Muay Thai History

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origins of Muay Thai date back several hundred years, and was, essentially, developed as a form of close-combat that used the entire body as a weapon. However, it must be added that the history of Muay Thai, and its' direct origin is a question of debate among modern scholars. Much of the history of Muay Thai was lost when the Burmese sacked Ayudhaya, the capital city of Siam (Thailand) in the 14th century. The Burmese looted the temples and depositories of knowledge held in the capital, and most written history was lost in this period. What volumes were saved are preserved and protected as national treasures for Thai culture and heritage.

The origin of Muay Thai, as a fighting style, is thought to have developed for centuries as tribes migrated south from the steppes of China through Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. The major tribes of that period, one of which was the (Tai) Siamese, fought fiercely to survive as they moved south and encountered other smaller tribes in what is now northern and central Thailand, and as far south as Malaysia. Through training, loss of life, military tactics, and hand-to-hand combat, technique and tactics were honed to a razors edge, and the rudimentary elements of a "fighting-style" began to take root.

Older soldiers and fathers taught their students and sons the offensive and defensive tactics and techniques, proper posture and position, and skills to enhance awareness. Those students and sons went on to teach their children, and the roots and permanent structure of an "effective fighting-style" began to strengthen. Proper technique and power strikes were a vital element in war that requires hand-to-hand skills. Each strike and movement is meant to deliver a debilitating and crushing blow, and enable the fighter to move on to the next opponent quickly without leaving himself exposed to an attack.

It would seem that the evolution of the most-effective hand-to-hand form of combat evolved in a rather Darwin-like manner demanding survival of the fittest: those who fought well.......lived and taught others before falling themselves.

The Thai were on constant guard against attack from neighbouring countries, including Burma and Cambodia. Enemies for centuries, the Burmese and Thai fought several wars wreaking destruction on both countries. Muay Thai was primarily a part of the Thai culture during this period and was a mandatory training as part of the Thai military of that time. The military continued to train soldiers for centuries in the art of MuayThai: defining, and refining the skills, tactics, and techniques with the wars against the Burmese, Cambodians, and other invaders.

Young Thai men returning from a tour of duty with the military soon engaged in matches for sport and fun in villages and towns. Each province, town, and village would support a local fighter who showed some promise and skill. Older warriors, survivors of many battles and engagements of the enemy, became Muay Thai instructors and teachers (Kroo Muay). The love of the sport, and a need for the defence of the kingdom made Muay Thai a part of the Thai culture for the next 500 years as generation after generation passed the skills on to the next.

In World War II, Thai soldiers were stationed overseas, and foreigners received their first good look at Muay Thai firsthand. Muay Thai was named by foreigners as Siam Boxing, as Thailand was formerly Siam. During WW II, the French labeled Muay Thai as "Le Sport Orient" or the fighting style of the orient. The Thai soldiers participating in the war would practice Muay Thai among themselves as soldiers from Europe and America watched with great interest. Until that time, Muay Thai was a cultural gem, hidden within this strange and wonderful culture of this country called Thailand.

• Soldiers from abroad were so impressed of the Muay Thai fighting style that they asked the Thai soldiers to teach them the basics and traditions of Muay Thai. As Muay Thai became more popular, especially with an international interest, the rules began to change to become more inline with other governed sports like boxing. In the 1920's, the roots of modern Muay Thai were planted when rings were introduced replacing open courtyards. The old-style horsehide, hemp rope, or leather bindings were replaced with gloves similar to boxing. In the past, fighters were known to soak their hemp rope bindings in a sticky resin and then dip their hands in crushed glass and ash that could attack the opponents eyesight. (As appeared in the movie "Kickboxer" starring Jean-Claude Van Dame) A hard-cover groin protector was also added for the fighters protection from brutal kicks and knees.
  
• After the end of WW II, the first formal rules were introduced into the sport. Fights were divided into 5 rounds, and time limits were imposed on each round. Time was counted on a clock rather than the old style of a coconut shell with holes sinking completely in a barrel of water. Major stadiums for Muay Thai were constructed after the war in large cities (Bangkok, Sukothai, Chiang Mai) throughout the country as the popularity of Muay Thai grew. Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok is now almost considered "holy ground" to the multitudes of Thai fighters, and now many foreigners, trying to win a place on a fight card. A system of weight-classes, defined rules, and championships was devised in the years ahead as Muay Thai began to resemble boxing in style and organization.

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing History - King Naruesan - Thai history recounts the legend of King Naruesan. In 1560, during one of the many wars with the Burmese, the King was captured. Known for prowess and skills as a fighter, King Naruesan was offered a chance at freedom if he could defeat some of the best Burmese warriors. King Naruesan defeated all the Burmese warriors the King placed before him. He was granted his freedom and returned home a hero and a legend of Muay Thai.

