drive from Bangkok. In operation for over four decades, the camp has turned out a long list of champions that include Daotong Sityodtong, Gongtalanee Payakaroon, Samart Payakaroon, Yoddamrung, Khaosai Galaxy and a host of others.

The Payakaroon brothers are the two most-celebrated champions from Sityodtong. In fact, it was the Payakaroon name and reputation that literally put Sityodtong Muay Thai Training Camp on the map, thus the Camp name, Sityodtong Payakaroon. To be a stadium champion is an incredible feat. When you consider that Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, becoming a stadium champion can be likened to winning the Super Bowl, the World Series, being NBA champs or winning the Boston Marathon. As a result, it's easy to see how an icon like Samart Payakaroon, a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion plus a WBC champion and his older brother Gongtalanee Payakaroon, a five-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, are held in the highest regard.

To appreciate the significance of Muay Thai and Kru Yodtong's place of prominence in bring the fighting skill to its current level of notoriety, you must first appreciate Thai culture and history. Yodtong sums up the unique entwining of Muay Thai and Thai culture this way: "As anyone familiar in Muay Thai will tell you, one can benefit from improved health, develop a sense a personal safety while also enjoying the pleasures of out culture."

Heart of the People, Sport of Kings

There are two schools of thoughts about how Muay Thai became a national sport of Thailand. Some say that during the time of the Burmese invasions of Siam (Thailand), warriors indigenous to the land fought off their would-be invaders using their bodies as weapons, thus the legend of the most-famous and revered Thai boxes, Nai Khanom Tom.

In the 1700s during the fall of the ancient capital, Burmese soldiers captured and imprisoned many Thai citizens. Among the imprisoned populace were Thai boxers. However, the King of Burma granted Nai Khanom Yom his freedom and the freedom of the other Thai boxers after he defeated nine Burmese boxers. Not only did Nai Khanom Tom destroy his capturer's elite warriors in a spectacular fight to the finish, he also defeated a boxing instructor from a neighboring city.

The other school of thought holds that Muay Thai developed as Thai people moved from China. Whether indigenous or introduced by immigrants, all agree that while much of the history of Thailand - and hence the origins of Muay Thai - were destroyed during the Burmese invasions, the emergence of Thailand and the national sport of Muay Thai go hand in hand.

The effectiveness and popularity of Muay Thai as a combat skill was further reinforced during the reign of King Naresuan, who required all Thai soldiers to train in the fighting art. Later, Phra Chao Seua, "The Tiger King," also played a role in the development of Muay Thai as the national sport of Thailand, through his support of prizefights and the creation of early 18th-century training camps. In the 2,000 years that have transpired since the earliest known occurrence of Muay Thai, the popularity of the close-combat art has exploded beyond Thailand's borders, making Muay Thai an internationally recognized sport.

Two Schools, One Name

As the art of Muay Thai is interweaved in the Culture of the Thai people, so too are the champions of the Sityodtong camp steeped in traditions of the camp founder's fighting techniques. As the sport continues to gain in popularity among Westerners, Muay Thai gyms in the United States are increasing in numbers. However, of the many gyms that can be found throughout the country, Yodtong has bestowed only two with the distinct honor of being recognized as affiliates of his legendary camp: Sityodtong USA-Boston and Sityodtong USA-Los Angeles. As Yodtong explains, "The name Sityodtong refers to students of Kru (teacher) Yodtong, my family name. Yod in Thai means above all else and tong means flag (i.e., a flag that flies above all)." Fighters from Sityodtong USA in Boston and Los Angeles represent a long line of champions who collectively are a force with which to be reckoned.

Sityodtong USA-Boston is the East Coast affiliate of Sityodtong Thailand. Owner and operator Mark DellaGrotte lived and trained at Sityodtong Muay Thai Training Camp. A current Muay Thai champion, Yod Mark's fight record includes a second-round KO at the famous Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok. He was also ranked tenth at Rajadamnern. Yod Mark's trainer is Kru Toy, Kru Yodtong's son. Kru Toy is also the manager of Sityodtong Thailand, and has traveled to several countries to promote and preserve his father's teachings in the art and sport of Muay Thai.

DellaGrotte's martial arts training includes Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Kali, Silat and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. "Kru Yod Mark" has been personally appointed by Kru Yodtong to teach and promote Muay Thai around the world. His school, located in the Somerville area of Boston, has been in operation for seven years and has turned out a number of champions.

The other school in the United States that has the honor of being recognized as an affiliate of his Thailand camp is Sityodtong USA-Los Angeles (Sityodtong LA). The school is owned and operated by Walter "Sleeper" Michalowski and his wife, world-renowned martial artist, June Castro-Michalowski. Walter, a former Junior Middleweight Muay Thai champion, also trains and has fought for Kru Gongtalanee Payakaroon representing Sityodtong Thailand.

Michalowski's training began as a young boy in the sport of boxing. He also trained in traditional martial arts and later in the Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Sifu Richard Bustillo. In fact, Michalowski met his first Muay Thai trainer, Nanfa Serchadeco, an Olympic silver medalist in Boxing and Rajadamnern Stadium champion, while training at the well-known IMB Academy (International Martial Arts and Boxing) in Torrance, California.

Michalowski's impressive list of accomplishments includes a kickboxing title and six Muay Thai belts. At his last professional fight he was featured on Thai television as the Main Event at the newly built Pattaya Stadium in Thailand. Michalowski ended the fight with an exciting first-round knockout over a formidable opponent, Phothong Sor Preapan.

Thanks to his mastery of the art and respect for the Thai culture, when he and his wife opened their Pasadena location (Pro Training, Inc.) in September 2003, Michalowski, a certified senior instructor in Muay Thai, was approached by Kru Yodtong and was asked to be the U.S. West Coast affiliate. The facility was officially anointed the West Coast affiliate of the Sityodtong Muay Thai Training Camp.

Not only have DellaGrotte and Michalowski honed their craft at the namesake bearing Kru Yodtong's name, both men understand that the art of Muay Thai is one with the Thai culture. To separate one from the other is to denigrate the art. Both Michalowski and DellaGrotte speak Thai, which comes in handy for the regular trips they make to Thailand with their students. And, by earning the honor of becoming affiliates and conservators of Muay Thai in their own right, both continue a lasting relationship with master trainer, Kru Yodtong. Most important is the humility and respect that every level of student from both camps have for the Muay Thai master whose traditions and techniques are taught under the banner of Sityodtong USA.

