Muay Thai - a Centuries-Old Art of Boxing
http://chinamediastation.com/articles/articles/28/1/Muay-Thai----a-Centuries-Old-Art-of-Boxing/Muay-Thai---a-Centuries-Old-Art-of-Boxing.html
Lana SG
My name is Lana, I am a professional linguist/ translator and am in love with writing, too!
I was born, brought up and educated in Russia, continued my education and got married in India, now I am living in Thailand and have no idea where I will find myself tomorrow! I love learning languages, travelling and getting to know about other cultures. I know Russian, English and Hindi; some bits of German, Turkish and Tatar, now learning Thai, and have great plans for at least 5 more languages!:)
I am happy to share a few articles regarding Russian, Indian and Thai cultures with you. By Lana SG
Published on 04/24/2006
Even if you are not too much into violent kinds of sport, Thai boxing (or Muay Thai) is a spectacle you would probably not want to miss. It is worth watching at least for its exotic frame, wild musical accompaniment and the ceremonial beginning of each match. The nation's greatest passion and tourist attraction, Muay Thai is a blend of Thai martial arts and international boxing.
Muay Thai - a Centuries-Old Art of Boxing
Even if you are not too much into violent kinds of sport, Thai boxing (or Muay Thai) is a spectacle you would probably not want to miss. It is worth watching at least for its exotic frame, wild musical accompaniment and the ceremonial beginning of each match. The nation's greatest passion and tourist attraction, Muay
Thai is a blend of Thai martial arts and international boxing.
Its history dates back to 15th century and is inseparable from the name of Thailand's first famous boxer and a prisoner of war in Myanmar Nai Khanom Tom, who gained his freedom by defeating 10 Burmese boxers in front of the Burmese court. Till date, Thai style of close hand-in-hand combat is considered to be the ultimate fighting, and the country produced dozens of world champions.
In the 1920s Muay Thai was banned by the government because of high number of deaths and injuries, but in the 1930s the sport was revived under a modern set of regulations based on the international Queensberry rules. Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between, no extra round is allowed. Contestants have to wear international-style gloves and trunks (always either red or blue), they also must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin, gum shield may be used. No shirts or shoes are permitted.
Before the fight starts, a ritual dance wai khru is performed which is a homage to a teacher and a good warm-up exercise. Special headbands, blessed by a monk or the boxer's own teacher, are worn during the dance and have to be removed after it is over. The armband containing a small Buddha image is worn throughout the match. Music is also played throughout the match, and the volume and tempo rise and fall along with the events in the ring.
In spite of certain concessions to safety, the whole body of the opponent is still considered a fair target. The only exception is head (but not face). Hence strikes and grips can be rather cruel and unexpected. For example, a contestant may grasp an opponent's head between his hands and pull it down to meet an upward knee thrust. Common blows also include elbow thrusts to the face, high kick to the neck, knee hooks to the ribs and low crescent kicks to the calf. Knee and elbow strikes are decisive in most matches.
A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxers' safety depends on his decision.
Thai boxing has become very popular among westerners as well, and the increased number of bouts is staged to cater tourists in all major cities of Thailand. However, authentic matches are held every day at the major Bangkok stadiums such as Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen. For large events the tickets should be booked in advance.
Thai is a blend of Thai martial arts and international boxing.
Its history dates back to 15th century and is inseparable from the name of Thailand's first famous boxer and a prisoner of war in Myanmar Nai Khanom Tom, who gained his freedom by defeating 10 Burmese boxers in front of the Burmese court. Till date, Thai style of close hand-in-hand combat is considered to be the ultimate fighting, and the country produced dozens of world champions.
In the 1920s Muay Thai was banned by the government because of high number of deaths and injuries, but in the 1930s the sport was revived under a modern set of regulations based on the international Queensberry rules. Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between, no extra round is allowed. Contestants have to wear international-style gloves and trunks (always either red or blue), they also must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin, gum shield may be used. No shirts or shoes are permitted.
Before the fight starts, a ritual dance wai khru is performed which is a homage to a teacher and a good warm-up exercise. Special headbands, blessed by a monk or the boxer's own teacher, are worn during the dance and have to be removed after it is over. The armband containing a small Buddha image is worn throughout the match. Music is also played throughout the match, and the volume and tempo rise and fall along with the events in the ring.
In spite of certain concessions to safety, the whole body of the opponent is still considered a fair target. The only exception is head (but not face). Hence strikes and grips can be rather cruel and unexpected. For example, a contestant may grasp an opponent's head between his hands and pull it down to meet an upward knee thrust. Common blows also include elbow thrusts to the face, high kick to the neck, knee hooks to the ribs and low crescent kicks to the calf. Knee and elbow strikes are decisive in most matches.
A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxers' safety depends on his decision.
Thai boxing has become very popular among westerners as well, and the increased number of bouts is staged to cater tourists in all major cities of Thailand. However, authentic matches are held every day at the major Bangkok stadiums such as Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen. For large events the tickets should be booked in advance.