Muay Thai is a thai martial fight, known as the “8 gun fight”. These weapons are the parts of the body used in the blows: two elbows, two fists, two knees, and a combination of two shins and two feet.
Also called thai boxing or Thai boxing, Muay Thai uses punches, elbows, knees, kicks and dodging and protection techniques.
Muay Thai emerges as a defense and war technique, developed by the Thais for their protection and for the defense of their territory against enemies.
This fight spread in Thailand and, in addition to military purposes, began to be practiced as a sport. Today Muay Thai has fans all over the world and in 2016 it became an Olympic sport.
History of Muay Thai
Throughout its history, Thailand has suffered numerous attacks and invasions by enemies. To fight these attacks, the Thais began to develop fighting techniques that would give rise to Muay Thai.
Muay Thai was practiced by the army and fighters obtained social recognition for mastering the technique. Thai kings encouraged and even practiced the martial art.
One of the most famous names in Muay Thai is Nai Khanom Tom, who had been captured by the Burmese when they invaded Thai territory.
Nai Khanom Tom was challenged to fight the Burmese and, with magnificent performance, he won several fights in a row, gaining recognition and becoming the "father of Muay Thai".
Another important name in Muay Thai was King To Chao Yours, who ruled in the early eighteenth century. He was an enthusiast of the fight and an excellent fighter.
By the 1930s, rules were set for Muay Thai, which began to become popular not only in Thailand, but all over the world.
Muay Thai hits and techniques
In Muay Thai, fighters use their fists, elbows, feet and knees to perform sequences of strikes and defenses in an attack and counter-attack game.
punches (mhad)
Punches are the most common punches in Muay Thai and are performed with a closed fist. There are four main punches:
- Jab: given with the arm that is in front, targets the opponent's chin
- Direct: given with the back arm, also targets the chin
- Crusader: strike that aims to hit the side of the opponent's face
- uppercut: dice from bottom to top, aims to hit the chin
Elbows (sawk)
The elbows can be given in several ways, they can hit the opponent's head from the side and also from the front. Because they are driven by the hips, the elbows can be very violent and usually lead to a knockout when properly applied.
kicks (Dteh)
The kicks in Muay Thai can be done with the feet and the shins. They can come from the sides and hit the legs, abdomen or head. A powerful kick can lead the opponent to the knockout (knock out).
Knees (Khao)
Knees can be applied frontally and laterally and can be preceded by a jump. They are also very powerful blows, which can cause injuries and lead the opponent to the knockout.
Defenses (Pongkan)
Muay Thai defense techniques seek protection against the opponent's blows. To defend themselves, fighters use their arms, shoulders and legs, which serve as a shield.
Equipment and protection
To protect themselves from injuries, Muay Thai fighters use some protective equipment, such as gloves, mouth guards, shin guards, bandages and cups (protection for the male intimate area).
Muay Thai Graduation
Originally Thai boxing fighters are not distinguished by rank. However, in Brazil, the classification of fighters by levels has been established and, according to the Brazilian Muay Thai Confederation, is given as follows:
- White;
- White red tip;
- Red;
- Red tip light blue;
- Light blue;
- Light blue dark blue tip;
- Dark blue (instructor);
- Dark blue tip black (master instructor);
- Preta (teacher);
- Black and White (Master); and
- Black, white and red (Grandmaster).
See also the meaning of martial arts, Krav Maga and meet the boxing.