How to Dodge a Punch in Kickboxing

By:
John Albers


Kickboxing is a generic term for a style of combat, either used for competition or personal fitness, which incorporates the use of martial art-like kicks and boxing style punches. Here are the steps explaining how to dodge a punch in women's kickboxing.

Step 1

Begin by facing your opponent in a staggered stance. Your left foot should be forward and your right a little more to the rear, but your body is still facing your opponent directly. Keep your fists up in front of your upper chest to protect your throat and chest.

Step 2

Let your opponent throw a punch with her right fist at your face or upper chest. As your opponent rears back to punch, crouch down at the knees and bob your upper body down in a ducking motion off your right foot.

Step 3

Continue the bob as the punch sails over your head by turning and shifting your weight to your left side and then rising back up to your staggered stance. This puts you in a great position to drive a punch into your opponent’s side as she is still probably extended from the punch. This will work for most punches delivered to the upper body. If your opponent punches with her left fist you will need to bob in the opposite direction.

Step 4

Remember to never drop your eyes while bobbing and always watch your opponent. If you do not then you may end up rising right into a follow up punch.



Tips & Warnings

You will find this move effective in self defense and in most forms of unarmed combat as well. There are three principle forms of kickboxing as well as many other versions less well known to the American populace. Japanese Kickboxing allows a fighter to strike with the elbow, knee, foot, and fist, hitting any part of the opponent’s body barring the crotch. American Kickboxing allows a fighter to strike an opponent above the hip only with a fist or foot. European Kickboxing is somewhere between the two, allowing the use of the foot, fist, and knee, but not the elbow, against any part of an opponent’s body barring the crotch.

These instructions are for a right hand dominant combatant; if you are left handed then you should put your right foot forward when in the staggered stance.

Friday, June 19, 2009

An Overview Of Kickboxing Workouts

By: MIKE SELVON

Are you looking for an immensely popular way to get yourself into great shape and have some fun along the way? If so, kickboxing is an activity that is very fun and that is sometimes overlooked.As in boxing, it boasts many health benefits such as greater stamina, improved flexibility and enhancing core strength -- all while working out to your favorite music.

The real roots of kickboxing actually go all the way back about 2,000 years to Asian cultures. But, the modern version of this competitive sport was introduced in the 1970s in the United States when karate authorities made arrangements for exhibition demonstrations that allowed for full-contact punches and kicks which were previously banned from karate competitions.

Due to safety concerns, protective clothing and padding was introduced and strict safety rules were instituted for the new sport and eventually various forms of competitive kickboxing evolved into the forms that are now practiced in the United States.

In the competitive area there are a few different styles of kickboxing that can be observed. The main differences in these styles are simply the variations in some of the techniques and also the amount of body contact that is allowed under different rules.



But, the form of this sport that is bringing fun and excellent results to the fitness world is called cardiovascular (cardio) or aerobic kickboxing.

This form of the sport brings in elements of traditional boxing and aerobics in a major way. This, teamed with martial arts, creates a workout that provides great toning and overall conditioning.

However, unlike the competitive version of this sport, the cardio one does not include physical contact between participants and is not at all competitive. It has simply been designed to be an aerobic activity that is done to gain the many physical benefits of the actions.

A common way to enjoy the cardio one is to participate in a class. Classes usually start out with a warm-up period of 10 to 15 minutes and often includes gentle stretching as well as incorporating some standard exercises, such as push-ups and jumping jacks.

The warm-up is then followed by a 30 to 40 minute workout session that integrates kicks, punches, knee-strikes and other beneficial moves.

Some classes even include the use of traditional boxing equipment such as jump ropes and punching bags. After the workout, the class wraps up with five to ten minutes of cool down activities which is often followed by 10 minutes of stretching and muscle toning.

The stretching is an important component of the overall workout and should not be skipped, even if you are tempted to do so, especially if you are a beginner.

A common problem for beginners is pulling or straining their muscles. However, by doing proper stretching that is slow and gentle, this can help prevent injury and help the muscles to relax. This will assure that beginners don't give up before they start to enjoy the benefits.

Even though kickboxing is a very fun activity, it needs to be recognized that it is also quite a high-impact sport. If you are not used to such high-intensity workouts, then you should begin with a more moderate aerobic activity to prepare.

The Ancient Art of Kickboxing

By:
Jaks Lloyd

Kickboxing, as it was known by the name of "Muaythai"', originated as the national sport of Thai society, with competitions held as early as 1257-1377 AD. You might also say that Muaythai was the sport of kings in its early days. King Pha Chao Sua was so involved in the sport he used to disguise himself as a commoner to participate.

He was further so supportive of the sport he ordered his army to be trained in the art, and interest swelled. In 1774, Nau Khanohm Tom, as a captured prisoner of war, fought his way in contest, defeating 10 of Burma's very best.

The Burmese king, King Mangra, himself so impressed, applauded his achievements, and granted Nau Khanohm Tom his freedom.

Certainly this may have given Mauythai enormous new attention and status to survive in history over the next centuries.

In 1921, although the fighting style had not changed, new transformations were applied with the inclusion and standardization of the 20 Glove 20ft roped ring.

Gloves were introduced as standard in 1923 by order of the police of the interior ministry.

By the 1930s groin protection was introduced. International enthusiasm grew slowly; it was as late as 1995 when the first world Amateur Muay Thai Championships were held.

As a martial art, there is very little equipment required of participants, although it has come a long way since the early days.

Kick boxers will use hand wraps, i.e. pieces of cloth to wrap around their hand beneath gloves.

Today the gloves are much thicker for the protection of an opponent, but light gloves are also available for training against bags.

Shin guards, and groin protectors are also worn. Female boxers may choose to wear a chest or torso protector, although some discussion about these claim they often do more hurt than give protection.

Certainly uniforms should be worn with pride.

Kickboxing is phenomenally popular today. It is possible to find an active kickboxing school near you.



Classes may be offered at your local gymnasium, or police and citizens youth club, alongside all respected martial arts classes.

Certainly a grading system exists today as with other martial arts. Grading and competitions are held regularly.

The grades, called belts, are from white-red-yellow, and then continue to orange-green-purple and blue-brown-back.

You continue to further levels beyond black as a master of the art. Kickboxing as all martial arts, is suitable for everyone from children, to women and men.

Full contact is strictly and safely controlled, and participants do not fight outside of their ability.

Certainly kickboxing training is an ideal exercise that can be performed at your own individual pace and ability. Many classes are offered as either contact or non contact training.

