Muay Thai History

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is a form of hard martial art practiced in large parts of the world, including Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The art is similar to others in Southeast Asia such as: pradal serey in Cambodia, lethwei in Myanmar, tomoi in Malaysia, and Lao boxing in Laos. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and is the country's national sport. Traditional Muay Thai practiced today varies significantly from the ancient art muay boran and uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing.Muay Thai is referred to as "The Art of Eight Limbs", as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art. A practitioner of Muay Thai ("nak muay") thus has the ability to execute strikes using eight "points of contact," as opposed to "two points" (fists) in Western boxing and "four points" (fists, feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts.

History Various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia. As with the most countries in the region, Thai culture is highly influenced by ancient civilizations within Southeast Asia. The origins of Muay Thai is unclear. One theory is that it was with the Tai people before the Tai immigration to Southeast Asia from China. Another is that it was adopted and modified off of Khmer martial arts when Thai culture was influenced by Khmer culture. A third theory is that a little bit of both the first and second theory occurred. Muay Thai evolved from its ancestor Muay Boran ("ancient boxing"), an unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with Krabi Krabong, the weapon-based style. Eventually Muay Boran was divided to:

Muay Korat (Northeast) emphasized strength. A technique like "Throwing Buffalo Punch" was used. It could supposedly defeat a buffalo in one blow.
Muay Lopburi (Center region) emphasized movements. Its strong points were straight and counter punches.
Muay Chaiya (South) emphasized posture and defense, as well as elbows and knees.
Muay Ta Sao (North) emphasized speed, particularly in kicking. Because of its faster speed, it was called also called "Ling Lom" (windy monkey or Loris).

There is a phrase about Muay Boran that states, "Punch Korat, Wit Lopburi, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao.

As well as continuing to function as a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which the opponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. This kind of muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. It was even used as entertainment to kings.Eventually, the previously bare-fisted fighters started wearing lengths of rope wrapped around their hands and forearms. This type of match was called muay kaad chuek.

1.Royal Muay

Muay gradually became a possible means of personal advancement as the nobility increasingly esteemed skillful practitioners of the art and invited selected fighters to come to live in the Royal palace to teach muay to the staff of the royal household, soldiers, princes or the king's personal guards.[citation needed] This "royal muay" was called muay luang.Some time during the Ayutthaya Period, a platoon of royal guards was established, whose duty was to protect king and the country. They were known as Grom Nak Muay (Muay Fighters' Regiment). This royal patronage of muay continued through the reigns of King Rama V and RamaVII.

2.Muay Renaissance

The ascension of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to the throne in 1868 ushered in a Golden Age not only for muay but for the whole country of Thailand. Muay progressed greatly during the reign of Rama V as a direct result of the king's personal interest in the art. The country was at peace and muay functioned as a means of physical exercise, self-defense, recreation, and personal advancement.[citation needed] Masters of the art such as former fighters or soldiers began teaching muay in training camps where students were provided with food and shelter. Trainees would be treated as one family and it was customary for students to adopt the camp's name as their own surname.After the occurrence of a death in the ring, King Rama the VII pushed for codified rules for Muay Thai, and they were put into place. These included the rules that the fighters should wear modern gloves and cotton coverlets over the feet and ankles. It was also around this time in the 1920s that the term Muay Thai became commonly used while the older form of the style was referred to as Muay Boran.

3.Legendary heroes

At the time of the fall of the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya in 1763, the invading Burmese troops rounded up a group of Thai residents and took them as prisoners. Among them were a large number of Thai boxers, who were taken by the Burmese to the city of Ungwa.In 1774, in the Burmese city of Rangoon, the king of the Burmese, Hsinbyushin (known in Thai as "King Mangra"), decided to organize a seven-day, seven-night religious festival in honor of Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment, such as the costume plays called likay, comedies and farces, and sword-fighting matches. At one point, King Hsinbyushin wanted to see how Muay Boran would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei. Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. The boxing ring was set up in front of the throne and Nai Khanom Tom did a traditional Wai Kru pre-fight dance, to pay his respects to the Burmese king, as well as for all the spectators, dancing around his opponent, which amazed and perplexed all the Burmese people. When the fight began, he charged out, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, pummeling his opponent until he collapsed.The referee however stated that the Burmese opponent was too distracted by the Wai Kru, and the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanom Tom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods in between. His last opponent was a great boxing teacher from Ya Kai City. Nai Khanom Tom mangled him by his kicks and no one else dared to challenge him any further.King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy. If he would have been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."King Mangra granted Nai Khanom Tom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanom Tom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's.Today, some have wrongly attributed the legend of "Nai Khanom Tom" to King Naresuan, who was once taken by the Burmese. However, Nai Khanom Tom and King Naresuan were almost two centuries apart.

4.Present-day

Muay ThaiAt an ASEAN meeting in 1995, Thailand wanted to rename Southeast Asian kickboxing as Muay Thai or Thai Boxing. The Cambodians proposed to rename the sport as "Suwannaphum" boxing or "SEA Boxing", which represented Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Suwannaphum means "golden land" in both the Khmer and Thai which came from the language of Pali and refers to mainland Southeast Asia. "SEA" is a popular acronym referring to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, Thailand would not compromise.

Muay Thai Traditional and ceremonies

Muay Thai ceremonies

For anyone wishing to learn Muay Thai boxing some knowledge at least of the art’s unique and rich traditions is essential. For those intent on becoming professional fighters or trainers the precepts and ethics involved must become an integral part of their daily lives. These traditions are devout but independent of any specific religion and so they are accessible to all. The precise details of the ceremonies differ according to the traditions of the Muay Thai training camp or teacher involved. In whatever form, these ceremonies are very powerful and moving. They are designed to make a permanent impression on the minds of participants, helping to stiffen their resolve.

Wai Kru (respect to teachers)

Thais always hold their teachers to very high esteem, no matter what discipline they have embarked on. Parents are believed to be everyone’s original teachers and a special bond is believed to exist between those who study under the same teacher, which is regarded as being parallel to kinship. Wai Kru is an ancient Thai custom. It is a demonstration of respect and gratitude. There are a number of forms of the Wai Kru ceremony in Muay Thai.
Initiation as a trainee fighter

A boxer’s Muay Thai training and his relationship with his trainer are highly ritualised. When students seek knowledge from their teacher they first offer symbols of respect such as candles, incense and flowers. During the ritual Muay Thai fighters raise their hands in a Wai (as you would in the West to pray). Students pledge in front of their teacher that they will be diligent, hardworking and will respect and obey their teacher. The teacher officially accepts the student and promises to instruct them to the best of his abilities.

A Muay Thai boxers oath

I will ensure that I am clean, strong and behave with honesty and integrity.I will not bully those weaker than myself. I will undertake good deeds to the benefit of others and be loyal to the nationI will avoid causing trouble of any kind.We will be united and help one another whenever possible.

