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HISTORY OF
MUAY THAI
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Muay Thai started way back in the medieval ages
when wars were fought with bows and arrows, swords,
and pikes. And in hand-to-hand combat arms, legs,
knees, and elbows were also used as weapons. |
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This sport, which was included in military training, was
made famous by King Naresuan in 1560 A.D. During one
of the many battles between Burma and Siam, he was
captured. The Burmese knew of his ability as the best
unarmed fighter in the realm and gave him the chance to
fight with their best for his freedom. He succeeded and
upon his return to Siam was hailed as a hero and
Siamese-style boxing, as it was called then, was soon
recognized as a national sport. Boxing in this style
reached its peak about two-hundred years ago during the
reign of Prachao Sua (King Tiger), when it was indulged
in by all classes of the population. |
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From those days, up until the early part of this century,
the fighters, particularly those in provinces, used
horsehide strips and later hemp in lieu of gloves. It was
also a practice at one time to grind pieces of glass into
the hemp if both contestants agreed. Since these
practices were obviously dangerous to the fighters'
health, regular boxing gloves were introduced about 50
years ago and have been used ever since. |
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To the Thais, Muay Thai is regarded as a prestigious
national sport. Thai boys will in one way or another.
intentionally or unintentionally learn how to box Thai
style. Even Thai girls will know enough of the basic
principles to be able to use it for self-defense. Muay Thai,
called Thai boxing by foreigners, is Thailand's national
sport and is gaining in popularity in many countries,
particularly Japan where a large number of young
Japanese are being trained to fight professionally. But in
Japan, this fighting is called "Kickboxing". At present
"Kickboxing" is internationally known as a Japanese
martial art. Surely the true name "Muay Thai" should be
retained internationally as the terms Kendo, Judo, or
Karate have
been. |
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MORE HISTORY OF MUAY THAI:
Ram
Muay/Wai Kru |
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