The choice to train casually or to enter world class competitive events is yours alone to make.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

8 Muay Thai Routines for Advanced Workout Trainees

Author: Jesse Miller

Although neophytes can engage into Muay Thai, this fitness training is mostly aimed upon advancers in training at the gym. For one, it is a very intense way of burning calories and developing muscles. Another one is that it entails a lot of alertness, endurance, strength and ability to punch and kick for this training to be carried on effectively.

Not to discount the capacity of beginners, these 8 Muay Thai routines for advanced workout trainees can take those men who’ve been working out for years to another level of intense workout:

1.Warm-Up. To do this, you can run, bounce or skip for 15 to 20 minutes to sweat out and awaken your body to be ready for an intensive training. Warm-up involves stretching to improve your flexibility level.

2.Running. This is to be executed so that you are able to increase stamina apart from strengthening your upper and lower legs. You can do this early in the morning for at least 20 to 30 minutes before training.

3.Shadow Boxing. To obtain the appropriate strategies in Muay Thai, you need to do shadow boxing. This means you kick and punch in front of a mirror to determine the correctness of your movements. A full range of movement is to be achieved in every angle.



4.Skipping. Just like warming up and running, skipping is to be done to increase your agility and empower your body for a higher level of endurance. Great stamina and good coordination must be achieved to effectively execute the movements involved in Muay Thai. You can skip using a skipping rope or by simply skipping without any paraphernalia. Be alert to shift from one leg to another. No way should you bounce using your two feet.

5.Free Weights. To elevate your capacity to endure the intense punches and kicks, you must do resistance training of your core muscles using free weights like barbell or dumbbells. Go for lighter weights and execute many repetitions. Training with heavy weights is best for bodybuilding stints, not boxing. Train your muscles carefully to remedy from getting yourself injured or strained.

6.Bag and Pad Routine. Practice punching on the boxing bags and pads. This will prepare you for the training proper.

7.Speed Ball. The usage of speed ball will help you improve your movement coordination and strengthen your shoulders.

8.Sparring. This is an important element in Muay Thai training as you will be able to gauge how well you’ve gone through. This drill will also teach you to control your opponent by practicing arm-locking and neck-clinching stints with your sparring partner.

If you carry on these important routines involved in Muay Thai training, you can effectively work your way to endure the different sets of kicks, punches and turns. This entire program allows you to trim down and develop muscles at the same time.

10 Good Tips to Do Muay Thai Training Safely

Author: Jesse Miller

Because Muay Thai is one of the fitness programs deemed to be intense and difficult without proper training, there are several considerations one has to bear in mind to avoid complications, injuries and hang-ups. Before you can be frustrated with how it can consume all your energy, learn from the experts in kickboxing and Muay Thai in particular.

These 10 good tips to do Muay Thai Training Safely will allow you to start the training right and end it with amazing results:

1.This is a trendy and intensive workout program that advanced level of gym fanatics have embraced upon. To do it correctly, you must seek the guidance and supervision of a professional Muay Thai instructor at all times—from warm-up to your training session proper.

2.You have to get attuned to the proper Muay Thai techniques so that you can train intelligently and improve progressively.

3.By practicing at home using kicking bag or pad, you will burn bad calories and develop your endurance level at the same time. You can gauge your effectiveness as a trainee when you hit the training court.

4.Training exclusively is a no-no. You have to get the services of a professional to spot, train and correct you. You can also get your friends to train along so that it becomes a bonding session amongst you.



5.Be patient along the way because it entails about two months to master the Muay Thai techniques and stances. Unlike other cardio fat-burning training programs, It’s a very intensive and hard to grasp without consistent training.

6.You have to possess a great level of discipline so that you can train successively without quitting. This isn’t just for boxers but for those who want quicker results in losing weight. Be disciplined and focused in carrying on the routines so that you hit your targets.

7.To progress accordingly, you must train as regularly as possible. However, you must allow your body to have at least one day of rest every seven days.

8.Learn the basics before grasping on the advanced techniques. You always start with square one before heading right away to the more complicated stints. A great background of the basics will get you to the higher level quicker.

9.On your first few sessions, you have to be rendering the routines slowly but surely. Focus on the movements first before dwelling too much on the intensity and degree of execution.

10.You have to gain utmost balance, muscle harmony, appropriate timing and preciseness of execution in order to train in Muay Thai with best results.

Bearing these tips in mind will you jumpstart in Muay Thai without a doubt. As you step up in your speed and endurance level, you will realize that this kind of training isn’t just exclusive for boxers but also individuals who can handle intense fat-burning workout.

Traveling to Bangkok: the Art of Muay Thai

Author:
Paul Benjinks

Muay Thai, the Sport of Kings


The people of Thailand are as interested in their national sport, the art of Muay Thai, as people from the USA are about Baseball, or people from the UK are about football. Just because it involves fighting, don’t dismiss it as a blood sport. Muay Thai is an ancient martial art, possibly one of the first, and has a noble past.


Evidence suggesting the age of Muay Thai is over 2000 years old, it has been practiced by the countries great kings and was once used as a art of defense from foreign attackers. The people of Thai are that passionate about the sport that before the 1920’s it was mandatory to learn the martial art in school.


In the past Muay Thai’s blood sport reputation has been well deserved. Until the 1930’s very few rules and regulations where put in place. There where no rests between rounds, and protective gear wasn’t widely used, with the exception being a groin protector, since kicks to that groin where allowed. Boxing gloves where introduced to create a safer spot in the late 1920’s. Before that hand raps where sometimes used, often soaked in ground up glass and resin for optimal damage.



A fighting style designed for war, each move in muay Thai copies and ancient weapon of war. The punches, painful combination’s, turn the fists into spears.The Roundhouse Kick can break vial bones and turns the leg into a devastating weapon. Elbows delivered to the face, or knees shoved into an opponents abdomen copies the motions of a large battle axe. Finally powerful front kicks can imitate a large variety of weapons.


In a professional match fights are five three minute rounds, with two minute breaks splitting each one up. Judging of a fight is done on a point scoring system, with whoever scoring most points in a round winning that round. It should be noted that generally wins in the later rounds are given more wieght then wins earlier in the fight, since judges see the art of Muay Thai as a marathon, the winner being the best over all 5 rounds. The winner is determined by a majority. Fights can also be won with a knockout, defined where the opponent can’t continue to fight.