Homage Paying Ceremony

This ceremony is held annually throughout Thailand in schools, universities and other places of learning. Teachers and students gather together inviting past teachers to attend. The ceremony involves all the usual symbols of honour and respect. For Muay Thai the ceremony, which requires trainee fighters to show their respect and gratitude for their trainers is usually held on Muay Thai day (17th March).

Fighters get a new name

When a Muay Thai boxer is considered ready for the ring, he is given a new name, usually with the name of his Muay Thai training camp as his surname.

Approaching the ring

Thai people traditionally believe that unseen spirits inhabit everywhere. For this reason it is necessary to perform special rites before entering a Muay Thai boxing ring asking the spirits permission to do so, propitiating them and destroying any evil that may be lurking their. The ritual is thought to protect the fighter and lead him to victory. During this ritual a fighter will determine through which nostril the breath is flowing more freely. He will take his first step (avoiding the bottom stair) with the foot of that side, for good luck.

The Ram Muay ritual dance

The special relationship between a Muay Thai boxer and his trainer are gracefully expressed during the Ram Muay (a Muay Thai boxing dance) that precedes every Muay Thai match. This tradition goes back to ancient times and is a further demonstration of the fighter’s respect and gratitude. Official Muay Thai regulations specify that both fighters must perform the Ram Muay before every bout. The Ram Muay is an aesthetic, dance-like ritual, which usually lasts about five minutes and is done through a series of gestures and movements performed in rhythm to ringside musical accompaniment. The Ram Muay developed differently in various regions under different teachers. Two fighters performing identical Ram Muay rituals would know they studied under the same teacher or came from the same school, and so would not fight together. There are no rigid rules regarding the performance of the Ram Muay. You should stick to your teacher’s guidelines. taken from the Ramakien ( a Thai epic closely based on the Hindu Ramayana). Wearing the traditional Mongkon haedbands created from written monk's prayers that are wrapped in silk thread, the boxer move gracefully in the center of the ring, bowing in all directions. The dance is a mark of respect for the boxer's trainer and parents. As Niamh explains, "It also serves to calm a fighter so she can take possession of the ring and feel safe there." Supposedly in the past you could tell which gym a fighter came from on the basis of the style of the dance. Nowadays this is no longer true.

The Muay Thai contest begins

At the end of the Ram Muay, Muay Thai fighters return to their own corners. They go to the centre of the ring to be briefed by the referee regarding the rules and then return to their own corners for removal of the head circlet (mongkon). On completion of this ritual the Muay Thai contest can begin.

Muay Thai fight music

The sarama or musical accompaniment to Muay Thai matches is a sound recognised as a symbol of deference and respect. This rhythmic music accompanies the Ram Muay as well as the contest itself. The music is performed by four musicians each playing either one of two kinds of oboe, a pair of Thai drums or symbols. The tempo of the music varies. During the Ram Muay it is slow and stately to match the mood of the smooth and flowing ritual. When the fight commences the tempo is increased. At moments of excitement during a match it becomes frenetic. The music increases the atmosphere of the event and urges fighters to try even harder.

Muay Thai amulets

Amulets are sacred and highly respected items believed to bestow blessings and protection. All Muay Thai fighters must use the mongkon, a head circlet, which is worn until completion of the Ram Muay ritual dance, and the prajed, a woven armband. The prajed contains a small Buddha image and is worn throughout the match.

Muay Thai Master tricks

Mae Mai Muay Thai (Muay Thai Master tricks) is the major fighting styles regarded as basic movements in Thai kickboxing. The trainees of Muay Thai kickboxing must learn and practice these techniques before training Look Mae Mai Muay Thai, which are more detailed movements of Thai kickboxing. These master tricks are consisted of 15 movements as follow:

1.Salab Fan Pla (Cross-switch)

This master trick is the main movement or the basic trick used for defensive or to escape from the opponent’s straight punch by stepping out the armed-circle lets the punch passed by the face.
The attacker throws the straight left fist to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive escapes by stepped the right foot obliquely right side 1 step and always the body to the right side about 60 degrees the weight on the right foot, the right leg bent a little, in order to away the head and the body out and escapes from the attacker’s punch. Then pounces on the upper part of the arm with the right hand and catches the attack’s wrist with the left hand then turns front wrist up (This action is similar to break the hand)

2. Paksa Waeg Rang

Defenses in-circle : This master trick is the teacher’s trick (or the basic trick) to move in and used another tricks.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face then steps the left foot forwards.
The defender stepped hurry forwards oblique to a half of the left side in the opponent’s left arm and swaying the body about 60 degrees the weight on the left foot then bent the both arms to counter the upper part and the lower part of the attacker’s arm, the both fists close to each other (similar to put the palms of the hands together in salute), the elbows open about 1 span (25 centimeters), the head and the face are covered by the both arms then glanced towards the opponent’s right punch.

3. Chawa Sad Hok

Elbow out-circle : This master trick is the main basic to escape from the straight punch by Stepped out and counter by throwing the elbow.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive steps hurriedly, then always the body about 30 degrees to a half of the right, the weight on the right foot, bent the left arm then striked the elbow to the attacker’s rib.

4. Inao Thang Grit

This muster skill-is the main basic technique deface the straighten punch And uses the elbow closes to the body in-circle.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face then stepped forwards.
The defensive steps quickly with the left foot forwards then the body always about 60 degrees to the nearly left side the weight on the left foot, penet the right elbow parallel to the floor and threw it to the attacker’s rib.

5. Yo Khao Prasumaru

Throws the down punch to the chin, bent the body 45 degrees
This Mae Mai Muay Thai used for defense the straight punch by bending the body down at close quarters lets the punch passed over the head then threw up the punch to the chin.
The attacker throws the straight right punch to the defensive’s face and steps with the right foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive steps quickly with the left foot and slightly lowers the left knee while the right stays straight, and bends the body down forwards about 45 degrees weight on the left foot, at the same time throws up the right punch under the attacker’s chin. Turns the head back to look at the attacker’s chin while skill holds the left arm guard up on the front of the chin.

6. Ta Then Kham Fak

Throws the high punch to the chin, bend the body 60 degrees.
This master skill is the main basic used for defense the punch to the chin technique and push the attackers first away with your arm.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face. Steps the left foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive steps the left foot of forwards to the half right to the attacker closed quarters, bending the right arm to push the left punches out. Bends the left knees a little and throws up a left punch to the attacker’s chin.

7. Mon Yan Lak

Defense the punch by throwing the kick .
It is the important master skill. This Mae Mai used to defense the fists by throwing a kick to the top of the chest or abdomen.
The attacker throws the straight left punch and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive always out wards to the right about 45 degrees, the weight on the right foot. Bends the both arms to guard the face, at the same time throws the left foot to the top of the chest of the abdomen of the attacker to push him away.

8. Pak Look Thoy

Defense the kick with the elbow.
This master skill use for defense against the kick by throwing the elbow to the shin.
The attacker stands in kicking distance and throws the right kick to the defensive’s rib the defensive Bends the body a little and bends the both arm to guard the face.
The defensive then always the body to the left then steps the left foot to the back. Bends the right arm and holds up to strike the attacker’s kick. While still guarding the face with the left arm.

