Muay Thai or Thai kick-boxing is a popular and exciting sport. It has a long history. Historical records indicate that boxing matches were held in temple fairs and at various festive occasions. Muay Thai was also used as a testing lesson to select capable persons to serve in major posts at junior level in government service.
The word 'Muay' comes from the Sansakrit language meaning 'tying'. A boxer's attire comprises four 'ties', namely lustral cord around the biceps, the canvas ring and magic to win or 'tie' the hearts of people.
The Thai kick-boxing is an art of self-defense, using all parts of the body as weapon. The strength of boxing comes from physical fitness, boosted morale and wisdom. A boxer needs to have these three things to make his movement graceful, rapid and strong.
His fighting ability is also essential to enable him to make right decisions and reverse difficult situations.
The tough fighting on the canvas ring is regarded as a sport of dignity. A kick-boxing match normally has five rounds lasting three minutes each. The interval between each round lasts two minutes. Before the fight, boxers need to perform a ritual, a form of prayer to sacred things and homage to instructors and trainers. Music will accompany the ritual.
Nai Khanomtom was one of the Thai boxers who made a name for Thailand. He was one of the Thai prisoners taken to Burma by the Burmese army during the Ayutthaya Period. Nai Khanomtom flabbergasted the Burmese king at a command match by flooring ten Burmese boxing champions in a row.
Today, Muay Thai has been preserved and promoted as an international sport. Those who are interested in Thai kick-boxing can watch it at Bangkok's two main boxing stadiums, Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini, where regular contests are held.
