Have you seen Muay Thai?

Many people, even those from foreign countries must have heard about Muay Thai or Thai Boxing which is one of the most famous in kickboxing circles and even referred to as ‘King of the Ring’. It is the national sport of Thailand and is a hard martial art. Muay Thai is also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’ as the hands, shins, elbows and knees are used extensively in this art. For people interested in the art, it will be great if you have an opportunity to see it in its homeland. But even if you never heard about Muay Thai, you might just love it if you get to se it once. Because this art isn’t just about punches and kicks!

How it all began

This well known martial art is proudly accepted as the national sport of Thailand. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient time when Thais had to defend themselves from enemies and powers for which they developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat to protect themselves. Over time, Thai men started taking up training in this martial art. Later on Muay Thai was recognized as the battlefield tactics of the Thai army. It was believed that King Naresuan the Great, one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes was the one who made Muay Thai a required part of military training and that he was also an excellent boxer himself. The present traditional Muay Thai practice is developed from what Thais called Muay Boran, the ancient art which is slightly different from Muay Thai practiced today. In old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters. Naturally, rules and regulations have been changed over time but Muay Thai has still retained its characteristic of being one of the hardest and powerful martial art of the world.

What makes it “Thai” Boxing…?

To see how Muay Thai is different from Western boxing, go watch a match. If you already have some ideas about Western boxing, you will find that Muay Thai has many unique and interesting features. You will see fighters wear Mongkon (literally means prosperous), which is a headband or circlet on their fore head before the fight and during pre-fight rituals with the belief that it will safe them from danger as well as bestow luck to the wearers. Now, you must be wondering about pre-fight rituals? Yes…There are pre-fight rituals and are considered very important. A fight would not begin without this ritual. But you will want to see this yourself.

What more about Muay Thai? Yes…During the whole fight, live Thai music with folk instruments is played to reinforce the exciting mood. It is interesting to notice that the boxers uses his weapons like his feet, legs, fists, elbows, knees and shins to attack the opponent.

Muay Thai is practiced in several Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Myanmar. However it is known as different names in those countries and the styles and details of the art might vary slightly with little changes.

Why Pre-fight Rituals?

Rituals are performed even before the fughters enter the ring. Don’t be surprised if you get to see some boxers kneeling before the ring and praying by themselves, performing a series of repetitive movements or bowing to each corner of the ring. These are quite common and most of Thai boxers do this befor their fights. Next is the most important ritual called Wai Kru. This ritual usually starts with the fighter walking around the ring, counter-clockwise. During the Wai Kru the fighter may perform many different movements and steps along with streches. Some motions imitate a swallow, a hunter, a soldier or even an executioner. When the fighter makes those gestures in succession it makes it look like he is performing a dance which is why people call it Rum Muay Thai (Muay Thai Dance). The Wai Kru ritual is particularly important because the ritual contains both practical and spiritual elements. In a practical sense, it prepares the body for combat. As for the spiritual sense the ritual also gives the fighter some time alone before the fight to collect his thoughts and concentrate on the task ahead. But most importantly, the ritual allows the fighter to express gratitude towards his teacher who passes on the art to him.

Basic rules of Thai Boxing Matches

A Muay Thai match formally have 5 rounds, each round lasts 3 minutes with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional round is allowed. At the end of the five rounds, a panel of three judges totals up the scores and announces the winner’s corner. As for the rules regarding boxers’ attire, they must regularly wear gloves, and are not allowed to wear any shirts or shoes, but only trunks (red or blue according to their corners). Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy at athletic cups to protect their groin, and Gum shield may be used. Mongkon can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual and is to be removed before the start of the fight. Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent are prohibited.

Muay Thai in Hua Hin

In Hua Hin, there are 2 places to watch Muay Thai matches. Matches at both venues start 9 pm and usually finish up a little before midnight. Now make your choice. You can go to Grand Arena in front of Grand Hotel on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Here the tickets are around 350 baht.

Another place is Mr. Chop Rawee’s Thai Boxing Garden near City Beach Hotel on Poonsuk Road. Mr. Chop, the owner of the place, is an experienced boxer himself and his skills accumulated over 40 years have proved his excellent ability through Thai Boxing Garden. The matches are held on Tuesday and Saturday nights here. Tickets cost around 350-400 baht at this place, depending on the seat. You will also get free beer for 400 baht ticket. If you go to the place a little early you can listen to them explaining a little about Muay Thai basics rules and regulations of the fights. It will be useful if you know something about this art before really seeing it, for better understanding and for true enjoyment.

Moreover, the highlight of this place is the two foreign boxers, Rocky from Norway and Alex from Sweden who can expertly perform the art of Muay Thai just like other Thai boxers. But you may need to check the date in which the two will be performing if you really want to see them.

Muay Thai is considered a very interesting and very important art and also the national sport of Thailand. It will be just great if you can afford to go see it once whenever you are in Thailand.

Hua Hin provides good places for you to do this.