9. Jarakhe Fad Hang

Defense the punch by kick .
This master skill used when the opponent throws the punch to the wrong target and loses his balance, then turns the body to kick by swinging the heel back.
The attacker throws the straight left and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive is quick to jumping with right foot to half right in order to escaped the attacker’s punch. Bends the arm to guard the face. Stands on the left foot and turns the body to kick at the abdomen or head with the right heel.

10. Hak Nguang Aiyara
Throws the elbow to the thigh.
This master trick used for counter the kick by throwing the elbow to the thigh.
The attacker throws the right kick to the defensive’s rib, bends the both arms to guard the face.
The defensive is hurry to stepped the right foot forwards closed to the attacker. Turns the rib to the left, bends the right knee, while the left was straight, then catches the attacker’s right foot with left hand and pulls it up, strikes the right elbow to the attacker’s ham and holds the attacker’s right foot on the high to lost the balance in order to defense the attacker’s elbow.

11. Naka Bid Hang

Twists the leg and strikes the knee to the calf.
This master trick use to defense the kick by catching the tip of the foot With the both hands and twist it, then throws the knee to the leg.
The attacker throws the right foot to the defensive’s rib, bends the arm to guard the face.
The defensive is hurry away to the left, the weight on the left foot, grasps the attacker heel with the left hand and grasps the tip of the foot twisted outwards then throws the right knee to the attacker’s calf at the same time.

12. Viroon Hok Glab

To counter the kick by throwing a kick.
This master trick use to counter the kick by throwing the heel to the ham.
The attacker raises the left foot kick to the defensive’s rib.
The defensive is quick to throw the left foot to the left ham of the attacker, While holding on the both arms to guard the face. The kicking must do in rapidly and strongly to stroked the attacker turned back and lost his balance.

13. Dab Chawala

Grapes the punch and throws the fist.
This master technique used for defense the straight punch by throwing the fist to the face.
The attacker throws the left punch to the defensive’s face, steps the left foot forwards and guards the chin with the right arm.
The defensive steps the right foot forwards to a half right escape from the attacker’s left punch, turns the body to right side. Grabs and pressed down the attacker’ left arm and throws the left punch to the face then jumps to a half right side.

14. Khuanyak Jab Ling

Defense - fists - kick - elbow.
This master trick is the very important trick use for defense the opponent who is the quickly fighter by throwing the punch kick and elbow continually. To training is deviled into 3 parts.

Part one : The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive steps the left foot hurriedly forwards close to the attacker’ face. Wipes the attacker’ left hand out by the right arm.
Part two : The attacker throws the right foot to the defensive’s rib.
The defensive hurry to away the body to the back estimates half of the left by stepping the left foot. Then ducking to throw the right elbow to the right thigh of the attacker.
Part three : The attacker beuds the right arms and throws the elbow to the defensive’s head.
The defensive quickly bends the arm into his guard to wipe the attacker’s elbow and hurries to away the body and step back wards to the back about a half step.

15. Hak Kor Erawan

Pulls the neck downs and throws the knee.
The attacker throws the straight left punch and steps the left foot forwards towards the attacker and inserts the right arm to grab the attacker’ left arm, then jumping to jerk the attacker’ neck down and throw the knee to the face.

muay thai stuffs

Professional boxer's Outfit

The prescribed items for a professional fighter are: Boxing gloves, Muay Thai shorts, groin guard, hand-wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajiad and ankle supports to prevent strains.

Main stuffs of Professional boxer

Amateur Boxer's Outfit

Essential items for amateur fighters nowadays include:Gloves, vest, shorts, groin protector, hand wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajiad, ankle supports, elbow guards, protective head guard, body protector and shin guards.

Ancient Muay Thai Part II

The History behind Muay Thai

We all know about the ring sport called "Muay Thai" or "Thai Boxing", its explosive and devastating techniques have thrilled audiences worldwide and ensured its popularity, but where did this sport come from, where are its origins?

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 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 we provide a list of the most popular styles of "Muay Kaad Chuak". This section will attempt to explain the defining characteristics of each style along with additional background information.

Paak Tai - Southern Styles

Muay Chaiya

Muay Chaiya is the style of the South, created in Chaiya city in the province of Surathani in the South of Thailand. The style was created by a soldier named Por Tan Mar from Bangkok who eventually became a monk in the temple of Wat Tung Jab Chang in Chaiya city, where he remained until his death.

It was during his monkhood that Ajarn Por Tan Mar developed the Muay Chaiya style. He taught the style to the governor of Chaiya ("Praya Vajisata Ya Rat") named "Kam Sriyaphai". The governor had a son called "Kiet Sriyaphai" who learnt Muay Chaiya from his father. Kiet Sriyaphai also learnt other styles from 12 different Ajarn's. He was to become the Master of Muay Chaiya. The last Ajarn of Kiet Sriyaphai was the famous Ajarn Kimsaing who was master of the Paak Klang style.

One of the best students of Ajarn Kiet Sriyaphai, Kruu Tong, has taught many Thai people who are still living today.

It is believed that the style of Muay Chaiya is more than 250 years old. The Muay Chaiya stance is very low and compact, with the center of gravity between the legs. Both knees are bent and all the joints are facing forward, ready to be used as a shield against any incoming attack. In Muay Chaiya, the fists are placed one higher than the other, facing upwards. Proponents of the style usually lead with the right side of the body but can use both sides very well.

Muay Chaiya specializes in blocking with the elbows and knees. Every leg or arm is bent, even when the boxer attacks. Limbs are never extended completely. Some people call it the "Durian Style", named after a fruit covered in very sharp spikes.

The footwork is fast and smooth, and sometimes the body weight is placed entirely on one leg. The Muay Chaiya boxer often moves in a springing motion. The attacks are very quick and come as a series of machine-gun like blows coming from all angles. Muay Chaiya is considered by some teachers to be a hybrid style. This is because the person who developed the style, Ajarn Por Tan Mar, brought the style from Bangkok.

The Muay Chaiya style was developed by a monk, so the style carries many Buddhist concepts amongst its teachings. The Muay Chaiya boxers were trained in meditation and the Thamma (teachings of the Buddha).

The Muay Chaiya boxers wrap only their hands as they want make their primary weapon, the elbow, as effective as possible.

Muay Maa Yang

Muay Maa Yang is another less well known southern style of Muay Thai. The name "Maa Yang" translated from Thai means "The Horse's Walk". The master of this style was called Kruu Tankee.

The classic stance of this style has the boxer with one leg raised up in a guard position, with the same hand held close to the hip, the other hand in front of the face also in a guard position.
Kruu Tankee was well known for his cruelty whilst fighting, so was not a well liked teacher. One story has Kruu Tankee removing the eye of his opponent Kruu Noree (Muay Chaiya Style) who broke Kruu Tankee's forehead with a jumping kick. Kruu Noree continued to fight after losing his eye, but later died of a hemorrhage related to his injuries.