The Thai people hearing of the heroics and skill at Muay Thai by their King led to great rise in the popularity of the sport. The tale of Naruesan fighting for his country and freedom spawned great enthusiasm and interest in the sport.

Nai Khanom Tom....The Father of Muay Thai - Another quite popular Thai legend is that of Nai Khanom Tom and lends truth to the ability of highly skilled Muay Thai fighters. In 1767, the Burmese army attacked the Thai capital city of Ayudhaya (120 kilometers from Bangkok). The Burmese King (Lord Mangra) and his army pillaged the city and its' magnificient temples, treasure and wealth. Returning quickly to Burma before reinforcements arrived to save the capital, the Burmese army took prisoners for the long march back home to carry their stolen goods and treasures. Among those prisoners was a Muay Thai fighter named Nai Khanom Tom. To celebrate his victory over the Thai, the King of Burma held a festival and celebration. During the festival, the slaves from Thailand were ordered to fight the best Burmese fighters for entertainment.

• When Nai Khanom Tom entered the courtyard to fight, he asked for a moment to prepare. Nai Khanom Tom then began a slow ritualistic dance around the courtyard waving his hands and arms. The Burmese fighter looked on in fear, as he thought Nai Khanom Tom was trying to curse him with evil spirits before they fought. When asked what he was doing, Nai Khanom Tom explained he was giving respect to his Muay Thai teacher, his sport, and his country by performing his short dance. Many believe this may have been the origins of the (Wai Kroo) which is still performed today by all Thai fighters before they fight an opponent.
  
• When the fight began, Nai Khanom Tom easily dispatched the Burmese fighter with a series of hard kicks and elbows. The Burmese fighter pleaded that he had lost because he was cursed by the Thai fighter. However, Nai Khanom Tom went on to defeat 10 more Burmese rivals with combinations of hard, chopping, debilitating kicks and elbows, fast punches, and throwing his opponents to the ground. The Burmese King was impressed with Nai Khanom Tom's ability and skill in the face of danger. When Nai Khanom Tom defeated his last rival, the Burmese King granted Nai Khanom Tom his freedom and rewarded him with several Burmese women to be his wives and concubines. Nai Khanom Tom returned to Thailand as a hero, and lived out his life teaching Muay Thai. Because the legend of Nai Khanom Tom is so well-known, he is called the "father of Muay Thai." Muay Thai day is celebrated on March 16 in his honour.

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing History - The French Brothers - In 1788, during the reign of Rama I, two brothers from France traveled throughout S.E. Asia to study, wager, and fight against the different styles of combat they would encounter from the foreign tribes and counties, and peoples of the region. The brothers arrived in Thailand and arranged a match for prestige and money with the monarchy of the period. The Frenchmen were loud, and bragging of their victories in many different countries. The Thai King ordered his captain of the palace guard, a well respected Thai fighter, to fight one of the brothers for the honour of his country and sport, and a large sum of money was wagered on the fight.

• When the fight began, the Thai danced around the fighting area moving quickly in and out of the reach of the French fighter and kept him at a distance by kicking him in the abdomen and legs. The Frenchman became enraged and angry he could not hit his Thai opponent. The Frenchman was not used to this style that used the entire body as a weapon. The other brother, watching from the side, decided to cheat and help his brother by grabbing the Thai from behind and pushing him within the reach of his brother's attacks. This angered the Thai fighters and audience, and violated the spirit and rules of MuayThai. The two Frenchman suddenly found themselves in trouble as the Thai fighters grappled and tackled the brothers to the ground until they were so exhausted and in pain that they could not rise. The two French brothers left the next day in defeat and humiliation. The popularity of MuayThai continued to grow as did the national pride of the Thai people for their martial art.

Muay Thai: The Sport of Kings - The Tiger King of Thailand - Muay Thai is called "The Sport of Kings," and the Thai monarchy has always played a prominent role in the development of the art and sport. King Sri Saan Petch, aka "The Tiger King," was infamous for disguising himself in a tiger mask and competing in tournaments. The King so loved the sport and a fair fight, that he would hide his royal heritage under a mask to compete in Muay Thai tournaments at festivals, fairs, and temple matches. If the other Thai fighters would have known it was their King, they would have bowed before him and pleaded not to fight; so great was their love and respect for their King. (The modern Thai people also hold the King in great reverence.) But the King hid his identity, and he always wanted a fair and hard fought match with each of his opponents.

• The Thai Monarchy has played a central role in the development of MuayThai as a sport and not just a military requirement. Kings would hold great week long festivals in major cities that had spectacular Muay Thai tournaments with fighters traveling from all parts of the country to participate.

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