Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, it's a combat sport that has become increasingly popular around the world over recent years. Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai is a martial art that focuses on striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. In this blog, we will explore what Muay Thai is, its history, techniques, training, and benefits.
History of Muay Thai
Muay Thai has been around for over 2,000 years and has deep roots in Thai culture. Originally developed as a form of self-defense for the Thai military, soldiers would use Muay Thai techniques on the battlefield, especially in hand-to-hand combat when weapons were not available. Over time, it evolved into a popular spectator sport and is now one of Thailand's national sports.
Techniques in Muay Thai - The Art of 8-Limbs
There's a reason Muay Thai is known as the art of 8-limbs. Muay Thai techniques include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
-
Punches: Muay Thai punches are similar to boxing punches, but it's important that fighters are aware that getting too close can leave them open to Muay Thai's other deadly weapons. Punches like uppercuts and hooks tend to be thrown at a much wider range than they would be in traditional boxing,.
-
Kicks: Muay Thai kicks are some of the most powerful kicks in the martial arts world. They can be delivered to various parts of the body, including the legs, torso, and head. If you're interested in Muay Thai you'd of probably come across videos of fighters kicking down banana trees on Instagram. 🌴
-
Elbows: Muay Thai elbow strikes can be devastating and are often used in close combat. Elbows deliver fight ending blows, with very minimal efforts and are a very popular weapon when in close with your opponent. Fighters often throw a downward looping elbow to cut the head of their opponent so the ref stop the fight.
-
Knees: Muay Thai knees are often used in close combat and can be delivered to the body or head. Muay Khao or knee fighters are great at closing down the distance with their opponent to clinch and end the fight by delivering knees.
Training Muay Thai
Muay Thai training is intense and requires a high level of fitness. Training typically involves a combination of cardio, strength training, and technique work. That being said, Muay Thai training is one of the best ways to get fit, up your fitness levels and lose weight.
READ MORE: How To Lose Weight Training Muay Thai.
In Muay Thai, sparring is an essential part of training. Sparring allows students to practice their techniques in a controlled environment and helps them to develop their timing, distance, and accuracy.
Muay Thai sparring tends to be light, technical and playful. Just watch any Muay Thai sparring video on YouTube, very light, very technical and a whole lot of OWEEEEEs!
Benefits of Muay Thai
Muay Thai offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. The following are some of the benefits of Muay Thai:
-
Improved fitness: Muay Thai is a great way to improve your fitness level. It provides a full-body workout that helps to improve cardio, strength, and flexibility. It's a fun martial art to train too so it's very unlikely you'll get bored. Chances are you'll start to find out more about Muay Thai and Thai culture in general.
-
Stress relief: Muay Thai is an excellent way to relieve stress. The physical activity can help to release endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels.There's nothing like finishing a long day and going hitting some pads. Oh, and don't forget to say OWEEEEEE, that's the biggest stress reliever.
-
Self-defense: Muay Thai techniques can be used for self-defense, making it an excellent option for people who want to learn how to protect themselves. Whilst you'll be able to defend yourself, it teaches you to assess situations and know when to walk away.
-
Increased confidence: Muay Thai can help to increase your confidence and self-esteem. THIS is one of the biggest things I experienced since I started training Muay Thai. You gain a new level of confidence within yourself that you can't really find anywhere else.
Training Muay Thai In Thailand
In 2022 I headed over to Thailand for a month, packed with training across different gyms in Thailand. You can find out more about my first time training Muay Thai in Thailand along with some of the best muay thai gyms to train at.
Anyway, back to my point. Training in Muay Thai in Thailand is an incredible experience. And even if you've never trained in your home country, I strongly suggest you just give one session a try whilst you're travelling in Thailand.
Muay Thai gyms in Thailand accommodate to people of all levels and are very good at catering the session around you. Also don't be afraid of sparring, like I said before, the sparring the Thai's do is light and playful, no egos are involved and it'll probably teach you a thing or two.
How to Start Training Muay Thai
No matter where you are in the world, it's very likely that there's a Muay Thai gym near you. Try a few and pick a gym with a training style that suits you. Not all gyms are going to be to your liking, and that's okay. But at least give a couple a try before you decide.
Different gyms will have different techniques and training styles. I experienced that more so in Thailand as the different gyms had been trained in different ways and were using techniques taught to them by their Kru's (teachers).
Ready to start training Muay Thai? Check out our Muay Thai training clothing. Optimised for performance and built to last.