Paak Eesaan - The eastern style

Muay Korat

Muay Korat is named after the place where the style originated; Na Khorat Rachasima which is located in the center of Thailand towards the east. The style of Muay Korat appears to the public around the time of King Rama IV (date needed), but perhaps the Korat people have had this style for more than a thousand years.

The governor of the city of Na Khorat Rachasima, Phra Hemsamahan was since we know the transmitter of Muay Korat. Phra Hensamahan teach the style to Deng Thaiprasert who became the first fighter to represent the Korat style fighting in front of the King, and winning the competition acquiring the title of "Muan Changat Cherng Chok", meaning "The King's Champion".

Another student of the art, taught by Phra Hemsamahan, was Kruu Bua Wathim. This is considered the real master of the Muay Korat system. Kruu Bua became a soldier and taught cadets in the Army all his life. His real name was Kruu Bua Ninarcha, meaning "The Black Horse".

Muay Korat is considered to be the Muay Thai of the East. The stance in Muay Korat is quite different from other styles. The stance is quite long and very narrow with both feet almost in one line, both pointing forward. The hands are placed one in front of the other, lined up together in front of the nose. The front, or lead leg is straight and the knee is locked. The back leg is also straight, tensed and ready to kick upwards, or to use footwork to change the angle against the opponent. The back leg heel is also up off the floor. The body's center of gravity is close to the front leg with the head positioned over the front foot, body leaning forward.

Muay Korat kicks and punches are completely straight. The kick travels in an upwards arc, twisting a little bit to reach your opponents head or neck.

This style of Muay Thai prefers to intercept an attack by simultaneous block and strike, or to choose to evade an attack by moving out of range. Rarely does the Korat style teach students to block and then attack. The kind of footwork used is "Suua Yang", which means "Tiger Walk". These techniques are closely guarded. The most powerful weapon in Muay Korat is called "Viang Kwai", means "Swing of the Buffalo". This technique is executed after a kick and uses the knuckles to strike the opponent behind the ear. Another famous attack is called "Taa Krut" which is used as a counter-attack, launching two strikes simultaneously.

In ancient times, the boxers of Muay Korat followed a Buddhist Code known as "Sin Haa", the five precepts. Meditation was a very important part of their training, followed by a strong respect for seniors and the golden rule of not to fight in the ring with other Muay Korat boxers.
Paak Klang (The central style of Muay Thai, also known as Bangkok Style)

Muay Paak Klang is the Bangkok or central style. Perhaps Muay Lopburi was part of Muay Paak Klang.

The master of this famous style was "Ajarn Kimsaing" who was from Ayuthaya. Ajarn Kimsaing learned Muay Ayuthaya from Kruu Kiao. He then moved to Bangkok to study international boxing and Muay Paak Klang with "Luang Vitsam Darunkon".

The stance in Muay Paak Klang is not so wide. The arms are held low and the fists are clenched facing upwards. Both arms are placed at the same height, parallel to each other pointing forward, with the left hand held forward slightly.

Sometimes the front foot is held off the ground, extended outwards, but pointing down towards the opponent. The footwork in this style is very interesting; when the Muay Paak Klang boxer steps, his feet come together with his hands held in front of his face in a high guard position, then the boxer steps outward again, feet separating and the guard lowering again.

The style is sometimes known as the "Ghost steps" as Muay Paak Klang boxers move so quickly and smoothly with little effort, seemingly covering ground in many places at the same time.

The master of this style, Ajarn Kimsaing was the last Ajarn of the very famous teacher of the Muay Chaiya style; Ajarn Kiet Sriyaphai.

Muay Paak Klang boxers wrap their hands down to the middle of the forearm.

Paak Klang - Muay Lopburi

This style born in the Ayuthaya Period when King Narai was on the throne. At this time a lot of foreigners were working with the King, so it is believed that Ajarn Muun Men Mat learned deadly skills from them.

The typical stance of Muay Lopburi looks almost identical to that of a western boxer around the 1900's, the classic upright stance with both arms extended outwards, both forearms pointing forwards. This style is based in very accurate and deadly punches. The most dangerous weapons of Muay Lopburi were the upper cuts to the opponents adam's apple and the thumb strikes to the eyes. This style was nominated as one of the most clever and tricky styles of the era. Sometimes the boxers would fake an injury waiting for an opportunity to attack. Some say that this style was part of another style called "Muay Paak Klang" or the central style.

Muay Lopburi wrapped the arm only halfway in cotton twine, and sometimes no wraps were used.

Sadly, this style has been lost completely. The premier Ajarn (teacher) of this dangerous style was called "Muun Men Mat", meaning "Ten Thousand Accurate Punches". Legend has it that Ajarn Muun Men Mat didn't teach Thai people his art because in one of his last fights he killed a man with a fatal blow. After this he decided to stop teaching and lived in a Buddhist Temple helping Monks. This was in the Ayuthaya Period.

Paak Klang - Muay Ayuthaya

The master of the Muay Ayuthaya style is called "Kruu Kiao", which means "the green teacher". He was from Ayuthaya and was the teacher of Ajarn Kinsaing who later became the master of Muay Paak Klang.

One of the characteristics of this style is the stance of the boxer, who has the left shoulder raised up, close to the chin, protecting the face. Muay Ayuthaya used to attack with two weapons at the same time in order to counter other styles effectively. One of the most common counters against Muay Chaiya was left-roundkick and a short chopping downward right-cross.

This style was not very famous but became well known because the master of Muay Paak Klang learned Muay Ayuthaya before going to Bangkok.

Paak Nuua (The northern style of Muay Thai)

Paak Nuua - Muay Lampang

In the era of King Rama V when the Lanna Kingdom (the northern most provinces) was united with, and became part of the Kingdom of Siam (later to become Thailand), legislation prohibited the practise of martial arts in the north. While people in Bangkok were permitted to train with weapons, people in the north (Lanna) could not, and so with time these skills dissapeared from the area.

Muay Paak Nuua boxers were famous for having extensive knowledge about vital points in the body. Muay Lampang boxers would often strike using the hands in a pincer-like action, grabbing and exerting pressure on vulnerable parts of the body.

Paak Nuua - Muay Uttaradit

Muay Ta Sao is an style of Muay with witch Phraya Pichai Daab Haak defeat many opponents.The guard in the Muay Ta Sao is long and the weight it goes in the back, so the front foot is barely touching the floor. It is a fast and quick style were the long range is preferred when fighting. The front hand is far from the face and the front shoulder is elevated, the rear hand is lower resting on the side of the mandible. The stance is almost sideways and the feet are positioned one in front of the other.The main philosophy in the Muay Ta Sao style is to finished the opponent as soon as possible; His attacks are extremely explosive and effective.
In the city of Uttaradit this style is still alive today. Some low profile schools are hidden in the outskirts but practice goes everyday. They don’t teach foreigners except under special circumstances. And it is almost impossible to find them. Don’t try without invitation. They are very strict about their knowledge.