A ritual you might see is the dancing before a muay Thia match, called the wai kru or the ram muay (Though these terms are used interchangeably, the word wai kru means a homage to a trainer.) The ram muay is a tradition to honor the supporters of the fighter and his deities, as well as giving both opponents the chance to warm up for the fight. Both opponents will walk around the ring with one arm over the top rope, ’sealing out’ any ‘bad spirits’ saying a short prayer at every corner. They will then kneel down in the direction of each fighters birthplace, and then do a specific set of movements. Fighters can be largely superstitious and will wear a great many good luck charms, on the head and arms, when going into battle. The music you will hear is a live band, with the musicians closely watching the fight to speed up the pace of the music at interesting parts of the fight, or to egg the fighters on.

An In Depth Look At Muay Thai

Author:
Al Dawson

Also known around the world as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is an ancient art of self defense that was created and tested in battle by the fearless warriors of ancient Thailand. Today, Muay Thai is used all around the world. The United States Navy SEALs, Thai military, and even the CIA takes full advantage of the devastating and bone crushing techniques this martial art offers.

Unlike other martial arts, students of Thai don’t earn belts for their skills and their progression. Instead, their skills are tested in the ring. Since Thai fighting first began, the only things that the fighters themselves are interested in are the championship belts which showcase their dominance in Muay Thai fighting.

The skills that are taught with Muay Thai are far more dominant to other striking based martial arts. Muay Thai uses very little grappling, but focuses more on crushing kicks, punches, and bone shattering elbows. Students of Thai fighting can often take an opponent down with just one shot, often times breaking bones and sometimes even killing them with just one lethal kick or elbow.

The reason why Muay Thai didn’t utilize ground grappling or submission holds is because it was developed in ancient battlegrounds where there were always multiple attackers. These attackers were knowledgeable in sword fighting skills, which made the need for a dependable martial art more or less a necessity.

Muay Thai used swords, spears, sticks, and hard strikes. In this type of environment, you didn’t want the fight to go to the ground. The strikes and weapon movements needed be fast, hard, and very precise. With these types of conditions and the type of environment, Muay Thai needed be a very fast responsive martial art with an excellent weapons system.



Even though grappling and submissions were planned for Muay Thai, the martial art became more of a ring sport before grappling could be implemented. With Thai originally being a martial art for striking purposes, a lot of martial artists have started using the techniques that have been proven time and time again with time boxing.

Although there are other martial arts that put a lot of emphasis on striking, Muay Thai is quite different. The first area in which Muay Thai differs is the effective use of both elbows and knees. The elbows and knees that are used with most Thai techniques are feared all around the world by boxers and other stylists.

Kicking and kneeing is the main objects in Muay Thai. In order to become efficient with kicking, the shins need to be conditioned - which can be quite painful. Once the Thai stylist has conditioned the nerves in his shins for impact, the shins can be used just like a club or a baseball bat. This is something you should really see for yourself in action - as the sound of the impact alone can send chills down your back.

Through years of training and conditioning, Muay Thai fighters can become lethal and deadly weapons. A properly trained fighter can make deadly impact, meaning that his knees, shins, and elbows are quite possibly deadlier than a gun or other type of weapon. For this very reason - Muay Thai is one of the deadliest and most feared martial arts in the world.

All in all, Muay Thai is a great martial art for defense and competition. Thai is one of the best martial arts in the world, proving it time and time again - in both ancient times and anytime it is used today.

A Practiced and Spiritual Art: Muay Thai

Author: Naveen Marasinghe

‘Muay Thai’ is one of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand that is also growing in popularity in other countries as well. The furious punches and level of intensive competition becomes ever more intense when watching the fighting up close and personal.



Thai boxing matches are not only frenetic when it comes to the actual fighting but also in the spectators as the furious making of bets takes places with every fight. Other highlights of the matches are the musical accompaniments that feature at the start that utilize a diverse range of instruments.



Boxing in Thailand is more important and symbolical than normal boxing as when fighters enter the ring they perform a special dance and don a headband that is given by their trainers; a sign of their dedication to the sport.



Before the actual commencement of the fight each boxer performs a standard dance that is known as ‘wai khru’ and involves each fighter bending their knees and bowing three times as a sign of respect for their trainers.



Bouts consist of 5 rounds that are each 3 minutes long and are accompanied with a varying level of music that matches the action that is taking place which provides a level of entertainment that is not commonly seen around the world.



These bouts are an important part of Thai culture and heritage representing the rich heritage of the country and its way of life. Visitors to Thailand can catch these bouts at several venues around the country. Matches are held on Fridays at the Boxing Stadium in Phuket while various demonstrations of the boxing style are demonstrated at various tourist destinations around the country, but these are purely for show and are not actually fights.



The Millennium Resort Patong Phuket provides hotel accommodation in Phuket that provides convenient access to the Boxing Stadium offering its guests ample opportunity to visit a spectacular bout.

Muay Thai Combinations You Need To Know To Win Your Fights

Author: Yoshi Kundagawa

I've got a confession to make. I like watching science programs and nature programs. I recently watched a National Geographic special on The Science of the Punch and learned a lot about martial arts that I hadn't considered before. I learned that the single most powerful punch - by a factor of 30% - was from good old fashioned Western boxing. I saw a lot about transferring energy from the back leg through the core of the body that I'd known before, and some really cool stuff from ninjitsu that I'd never seen before. But what impressed me most of all was watching their section on Mauy Thai, and how some of the combinations in Mauy Thay deliver the ultimate combination of economy of motion and force to the body.


This inspired me to check out some Mauy Thai instructional videos. Yeah, yeah, it's Yoshi talking about Yet Another Couch Potato Style Kung Fu Style, right? Not quite. The thing about Muay Thai instructional DVDs, since Muay Thai is, effectively, a mixed martial arts full contact sport, is that the DVDs are really about bare bones practicality. They're not going to load you up with lots of "Contemplate the caterpillar weaving its cocoon" philosophy - they get straight on with it, covering stances, blocks and traps, and how to combine them into combinations.



Muay Thai words from three basic stances - the closed stance, which is used for kicks, the side stance, which is used for traps and setting up joint locks, and the horse stance, which is designed for powerful punches, and combinations. There's a lot of emphasis in the Muay Thai instruction DVDs on good stance and good footwork; you have to be able to go from a grab-and-pull to a head grab to a knee to the sternum, and for that you need good balance.


I'll be honest - I had an easier time with this one than most will; I've worked with Wing Chung Kung Fu and jiu jutsu for years, and a lot of the concepts transfer over well; most of what I got out of Muay Thai was the focus on pure pragmatism. It's entirely about taking the block and setting up the counterstrike, be it with knee, elbow, fist or foot. I could see from the Mauy Thai instructional DVD that I got that real Muay Thai practitioners get hit a lot - there's much more contact in the DVD than I'm used to seeing in training or sparring.


