When we hear the word Muay Thai we think of the savage artistry of two warriors standing toe to toe inside the ring, exchanging blow for blow until both of them are bloodied and bruised, waiting for the other to succumb to a deadly knock-out blow. Undoubtedly Muay Thai has grown in popularity over the [...]
When we hear the word Muay Thai we think of the savage artistry of two warriors standing toe to toe inside the ring, exchanging blow for blow until both of them are bloodied and bruised, waiting for the other to succumb to a deadly knock-out blow.
Undoubtedly Muay Thai has grown in popularity over the year in a country that has traditionally been a fan of boxing as a ring sport. More and more people, both men and women, are appreciating the physical fitness and discipline that can be gained when training Muay Thai.
Muay Thai history is deeply entwined with the history of Thailand itself. Because of perpetual invasions from neighboring countries when Thailand was in the process of forming, Thai people depended on their ability to defend themselves. In these early times only short-range weapons such as spears, pikes and clubs would have been available for use in battle. During this kind of hand-to-hand combat, fighting methods can quickly change and the body’s natural weapons such as the head, fists, elbows and feet would necessarily also have been utilized. Undoubtedly, it is the systemized use of these natural weapons, developed as a practical fighting skill for the battlefield that came to be Muay Thai boxing.
Early in Thai history Muay Thai was often used to settle arguments or disputes. The combatants would wrap their hands in rope dipped in tree sap then into broken seashells and it is not unusual for fights to end with a fatality.
However, with the dawn of sport Muay Thai and the introduction of modern training methods and equipment, it is now safer to train and compete in this sport. Over the years as the sport has grown in popularity around the world. A lot of people are now looking at Muay Thai training as an intense physical fitness regiment rather than a combat sport. Muay Thai training offers its trainees an excellent level of cardio vascular conditioning, muscular endurance and functional strength.
Continue to Part 2: Typical Workout
Authored by:
Richmond Sia