New Styles of Muay Thai

In Thailand today, newer styles have been developed from these ancient styles mentioned above. Muay Chaiyut, Muay Nawarat and Muay Sangha are some of them.

Ancient Muay Thai Part I

"Muay Boran" means Thai Boxing old-style.

Muay Boran literally means ancient boxing, or boxing old-style. It is a traditional form of Muay Thai still taught in Thailand. As Muay Thai boxing became standardised and internationalised, absorbing many elements of Western boxing some looked back fondly to the days of fewer rules and Muay Kaad Chuek (bound-fist fighting). And so, Muay Boran is essentially an effort to preserve the boxing techniques from Muay Thai's history before the introduction of formalised rules and gloves in the 1930s. Muay Boran is the predecessor to modern day Muay Thai boxing.

Many other ancient techniques are now forbidden in Muay Thai for safety reasons.Even in Thailand it is difficult to find school's that teach Muay Boran. Most camps and gyms prefer to focus on modern Muay Thai, which is more easily exploitable as a form of income. Some schools outside of Thailand who claim to offer Muay Boran instruction simply teach Muay Thai and sell it under the name of Muay Boran.

Muay Kaad Chuek - No gloves boxing

During the Ayuthaya era came the introduction of Muay Kaad Chuek. That is the use of unrefined hemp wrappings to protect the fingers and wrists. A length of around 20 metres was enough to bind one hand. The use of Muay Kaad Chuek quickly spread, as a bound fist is tougher, stronger and better protected against injury than an unbound one. It is said that before a contest fighters immersed their fists in water. This would cause the binding to harden when it dried, making it capable of producing serious injury. Some people go further and claim that fighters dipped their hands in glue and ground glass. Such a contest would certainly have made a gory sight! To this day an annual Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Laos is held in Nong Khai near the NE border with Laos, on the Thai side of the Mekong River. A Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Burma is staged in the Mae Sot, western Thailand, during the Sonkran (Thai New Year) festivities (April 12-14). Boxers fight until knockout. If both competitors remain standing at the end of the bout a match is declared a draw.

The Battlefield

Historically, the purpose of Muay Thai was to help a warrior survive a battle. It's style is efficient in that it maximizes the damage the body's natural weapons can impact on an opponent. Muay Boran emphasizes combinations of powerful elbow and knee techniques thrown at full force and speed, the idea being to completely overcome one's adversary as quickly as possible.

Muay Thai - Wai khru

Wai khru ram muay (Muay Thai Traditional Dance) is an action of respect in Thai culture that is performed by participants in Muay Thai competitions. Wai is an action of Thais to show respect to others by putting the hands together like in prayer. Khru means teacher. Ram means dance in the old Thai traditional style. Muay means boxing. Usually Thais prefer to call it short Ram Muay or Wai Khru. Ram Muay is the way to show respect to the teachers and the trainers. Also, in past muay Thai was usually fought in front of the king, so Ram Muay was also to apologize to the King for the brutality in fighting.
The fighter first performs the Wai Khru, circling the ring three times before kneeling and bowing three times as a sign of respect to God and man. He also bows to Buddha to ask for protection for himself and his opponent and for an honourable fight.
The fighter then performs the Ram Muay, whose simple movements demonstrate a fighter's control and style. Each fighter performs the Ram Muay on each side of the ring to demonstrate his prowess to the audience. The Ram Muay is a personal ritual, ranging from the very complex to the very simple, and often contains clues about who trained the fighter and where the fighter is from.
The practitioner may wear a headband called a Mong Kon and armbands known as Pra Jiad during the ceremony, and the Ram Muay may be accompanied by music. The Mong Kon is unique to Thai boxing and not worn in Cambodia or Burma.

Special Muay Thai Suit

The "Spirit of Fighting" won best national costume

Miss Thailand 2008 Gavintra Photijak wears national costume, which the costume was inspired by traditional muaythai style and called the "Spirit of Fighting" by Thai student Sathapat Moonma, a senior-year architecture student from Khon Kaen Univerisity. Thailand's Gavina came out stage perform in Wai-Kru , Cherng, Kon and Mae mai muaythai, which won the best national costume award at the 57th Miss Universe pageant at the Lions Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Despite final Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, 22, won the title.

Muay Thai Stadiums

Lumpinee Stadium



Lumpini Stadium, located to the east of Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road, is one of Bangkok's major boxing stadiums. Bouts at Lumpini are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.00 pm, and twice on Saturdays at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm. It is easy to tell when a fight is in progress by the hundreds of motorcycles parked outside on the road. Ticket prices vary according to the seating and are astronomically more expensive for foreigners.

Rajadamnoen Stadium

The Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue near the TAT office is another major boxing stadium in Bangkok. They hold bouts on Mondays at 5.00 and 9.00 pm, Wednesdays at 6.00 pm, Thursdays at 6.00 pm, and Sundays at 5.00 pm. There are also practice bouts held at 2.00 pm on Sundays. Tickets vary in price depending on the seating. And as at Lumpinee foreigners are expected to subsidise the event through high ticket prices. The area in the immediate vicinity of Ratchadamnoen Stadium has some of the city's best Isaan (northeastern) food, with popular dishes such as 'som tam' (spicy papaya salad) and 'kai yang' (grilled chicken).

Samrong stadium

The smaller Samrong stadium is in Samut Prakan province, just east of Bangna District in Bangkok. Bouts are held on Sundays and Fridays at 8.30 pm. The cards here are generally smaller than the main stadiums at Rajadamnoen and Lumpinee.search this site

Muay Thai and Massage

Thai massage is an extensive and highly refined system which combines characteristics of European massage (kneading the muscles), chiropractic (manipulating the skeletal parts) and acupressure (applying deep, consistent pressure to specific nerves, tendons and ligaments) in order to balance the functions of the body. It is an ancient form of healing which originates from the time of Buddha. The theoretical basis of Thai massage lies in the theory of energy lines running through the body. Working on these energy lines helps to remove blockages and allows free flow of energy through the body to balance the body's energy system. The work displays an inherent knowledge of the inner workings of the body, a knowledge that developed over centuries of practice and has been passed down by oral tradition.

Types of sports massage

There are two types of Thai massage related to sports massage:

***Therapeutic sport massage assists recovery from injuries and is essential to a Muay Thai boxer who may have received injuries during a bout or in training. Thai massage unblocks lymph or blood vessel blockages, clearing away waste products and so reducing scarring and aiding healing.

***Stimulating sport massage is part of the warm-up procedure to prepare the body for vigorous exercise. A Muay Thai boxer should be vigorously massaged before entering the ring. Properly applied, massage benefits the boxer both physically and psychologically. It relaxes the mind reducing worry and anxiety. Sport massage will also stimulate the nervous system to help make the Thai boxer fast and accurate.

Muay Thai training tips

There has been a tendancy over recent years for Muay Thai boxers to rely heavily on strength and power, and to engage in a style of fighting which invloves an exchange of blows. This is a trend which many groups in Thailand wish to counter in the fear that the genuine art of Muay Thai Boxing is in danger of disappearing. At Muay Thai Boxing Camp we stress the importance of learning the proper Muay Thai techniques in order that you learn to fight with intelligence, increasing your chances of success and reducing the risk of injury.