Following along, I got a good workout, and was really glad it was just me and a freestanding bag rather than me and some kid who's 10 years younger than me. Seriously, that Muay Thai instructional DVD made me feel my years. My knees were aching when I was done, and I was soaked. It was a good workout, like most martial arts training is. I can say this - I'd never try this with another person without some serious protective gear on me!

Development Of Muay Thai

Author: sunshine

Muay Thai is an art of fighting that originates from Thailand. It is sometimes referred to as the science of 8 limbs since it includes the use of punches, kicks, knees and elbows.


The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting.


Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country's most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training.


Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.



In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations. In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states.


In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.


Muay Thai is certainly the most passionately followed sport in the country. International boxing is very popular, and the country has produced dozens of world champions, but they all started out as Muay Thai fighters.

Muay Thai the Unbeatable Martial Art

Author: Jirasak Phuriphanvichai

Muay thai is the form of martial art which began its journey from the Kingdom of Thailand more than 2000 years ago. Now it is popularly known as 'thai boxing' all over the world. Muaythai is the art of fighting without the use of any weapon.



Thai boxing can be differentiated from the general form of boxing, as it includes the use of hands, elbow, feet and the knee. It's not only an art of fighting; it is also a form of science, with discipline, knowledge and respect.



Thai boxing is an art which needs to be practiced with proper training. It not only keeps you body in good form and proper shape; it improves your blood circulation and builds up your nervous system. Regular practice enhances the flexibility of the body, which means better use of the bones, muscles, and the tendons in bending and moving the body.



It is very important to be brave in order to practice the Art of Muaythai. One must accept the danger and pain involved in this form of fighting, bravely without any fear. Practicing Muay thai is not only getting physical training but also includes the learning of moral values and disciplines in life. It teaches to be modest, to be confident, to always speak the truth and avoid committing sins in life.



In this form of martial art it is trained to be aware of the weak and the fatal points of the opponent's body. A fighter can easily defeat the other in less time if he has good knowledge of his weak positions.



One of the unique features in Thai boxing is the music, which is known as the "Sarama". It is played before and during the combat session. This Sarama music or the wind music is played before the fight with a ceremony, which the fighter performs to pay his respect and gratitude towards those who insisted and helped him to become a boxer. He thinks of his teacher who trained him with all his knowledge and efforts and of his parents who gave him life. This music helps the boxer to raise his spirits and confidence and make him ready for the real physical combat. You can find more information about music at Muay Thai FightingWebsite.



Muay thai has given born to many great fighters who are now known all over the world. Samart Payakaroon is one of the best among legendry muay thai heroes; he held the title of "Baby Face Tiger". He accomplished both Muay thai and World Super Bantamweight championship in his carrier. One of the most promising muay thai boxer is Buakaw Por Pramuk. He won the title of K-1 Max World Champion two times till now. First in 2004 at the age of 22 and he reclaimed this title again in 2006. The K-1 Grand Prix is a famous competition which is held in Japan to determine the single best standup fighter in the world. In Atlanta Olympics 1996, Somrak Khamsing is the first Thai boxer who won a gold medal in feather weight class. He is well known, from then for his swiftness and his reflexes. Another Muay thai hero in K-1 world competition Kaoklai Kaennorsing once held the title of K-1 grand prix championship in 2004. He is talented at quick maneuver and effective hit. He was called the giant killer after he beat tougher competitor by his technique.About the Author:

I'm born in Thailand, Bangkok and very interested in Muay Thai Martial Arts since I was young. Muay Thai is my passion. I love Muay Thai and hope to share this to the people who interest in this kind of sports. This article is a brief description of the martial art "Muay Thai" and its facts, more details to come in the following articles soon.

An Introduction to Muay Thai

Author: GuBu
All across the world, people have heard about it and possibly even witnessed it first hand or on television - the furious punches, bone crushing elbows, lethal and piercing kicks, and the unforgettable knees. Although watching it on television is great, nothing begins to compare to seeing these moves executed live - with thousands of fans cheering the fighters on.



This is the wonderful world of Muay Thai kickboxing. Muay Thai is a martial art that is unlike any other, rich in the proud heritage of an entire nation. The style is interwoven into the well known history of the Thai people. Even though they are gentle and fun loving people, they’ve had to defend both themselves and their land for many years against the aggressive powers and thieves.



To protect what they had, the Thai people developed a fighting system of close combat techniques that were suited to the type of rough terrain they would be fighting in. Over the years, it eventually become a rite of passage for all Thai men to train in this amazing martial art.



In the beginning, Muay Thai proved to be a dangerous and deadly art, with the fighters having no safety gear or protection - all they had were lengths of cords in which they would wrap around their fists as gloves. As the years progressed, rules were written into the equation to establish some protection for the fighters.



Over the years, Muay Thai has progressed as both a martial art and a style, attracting people from all over the world. There are training facilities in Russia and the United States, with qualified instructors to help teach Muay Thai to interested students.



These days, Muay Thai is one of the most popular sports in the world. There are a lot of television networks that broadcast Thai bouts on a weekly basis, pleasing avid fighting fans from all over the world. International boxing is another popular sport, although most successful International boxers got their start in Muay Thai. This goes to show why Muay Thai training is so popular - and so lethal as well.



Normally, Thai bouts are fought with 5 three minute rounds, with a two minute rest period in between the rounds. All fights are preceded by a dance, which gives the contestants the opportunity to pay homage to their teachers. The dance is an excellent exercise to warm up with, with plenty of symbolic meaning towards the style.



During the fights and even with training, you’ll see that each Thai boxers wears armbands and a headband. The headband that fighters wear is believed to have been blessed by a monk or teacher, and will bestow luck upon the fighter. Thai boxers take a lot of pride in their training and fighting, with the headband being a source of inspiration and pride for the fighter.



During training, Thai fighters will learn a lot about their spiritual well being, the history of Muay Thai, and the skills they need to survive. Fighters that plan to compete in Thai fights will need to practice a lot, as the fights can be very demanding. Thai training can be very brutal, all depending on where you study. If you are studying the ancient arts of Thai boxing, you can count on the training to be very rigorous and demanding.



Although Muay Thai can be a tough art to practice, it is one of the best martial arts that you can study. The techniques are lethal, the training is tough - yet the competitions make it all worth while!

