HISTORY OF MUAY THAI.
My discovery of Muay Thai and my passion for it happened many years ago and after countless hours of blood, sweat and tears – I am now able to practice and teach it confidently.
Growing up, I took Yoshukai Karate and watched Kung Fu Theater on the USA Network every Saturday. So naturally – like a lot of people – I associated martial arts to only Japan or China. You may think Karate or Kung Fu, but actually there are forms of martial arts originating in countries all over the world.
During my training, I became fascinated not only with the physical practice of Muay Thai, but also with the history from which Muay Thai evolved.
Now, where Muay Thai actually originated from is still completely unknown. This is partly because the historical records of Thailand were destroyed during the Battle of Ayutthaya. If you ask around, you’ll get mixed answers; some will say that it developed as travelers, or nomads, moved down from China or east from Burma. Others will say that Thai people, already settled in the country, developed the art to defend the land from neighboring forces.
What I did manage to find, is records from the 1500’s state that the art form became an adored sport. Just as people head to large stadiums and arenas to watch NFL or UFC, the Thai people hundreds of years ago would gather to watch opponents fight. Overtime, this form of entertainment became an important aspect at festivals and celebrations, especially the ones held at temples. As Muay Thai progressed, hemp ropes were tied around the fighters’ hands and forearms. By, the late 1500’s, Muay Thai had become an integral part of military training.
Moving ahead to 1868, the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Muay Thai had become a renowned sport for Thai people throughout the entire country. The King was an avid practitioner of the sport and used it as a means to exercise while learning how to defend himself, or others.
A great depiction of how old school Muay Thai was fought.
Masters around the country began teaching their knowledge and expertise at training camps. These camps were well structured and offered food, shelter and training in a family like atmosphere. One of the most interesting things I found when learning about the history of Muay Thai is that it was common for a student to adopt the training camps name as their own last name. I can’t help but wonder how many people today still carry one of these legendary names?
By the mid 1920’s and 30’s rules were being set into place, referees were introduced and rounds were being called. The famous Lumpinee Kickboxing Stadium saw the first fighters’ transition from hemp ropes to boxing gloves, especially when foreign fighters were involved. The Thai fighters in the rest of the country continued to hold true to the traditional rope binding until some of the fighters lost their lives. Eventually, all fighters began to wear gloves.
By the 21st century, Muay Thai is routinely incorporated into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and has been one of the top choices for fighters, along with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Foreigners have created new powerful striking techniques which have been adapted by some Thai fighters – or disgraced by others who say that it destroys the original art form.
Whatever the actually history may be, Muay Thai is an incredible sport with a lot of interesting culture wrapped around it. While thousands of training centers are spread around the world, there is no doubt that the best place to train is in its founding country, Thailand.
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