If you wish to learn Muay Thai Kickboxing you must train under the supervision of a qualified Muay Thai instructor. Training alone at home with a long kicking bag will help maintain fitness and develop endurance and conditioning, but provides no way to test the effectiveness of your techniques. Your Muay Thai skills will never improve by training exclusively in this way.

Muay Thai training is an ongoing programme. It is hard work and the martial art will take a long time to master. You will need discipline to achieve a high level of proficiency, and superior dedication is required to achieve consistent success in the ring. That being said, a basic understanding of Muay Thai techniques is easily grasped and anybody can enjoy and benefit from Muay Thai training sessions. To progress you must train regularly, but remember to take at least one day off from your Muay Thai training every week.

To perform Muay Thai techniques correctly you need a solid foundation of Muay Thai basics. At first take things slowly and focus on the proper body movements. Take your time and focus on perfecting the Muay Thai techniques being taught; you will avoid picking up poor training habits which may be difficult to correct later on. As a Muay Thai boxer you will need to develop excellent balance, coordination, perfect timing, pin-point accuracy, speed and power. During Muay Thai training try to concentrate at all times, maintaining a constant state of readiness. Stamina is also very important. But above all a Muay Thai boxer needs experience. This experience comes from many rounds of free sparring and competition.

***Muay Thai sparring tips

***Tips on attitude

***Aspects of Muay Thai training

Muay Thai sparring tips

Free sparring with a partner is an essential element of Muay Thai training. Through sparring you can correct your Muay Thai techniques and find out which techniques work. During sparring try to use the full repetoire of techniques familiar to you. The Muay Thai techniques you find difficult should be used more often. The more you practice, the more you build confidence, perfecting your techniques at the same time. During Muay Thai training sparring is always controlled. This is especially true if your opponent is lighter than you, less experienced, lacks confidence or is younger. You must control your power, use light contact and make a note of which techniques do or do not work. Control your temper and fight carefully. If you are sparring by rounds, do not start the sparring session too intensely. Pace youself. Learn by watching other Muay Thai competitors, and study what is effective in real competition.

Tips on attitude

You must be humble, conduct yourself well and be ready to learn. A martial artist needs a good mental attitude. Prepare your mind and body to get through the hard training. You must be determined. Muay Thai fighters must expect some punishment or injury, you will need a strong desire to achieve your goal. Whatever Muay Thai training routine you follow be realistic about your limitations and be patient. Everyone is different and it will take time for you to discover your individual strengths, and then learn how to exploit those strengths and compensate for your weaknesses. Above all else, relax and enjoy what you are doing. Try to approach your training with a sense of fun and levity. Remember also that there are many variations to the Muay Thai techniques and styles depending upon the Muay Thai trainer, where he comes from and who his teachers were. Listen to your instructor, listen to your body and you will soon discover all that Muay Thai training has to offer you.

Aspects of Muay Thai training

Warm up / Cool down

It is important to run, skip or bounce on old truck tyres (which is helps improve balance) for at least 15 minutes as a warm up to begin every Muay Thai training session. The idea is to build up a sweat and prepare your body for the vigorous exercise to follow. It is not necessary to spend an excessive amount of time in stretching during Muay Thai training unless you are trying to achieve an extreme level of flexibility or are unusually stiff. A suitable routine of around 15 minutes will prepare your muscles for training. And don't forget to do some gentle warm down exercises at the end of each Muay Thai training session. This will help your joints to remain supple. A proper warm up and cool down routine will protect you from injury.

Running

Running is essential to develop stamina and toughen the legs. Running is best done in the early morning and should vary in distance day by day. At least one day a week should be a rest day. Try to avoid running on concrete roads or pavements, though it is not the end of the world if this is your only option. Be careful when running on uneven surfaces and wear good shoes. Running on sand and in shallow water can be good occasionally. Steadily increase the distance you run each day. If you are not fit enough to run, then begin with a brisk walk and steadily build up. Don't use a lack of fitness to delay your start on Muay Thai training. Joining a club will help with motivation.

Skipping

Skipping is an integral part of Muay Thai training, it is an excellent way to warm up the body if you are not running, and also helps develop stamina and co-ordination. Skip by rounds, keep your mind relaxed and alert. When skipping hop from one foot to the other - don't bounce on two feet.

Shadow Boxing

Shadow boxing is essential to learning the proper Muay Thai technique. Shadow boxing in front of a mirror allows you to observe and correct your movements. When shadow boxing do not shorten the punch or kick, remember to use your full range of movement. Even top level Muay Thai fighters begin their training routine with a shadow boxing warm-up.

Free weights

Incorporate the use of dumb-bells into your Muay Thai training routine. It will help to build strength. Lighter weights with many repetitions is best. Free weights work better than fixed weight training machines as they do not limit your range of movement, but you need to train carefully to avoid injury. Training with very heavy weights is good for body building competitions, but not the best way to train for a Muay Thai fight. Normally Thai boxers do not want to increase their body weight.

Bag Work

Working on the hanging bags will build power and stamina into your kicks and punches as well as toughen your body. Kicking the bags often is the only sensible way to condition (that is de-sensitize) your shins. Aggressive methods of training such as using bottles or other very hard objects to condition the shins is not recommended, and also not neccesary. This kind of training may cause unnesseccary injury to the bones in your legs. At Horizon Thai Boxing camp we fill our bags with scraps of cloth, not sand which is very hard, though still expect some bruising (girls especially) if you are a novice.

Pad Work

As you progress in the art of Muay Thai boxing, you will learn to use the strikes learnt against Thai Pads. Your Muay Thai trainer wears a set of Thai pads, a stomach pad and shin guards which allows you to attack him as if he were an opponent. Full power striking of the Thai Pads is a tough part of Muay Thai training and an amazing workout. Pad work will develop your footwork, co-ordination and spatial awareness. Pad work is a very distinctive and essential part of Muay Thai training.

Speed ball

Use of the speed and punching balls will increase your co-ordination, and will help to build your shoulders necessary to maintain a strong guard.

Sparring

Once you have a comprehensive foundation in place you will be ready to participate in controlled sparring. This will form the major part of your Muay Thai training routine. At Horizon Thai Boxing Camp we have full protective gear available for use during Muay Thai training sessions.
Clinchwork
After demonstrating proficiency during Thai pads training, stand-up grappling techniques practised with a partner provides the final step between sparring and fighting. During this part of Muay Thai training you will learn to control your opponent by trying to lock his arms or neck in a clinch. From this position it is possible to deliver the knees, or knock your opponent to the floor. This is a very tough aspect of Muay Thai training. These drills are done at the end of each Muay Thai training session prior to the final shadow boxing warm down.

Muay Thai Rules

Know the Muay Thai Rules

The complete boxer must always remember that the winner of a Muay Thai bout is decided according to rules. He must know and strictly follow the rules of the Muay Thai competition.