A Muay Thai Training Camp

Author: Kittisak Wongwai

Are you interested in visiting a Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand? Do you want to master the art of Muay Thai for a championship fight or simply learn a new self defense technique? Either way you should arrange to join with on the many Muay Thai Training Camps in Thailand right away. But why travel all the way to Thailand to learn this martial art? This is a very common question, consider the answer below.

Right now Muay Thai is becoming an international craze with training infrastructures popping up throughout the world. So why is Thailand the place to go to learn Muay Thai? Because Muay Thai holds a special position in Thailand. While Muay Thai may have moved to other countries with top classes being taught in these countries the status of Muay Thai in Thailand is still extremely special.

While this excellent martial art started in Thailand is also enjoys a mass popularity in this country. Nearly every Thai individual is crazy about Muay Thai. The depth of this passion is important for two reasons when it comes to Muay Thai training. First there are a large number of Muay Thai events in the country which allow you to observe the techniques in action. Second no matter how successful of a Muay Thai fighter you are you are viewed highly in Thai society.



As Muay Thai becomes more popular the high status of those who practice it is being seen in other countries as well. However, the level of honor and respect you get in Thailand can't be found in any other country. This honor and respect factor can give you an edge over a regular Muay Thai Training Camp in other countries. Also knowing that you are learning an ancient martial art in its land of origin can help charge you up during your training sessions.

Another inspiring factor is the special status of Muay Thai in Thailand and the status of its players in Thai society. You will feel a depth of love and affection in Thailand that you won't get in other countries. This will help boost your own love and passion for learning Muay Thai as well. It will improve your ability to identify yourself with the Muay Thai Training Camp.

Learning Muay Thai in Thailand also allows you to take in the environment of true Muay Thai culture as well. This makes your success at Muay Thai training easier. So look into enrolling in a Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand today. Don't waste your time looking into other Muay Thai Training Camps. Rather consider travel to Thailand where learning Muay Thai can also give you a new personality. And don't worry about a language barrier since most Thai individuals speak fluent English.

Basic Rules of Muay Thai

Author: lily005


Muay Thai, with its emphasis on both offense and defense as well as on stamina, is a martial art anyone can learn: men, women, young or old. With the interest in Muay Thai growing fast, martial-art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their curricula. To learn it well, the player should know some basics of Muay Thai.


Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fight is preceded by a wai khru dance, in which each contestant pays homage to his teachers. Besides the symbolic meaning, the dance is a good warm-up exercise. You will notice that each boxer wears a headband and armbands. The headband, called mongkhol, is believed to bestow luck to the wearer since it has been blessed by a monk or the boxer's own teacher. Since Buddhism and the teacher play important roles in the life of Thais, the headband is both a lucky charm and a spiritual object. It will be removed after the wai khru dance, and only by the boxer's trainer. The armbands, meanwhile, are believed to offer protection and are only removed when the fight has ended.


A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxer's safety depends on his decision.



To one side of the ring is the band section, comprising a Javanese clarinet, drums and cymbals. They accompany the fight from the homage dance to the conclusion. The tempo goes up as the action inside the ring intensifies. The musicians are mostly old-timers who have seen just about anything, yet their music always makes the heart race faster. It is said that the tune is a siren song that the true Muay Thai devotee can never resist.


Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium. There are a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, and boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules, equipment to provide water for boxers, and other additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own such as boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords. Thai boxing can be classified into two major types, the first is muay lak which puts the emphasis on caution and patience, and is very rare nowadays. The second is muay kiew which is full of tricks and feints performed to catch the opponent off guard.

An Insight Into Muay Thai Kick Boxing

Author: ktmcna@aol.com

The exact date muay Thai kick boxing was started is hard to narrow down, but it does date back all the way to medieval times. King Nareasen made it famous in 1560 AD when he was given a chance to fight for his freedom. King Nareasan was victorious, freed, and returned home where he declared the fighting style (then called Siamese style boxing) a national sport.





The art of muay thai kick boxing is known as both a hard martial art and as "the deadly art." Muay thai kick boxing is a self defence art developed in Thailand and it enjoys immense popularity in many south-Asian countries as well. There is a wide variety of forms and styles, just like other styles of martial arts.





Muay thai kick boxing is the national sport of only Thailand, though it has become popular in many other countries. The main point that separates muay thai kick boxing from western developed boxing is the fact you are allowed to use shins, knees, elbows and fists. The fighter is able to use 8 parts of his body to strike his opponent.




About 50 years ago, boxing gloves where introduced - before this it was more common to bond smashed shards of glass to a rope binding around the hands. This practice was ended when international muay thai kick boxing tournaments began. This ultimate full-contact martial art, builds stamina and mental toughness. In Thailand, every boy is mandated to learn muay thai and most girls will learn at least some basic moves.





Muay thai kick boxing is designed to be performed unarmed, as every move can be done with combinations of eight body parts. Unlike other forms of martial arts where grappling is done on the floor, the grappling done in muay thai kick boxing is done while standing. The most common techniques used while grappling are attempts to hit the opponent's stomach or head with the knees. Muay thai kick boxing appears as an extremely violent form of martial arts. Contrary to how it appears, it actually provides you with anger control and a constant strive for peace and unity.

The History of Muay Thai

Author: James Dunn

With origins in Thailand, Muay Thai is a popular sport in many Eastern countries. Surprisingly, it began as a martial art known as Krabi Krabong (a Siamese martial art) in which weapons were used. This is quite unique, considering that in modern Muay Thai, weapons are not used at all. Krabi Krabong students will, however, use similar hand to hand combat techniques after they or their opponents have lost their weapons. This can be considered the true origins of Muay Thai.



Of course, with all martial arts, time and different generations have an effect on a particular art and it will often evolve or change with the world around them. Krabi Krabong soon morphed into the ancient Muay Boran, a martial art very close to the Muay Thai as it is known today. Again, with time, Muay Boran evolved yet again and was divided into four different art forms for different regions North, Northeast, Center Region and South and were called Muay ThaSao, Korat, Lobburee, and Chaiya.



Each of these different forms placed emphasis on a particular philosophy or technique the Center region (Muay Lobburee) took intelligent and quick movements to heart while the South (Muay Chaiya) preferred to emphasize a student's defense techniques and proper posture. The North (Muay ThaSao) placed much more importance on kicking speed and although each of these groupings symbolize and utilize different teachings, movements and philosophies, modern Muay Thai encompasses almost all of them as one.