All effective Muay Thai techniques score

To produce a good score the technique should have a visible effect on the opponent. It is not the number or variety of Muay Thai techniques, but their effectiveness that the judges are looking for, so it is possible to win using one Muay Thai technique exclusively. Judges are looking to award the fight to the strongest fighter. They are looking for evidence of the effect of Muay Thai techniques. And they are looking for mental and physical strength, and technical ability.

Muay Thai scoring rules

A panel of three judges decide at the end of each round if the round resulted in a draw (scores 10:10), a win by significant margin (score 10:9) or a win by undisputed margin (10:8). At the end of the match the score judges add up the points scored and nominate a winner to the referee. If there are three different votes (win, defeat, draw) at the end of the match the verdict is a draw.

Muay Thai rules of dress

Contestants must wear no shirt or shoes. The sacred headband (Mongkon) must be removed on completion of Ram Muay ritual dance, before the start of the bout. The application of any ointment or herb that may be repugnant to your opponent is prohibited. Hands should be wrapped with soft tape not longer than 12 yards and not wider than 2 inches. This can be taped into place.

Other Muay Thai rules

A Muay contest is divided into no more than five rounds. Each round is three minutes long, with a two minute rest period in between. Contestants must weigh in naked before the fight. Contestants must have been taught the art of Muay Thai boxing by a teacher. There must be a time keeper in every contest. Contesnats must complete the Ram Muay before the bout can begin.

Weight divisions

Fly weight up to 112 lbs
Bantam weight up to 118 lbs
Feather weight up to 126 lbs
Light weight up to 135 lbs
Welter weight up to147 lbs
Middle weight up to up to 160 lbs
Heavy weight over 175 lb

Muay Thai Conditioning

Like most competitive full contact fighting sports, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on body conditioning. Muay Thai is specifically designed to promote the level of fitness and toughness required for ring competition. Training regimens include many staples of combat sport conditioning such as running, shadowboxing, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, medicine ball exercises, abdominal exercises, and in some cases weight training. Muay Thai practitioners typically apply Namman Muay liberally before and after their intense training sessions.
Training that is specific to a Muay Thai fighter includes training with coaches on Thai pads, focus mitts, heavy bag, and sparring. The daily training includes many rounds (3-5 minute periods broken up by a short rest, often 1–2 minutes) of these various methods of practice. Thai pad training is a cornerstone of Muay Thai conditioning which involves practicing punches, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes with a trainer wearing thick pads which cover the forearms and hands. These special pads are used to absorb the impact of the fighter’s strikes and allow the fighter to react to the attacks of the pad holder. The trainer will often also wear a belly pad around the abdominal area so that the fighter can attack with straight kicks or knees to the body at anytime during the round.
Focus mitts are specific to training a fighter’s hand speed, punch combinations, timing, punching power, defense, and counter-punching and may also be used to practice elbow strikes. Heavy bag training is a conditioning and power exercise that reinforces the techniques practiced on the pads. Sparring is a means to test technique, skills, range, strategy, and timing against a partner. Sparring is often a light to medium contact exercise because competitive fighters on a full schedule are not advised to risk injury by sparring hard. Specific tactics and strategies can be trained with sparring including in close fighting, clinching and kneeing only, cutting off the ring, or using reach and distance to keep an aggressive fighter away.
Due to the rigorous fighting and training regimen (some Thai boxers fight almost every other week) professional Muay Thai fighters have relatively short careers in the ring. Many retire from competition to begin instructing the next generation of Thai fighters. It is a common myth that Thai boxing causes arthritis; this is not true, and it is in no way more damaging to the body than other sports such as karate or even running. Most professional Thai boxers come from the lower economic backgrounds, and the fight money (after the other parties get their cut) is sought as means of support for the fighters and their families. Very few higher economic strata Thais join the professional Muay Thai ranks; they usually either don't practice the sport or practice it only as amateur Muay Thai boxers.

Muay Thai techniques

In its original form, Muay Thai consisted of an arsenal of nine weapons - the head, fists, elbows, knees and feet - known collectively as na-wa arwud. However in modern Muay Thai, both amateur and professional, headbutting an opponent is no longer allowed.
To strike and bind the opponent for both offensive and defensive purposes, small amounts of stand-up grappling are used: the clinch. Formal Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: Mae Mai or major techniques and Luk Mai or minor techniques. Muay Thai is often a fighting art of attrition, where opponents exchange blows with one another. This is certainly the case with traditional stylists in Thailand, but is a less popular form of fighting in the contemporary world fighting circuit. With the success of Muay Thai in mixed martial arts fighting, it has become the de facto martial art of choice for competitive stand-up fighters. As a result, it has evolved and incorporated much more powerful hand striking techniques used in western style boxing and the Thai style of exchanging blow for blow is no longer favorable. Note: when Muay Thai fighters compete against fighters of other styles (and if the rules permit it), they almost invariably emphasize elbow (sok) and knee (kao) techniques to gain a distinct advantage in fighting. Almost all techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, rotating the hip with each kick, punch, elbow and block. The rotation of the hips in Muay Thai techniques, and intensive focus on "core muscles" (such as abdominal muscles and surrounding muscles) is very distinctive and is what sets Muay Thai apart from other styles of martial arts.

Punching (Chok)

The punch techniques in Muay Thai were originally quite simple being crosses and a long (or lazy) circular strike made with a straight (but not locked) arm and landing with the heel of the palm. Cross-fertilization with Western boxing and western martial arts mean the full range of western boxing punches are now used: jab, straight right/cross, hook, uppercut, shovel and corkscrew punches and overhands as well as hammer fists and back fists.
As a tactic, body punching is used less in Muay Thai than most other striking martial arts to avoid exposing the attacker's head to counter strikes from knees or elbows. To utilise the range of targeting points, in keeping with the Theory of Muay Thai - Centre Line, the advocate can use either Western or Thai stance which allows for either long range or short range attacks to be undertaken effectively without compromising guard.

Elbow (Tee sok)

The elbow can be used in several ways as a striking weapon: horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying. From the side it can be used as either a finishing move or as a way to cut the opponent's eyebrow so that blood might block his vision. The blood also raises the opponent's awareness of being hurt which could affect his performance. This is the most common way of using the elbow. The diagonal elbows are faster than the other forms, but are less powerful. The uppercut and flying elbows are the most powerful, but are slower and easier to avoid or block. The downward elbow is usually used as a finishing move. There is also a distinct difference between a single elbow and a follow-up elbow. The single elbow is an elbow move independent from any other move, whereas a follow-up elbow is the second strike from the same arm, being a hook or straight punch first with an elbow follow-up. Such elbows, and most other elbows, are used when the distance between fighters becomes too small and there is too little space to throw a hook at the opponent's head. Elbows can also be utilised to great effect as blocks or defences against, for example, spring knees, side body knees, body kicks or punches.