Also in its roots, Muay Thai was considered a form of entertainment to be performed by players in the homes and kingdoms of Thailand royalty. The most famous of stories belonging to the history of Muay Thai involves a Master by the name of Nai Khanomtom. During a match with a Burmese martial artist, Nai Khanomtom performed his best for the king during that time King Mangra. He began the match by doing a strange war-like dance that bewildered and confused the Burmese opponent allowing Nai Khanomtom to defeat him fairly quickly.



Unfortunately, the mediator of the match decided that the dance diverted the Burmese fighter's concentration and the move was considered out of bounds and therefore did not count at all. King Mangra, however, was impressed and asked that Nai Khanomtom fight nine more Burmese opponents to prove himself. Of course, Nai Khanomtom fought and won against every single one of the Burmese opponents, impressing King Mangra and in turn, buying his own freedom.



Nai Khanomtom also received a National Boxer's Day (March 17th) in which his actions were to be remembered by the Thailand community. It is rare that a martial art would have such an enchanting history. It is a shame that Muay Thai is not more popular among other countries, however, it may quickly gain International popularity and recognition before too long. Although it is true that Muay Thai has had its hand in contributions to many martial arts that are, in fact, well known in other countries, such as kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

Muay Thai-thai Kickboxing

Author: Allen Owen
Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing has been described as the world's toughest ring sport and is one the most lethal forms of martial art. Also known as "The Science of Eight Limbs", it's a hard-style of martial art that also employs the use of the head, elbows, knees and shins as weapons. Although most of the world knows it to be exclusively from Thailand, it comes from the term Muay Boran and is also practiced in other countries in the region of South East Asia and has different names depending on the country. Malaysians call it Tomoi, Muay Lao in Laos, Lethwei to Burmese and Pradal Serey in Cambodia.



Muay Thai has its roots in the Siamese Army in ancient times and bouts during those times had no time limit and few rules. Only in the late part of the 20th century were gloves, ring times and a clear set of rules were adopted.



Target points for Muay Thai punches include the area above the ear, the jaw, the area covered by the upper lip (philtrum), the clavicle, floating ribs and the solar plexus. Punching techniques or Chok are similar to Western boxing: the straight punch (Mud Trong), Mud Wiang San or hook, the swing- Mud Wiang Yao, the uppercut Mud Seuy, Cobra Punch or Kra-dod Chok, and the undercut or Mud Hook. One Muay Thai punching technique absent in Western boxing is the spinning backfist or Mud Wiang Glub and can be a very effective surprise attack.



Teh, or kicking techniques are an essential part of Muay Thai combat. It consists of the straight kick Teh Trong, the roundhouse Teh Tud, diagonal kick Teh Chiang, the shin-knee kick Teh Krueng Kheng Krueng Kao, the down roundhouse kick Teh Kod, the axe heel kick Teh Kao, jump kick Gra-dodeh Teh, step-up kick Kha Yiep The, and the spectacular spinning heel kick Teh Glub Lang. The dangerous Neb or pecking kick is an often executed Muay Thai kick and is very similar to the straight kick. The tip of the foot or ball is used to dig into the target area which can include the outer part of the thigh, the shins and the knee. It's mostly used to stop and opponent's forward moves.



Clinching in Muay Thai involves putting one's hands behind the head of the opponent and pulling it downwards. It is during these clinches that Tee Kao or knee techniques are used to strike the torso or more devastatingly, the jaw. The different knee strikes are the Kao Trong or straight knee strike, the Kao Chiang or diagonal knee strike, Kao Kong curving knee strike, Kao Tud horizontal knee strike, Kao Tod knee slap, Kao Youwn knee bomb, Kao Yiep step-up knee strike and the Kao Loi or flying knee strike.



Traditional Muay Thai training methods were grueling and literally took blood,sweat and tears to endure. It involved extreme conditioning of the legs by with repeated kicks against a banana tree. This toughens the shin area making it invulnerable to abuse in the ring.

Basic Muay Thai Techniques

Author: Jirasak Phuriphanvichai
The Martial art of Muay Thai has its own unique techniques. It consists of the use of nine weapons. The head, fists, elbow, knee and feet are collectively known as Na-wa arwud. But today the use of head is no longer allowed in the Muay Thai fights. In Muay Thai small amount of grappling is used (The Clinch) for both defending and attacking purpose. Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: Mae Mai or Major techniques and Luk mai or Minor techniques. All techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, rotating the hip partially or fully with every punch, kick and block. This is the reason which sets Muay Thai apart from other forms of martial art.



Punching Techniques: ( Chok)



Straight punch = Mud Dhrong



Hook = Mud Wjang San



Swing = Mud Wjang Yao



Spinning Back fist = Mud Wjang Glab



Upper Cut = Mud Seub



Cobra Punch = Kra-Dod Chok



Over Head Punch = Mud Khouk



The judges in Muay Thai fights scores less to the fighters for the punching techniques as they are generally less effective and powerful than kicks or knee strikes. Body punching is also used less in Muay Thai as it exposes the fighters head to the strikes of knee or elbow from the opponent.



Elbow Techniques: (Dhee Sork)



Elbow Slash = Sork Dhee



Horizontal Elbow = Sork Dhad



Upper Cut Elbow = Sork Ngad



Forward elbow Thrust = Sork Poonk



Reverse Horizontal elbow = Sork wjang Glab



Spinning Elbow = Sork Glab



Elbow Chop = Sork Sap



Double Elbow Chop = Sork Glab Koo



Mid Air Elbow Strike = Gra-Dode Sork



The elbow is used in seven ways in Muay Thai, horizontally, diagonal upwards, diagonal downwards, uppercut, downward, backward spinning and flying. The elbow is also used from the sides as a finishing move or to cut the opponents' eyebrow so that he bleeds. Bleeding blocks the vision and also affects the fighter's performance.



Kicking Techniques: (Dhe)



Straight Kick = Dhe Dhrong



Nutcracker Kick = Dhe Paa Maak



Round house Kick = Dhe Dhad



Diagonal Kick = Dhe Chivang



Half-spin, half knee kick = Dhe Krueng Kheng Krueng Kao



Spinning hill Kick = Dhe Glab Lang



Down Round house kick = Dhe Kod



Axe Hill Kick = Dhe Khouk



Jump kick = Gra-Dode Dhe



Step Up Kick = Yiep Dhe

kickboxing techniques

The most common kick in Muay Thai are Foot Jab (Theep) and the Kick (Tae), upward in the shape of a triangle targeting the ribs and arms (Chieng). This angle kick in Muay Thai has been adopted by many other forms of martial arts as it is very effective. The round house kick is almost similar to the kicks used in karate or taekwondo. Many Muay Thai fighters also uses a counter rotation of his arms to enhance the power of his kick. A Muay Thai fighter is always taught to hit with his shin. Although the shin is very sensitive for an untrained person the shin is the strongest part of the leg than the foot as it contains fine bones and is much weaker.



Knee Techniques: (Dhe kao)



Straight Knee Strike = Kao Dhrong



Diagonal Knee Strike = Kao Chijang



Curving Knee Strike = Kao Kouwng



Horizontal Knee Strike = Kao Dhad



Knee Slap = Kao Dhob



Knee Bomb = Kao Youwn



Flying Knee Strike = Kao Loi



Step up Knee Strike = Kao Yiep



Other Knee Techniques: - Kao Dode: (Jumping Knee Strike) Jump on one leg and strike with that legs knee. - Kao Loi: (Flying Knee Strike) Take step(s), jump forward and off one leg and strike with that legs knee. - Kao Tone: (Straight Knee Strike) Thrusts it forward. Not upward unless the fighter is holding opponents head down in a clinch and intend to knee upward into the face. - Kao Noi: (Small knee Strike) Hitting the inside upper thigh (above the knee)of the opponent while clinching.



Foot Thrust Techniques: (Theep)



Straight Foot Thrust = Teep Dhrong



Sideways Foot Thrust = Teep Kang



Reverse Foot Thrust = Teep Glab Lang



Slapping Foot Thrust = Teep Dhob



Jumping Foot Thrust = Gra-Dode Teep



It is also known as 'Push Kicks' and is commonly used in Muay Thai. It is mainly used to attack opponents' attack, and get the opponent off balance.



Fighters in The Arm Clinch Position:



There is a difference in Muay Thai from the western Boxing. During the arm clinch position the fighters are separate in western boxing; however they are not in Muay Thai. There are several clinching techniques in Muay Thai including:



- Arm Clinch



- Side Clinch



- Low Clinch and



- Swan Neck.



Defensive techniques against attack:



It as categorized into six groups:



1. Blocking: Defenders hard block to stop a strike in its path, so preventing it reaching its target.



2. Redirection: Defenders soft parries to change the directions of a strike so that it misses its target.



3. Avoidance: Moving a body part swiftly out of the way or range of a strike, making the position of the opponent for a counter strike.



4. Evasion: Moving the body out of the way or range of a strike.



5. Disruption: Pre-aiming an attack.



6. Anticipation: Defender catching a strike or countering it before it strike.

Ancient Muay Thai(thai Boxing)

Author: Jirasak Phuriphanvichai
Muay Boran is the Other name of Ancient Thai Boxing. It is a traditional form of Muay Thai which is still taught and practiced in Thailand. Muay Boran is still practiced and taught in order to preserve the Boxing Techniques from Muay Thai's History before the introduction of formalized rules and the introduction of gloves in the 1930s.Muay Boran is the ancestor of the modern day Muay Thai Boxing. Most of the Facts of Muay Boran have been extinct now, many of the original records from Thailand regarding this fascinating subject were destroyed in the sacking of Ayuddhaya in 1767 and others lost in the mists of time. The late Arjarn Samai Messamarn from the Buddhai Swan Institute in Thailand was able to make a study of the Thai empty hand system using the scant resources available in Thailand. This research also took him to Burma where he was able to gain access to historical records on the subject of the Siamese systems of warfare.

Using this information and the painstaking research done within Thailand, Arjarn Samai was able to document and confirm 60 Awudt Muay Boran techniques and fighting methods. Only two records of the techniques, hand-painted on parchment now exist. Arjarn Samai's son, Arjarn Werayut Messamarn recently visited England bringing with him one of these unique documents. It is believed that the Siamese people had their own styles of fighting, in each Kingdom a different style. These fighting systems have clearly been evolving for many hundreds of years and have been known under many different names such as; "Arwut Thai" (meaning Thai Weapons), "Pahuyut" (armed, unarmed combat). Much later, at the end of the Ayuthaya Period, or around the beginning of the Thonburi



Teaching Ancient Muay Thai" Period after a long history of fighting against the Burmese, King Phra Thaksin "The Great" finally pushed all invaders from the Kingdoms of Siam and with this the Chakri dynasty began. The Chakri dynasty with King Rama I on the throne, marked a period when nearly all of the separate Kingdoms of Siam joined together to become the country we now know as Thailand. At the end of the 1700's, with wars against invaders over,fighters began to compete locally, and often in front of the King to see who had the best style. Most people recognize this period in the history of Muay Thai as fighters used to wrap their hands in cotton twine. Today, people refer to this style of fighting (during this period) as "Muay Kaad Chuak" although at the time, this isn't the term people used. "Muay Kaad Chuak" began to decline around the 1920's, finally ending in 1929 with a death in the ring. Although the government of the time prohibited this style of fighting(with wrapped hands) people still continued to practice the arts and fight underground. Eventually, by introducing rules, and providing fighters with better protection, competition became safer, and the sport of Muay Thai was born. Here are some information of the techniques used: Technique 6 (Buddhai Swan) - The boxer grabs the opponent's neck twisting him from side to side, and then throwing a knee to the opponent's body, finally the boxer will push the opponent away finishing with a high kick to the opponent's neck. To clarify, the name given to the technique usually refers to an action within that technique, not necessarily the whole technique or even the end result but for instance the action of breaking (hak) the neck (kor) in Hak Kor Erawan or the action of presenting or offering something up in Hanuman Tawai Wen. From the 60 major techniques in the Buddhai Swan syllabus there are other minor techniques plus many different variations and additional moves that can follow on from the main techniques. A good example of this is the technique "GAA JIK KAI" translated Crow pecks the egg which is basically fast jabs to the opponent's face but from the jab one could choose any technique e.g. round kick (daet), front kick (teep), right uppercut (uppercut kwaa) or many others.

kickboxing techniques

Besides the Buddhai Swan techniques, we have uncovered at least another 60 different techniques from various sources including Arjarn Yodthong from the Sityodthong Camp, Arjarn Panya Kraitus author of the book "Muay Thai Most Distinguished Art of Fighting", the late Khun Bunyuen Suvanatdha former head of the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Thailand and Kru Lang of the Sitpralang Camp in Ayuddhaya.

The discovery of Muay Boran in the West has taken us on a journey back through time. The modern sport of Muay Thai has been established here for nearly 30 years, we are now moving backwards and have discovered the time before sport when contests were fought for honour or freedom. It is merely a blink of the eye in time before we reach our final destination and find the mother of the Thai martial arts - Krabi Krabong.