Kicking (Teh)

The two most common kicks in Muay Thai are known as the teep (literally "foot jab,"), and the Teh(kick)chiang (kicking upwards in the shape of a triangle cutting under the arm and ribs) or angle kick. The Muay Thai angle kick has been widely adopted by fighters from other martial arts and is considered one of or the most powerful kicks in martial arts.[citation needed] The angle kick uses a rotational movement of the entire body. The angle kick is superficially similar to a karate roundhouse kick, but omits the rotation of the lower leg from the knee used in other striking martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo. The angle kick draws its power entirely from the rotational movement of the body. Many Muay Thai fighters use a counter rotation of the arms to intensify the power of this kick. Muay Thai has a style of kicking unique to the martial art.
If a round house kick is attempted by the opponent the Muay Thai fighter will normally block with his shin. Thai boxers are trained to always connect with the shin. While sensitive in an unconditioned practitioner, the shin is the strongest part of the leg for experienced Muay Thai fighters. The foot contains many fine bones and is much weaker. A fighter may end up hurting himself if he tries to strike with his foot or instep.
Muay Thai also includes other varieties of kicking, such as the axe kick, side kick or spinning back kick etc. These kicks are only used in bouts by some fighters. It is worth noting that a side kick is performed differently in Muay Thai than the traditional side kick of other martial arts. In Muay Thai, a side kick is executed by first raising the knee of the leg that is going to kick in order to convince the opponent that the executor is going to perform a teep or front kick. The hips are then shifted to the side to the more traditional side kick position for the kick itself. The "fake-out" almost always precedes the kick in Muay Thai technique.

Knee (Tee kao)

***Kao Dode (Jumping knee strike) - the Thai boxer jumps up on one leg and strikes with that leg's knee.
***Kao Loi (Flying knee strike) - the Thai boxer takes step(s), jumps forward and off one leg and strikes with that leg's knee.
***Kao Tone (Straight knee strike) - the Thai boxer simply thrusts it forward (not upwards, unless he is holding an opponents head down in a clinch and intend to knee upwards into the face). According to one written source, this technique is somewhat more recent than Kao Dode or Kao Loi.[citation needed] Supposedly, when the Thai boxers fought with rope-bound hands rather than the modern boxing gloves, this particular technique was subject to potentially vicious cutting, slicing and sawing by an alert opponent who would block it or deflect it with the sharp "rope-glove" edges which are sometimes dipped in water to make the rope much stronger. This explanation also holds true for some of the following knee strikes below as well. In a episode of Fight Science, martial artists performed and tested there most powerful kicks with a crash test dummie and scientest testing there power, the kicks including were the Karate Side kick, Kung Fu Flying double kick and Taekwondo Spinning back kick, the last one was the Muay Thai Knee Strike performed by Melchor Menor, a Muay Thai champion tested his Knee Strike which in terms of force, power, damage and chest deflection, inflicted the most out of all of the other techniques.

Foot-thrust (teep)

Foot-Thrusts also known as Push Kicks or literally "foot jabs" are one of the most common techniques used in Muay Thai. Teeps are different from any other Muay Thai technique in terms of objective to use. Foot-thrusts are mainly used as a defensive technique to control distance, block attacks, and get an opponent off balance. Foot-Thrusts should be thrown quickly but yet with enough force to knock an opponent off balance.

Clinch

In Western Boxing the two fighters are separated when they clinch; in Muay Thai, however, they are not. It is often in the clinch where knee and elbow techniques are used. The front clinch should be performed with the palm of one hand on the back of the other. There are three reasons why the fingers must not be intertwined. 1) In the ring fighters are wearing boxing gloves and cannot intertwine their fingers. 2) The Thai front clinch involves pressing the head of the opponent downwards, which is easier if the hands are locked behind the back of the head instead of behind the neck. Furthermore the arms should be putting as much pressure on the neck as possible. 3) A fighter may incur an injury to one or more fingers if they are intertwined, and it becomes more difficult to release the grip in order to quickly elbow the opponent's head.
A correct clinch also involves the fighter's forearms pressing against the opponent's collar bone while the hands are around the opponent's head rather than the opponent's neck. The general way to get out of a clinch is to push the opponent's head backwards or elbow him or her, as the clinch requires both participants to be very close to one another. Additionally, the non-dominant clincher can try to "swim" his or her arm underneath and inside the opponent's clinch, establishing the previously non-dominant clincher as the dominant clincher.
Muay Thai has several other variants of the clinch, including:
arm clinch, where one or both hands controls the inside of the defender's arm(s) and where the second hand if free is in the front clinch position, this clinch is used to briefly control the opponent before applying a knee strike or throw
side clinch, one arm passing around the front of the defender with the attacker's shoulder pressed into the defender's arm pit and the other arm passing round the back which allows the attacker to apply knee strikes to the defender's back or to throw the defender readily
low clinch, with both controlling arms passing under the defender's arms, which is generally used by the shorter of two opponents
swan-neck where one hand around the rear of the neck is used to briefly clinch an opponent (before a strike).

Defense against attacks

Defenses in Muay Thai are categorised in 6 groups:

***Blocking - defender's hard blocks to stop a strike in its path so preventing it reaching its target, (eg the Shin Block described in more detail below)
***Redirection - defender's soft parries to change the direction of a strike (eg a downwards tap to a jab) so that it misses the target
***Avoidance - moving a body part out of the way or range of a strike so the defender remains in range for a counter-strike, eg defender moving the front leg backwards from the attacker's low kick: then immediately counter-attacking with an angle kick: or defender laying the head back from the attacker's high angle kick: then immediately counter-attacking with a side kick from the front leg:
***Evasion - moving the body out of the way or range of a strike so the defender has to move close again to counter-attack, eg defender jumping back from attacker's kicks
***Disruption - Pre-empting an attack. eg with defender using disruptive techniques like jab, teep or low angle kick (to the inside of the attacker's front leg) as the attacker attempts to close distance
***Anticipation - Defender catching a strike (eg catching an angle kick to the body) or countering it before it lands (eg defender's low kick to the supporting leg below as the attacker iniates a high angle kick).

Punches and kicks

Defensively, the concept of "wall of defence" is used, in which shoulders, arms and legs are used to hinder the attacker from successfully executing techniques. Blocking is a critical element in Muay Thai and compounds the level of conditioning a successful practitioner must possess. Low and mid body roundhouse kicks are normally blocked with the upper portion of a raised shin. High body strikes are blocked with the forearm/glove, elbow/shin. Mid section roundhouse kicks can also be caught/trapped, allowing for a sweep or counter attack to the remaining leg of the opponent. Punches are blocked with an ordinary boxing guard and techniques similar, if not identical, to basic boxing technique. A common means of blocking a punch is using the hand on the same side as the oncoming punch. For example, if an orthodox fighter throws a jab (being the left hand), the defender will make a slight tap to redirect the punch's angle with the right hand. The deflection is always as small and precise as possible to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure and return the hand to the guard as quickly as possible. Hooks are most often blocked with a motion most often described as "combing your hair," raising the elbow forward and effectively shielding the head with the forearm, flexed biceps, and shoulder. More advanced Muay Thai blocks are usually counters, used to damage the opponent to prevent another attack being made.