What is Muaythai

Muaythai first began as an unarmed fighting skill that was used to replace weapons in battlefield. Often reputed to be more deadly than the weapons that it replaced. Muaythai is also known by many as 'The Art of Eight Limbs'. This is because Muaythai uses 8 points of contact (shin, knees, hands and elbows) to execute its strikes.

Made popular by the Thai King Chulalongkorn in the 19th century, there are many legendary heroes in the history of Muaythai.

The most famous practitioner of this art of fighting was a Thai prisoner known as Nai Khanom Tom. Captured by the BUrmese in 1744, he was forced to fight champion Burmese fighters as a form of entertainment for the religious festival held then. Legend has it that Nai Khanom defeated 10 such champions, 9 that he fought one after another. This impressed the Burmese King so much that Nai was granted freedom and given two brides to return with him to Thailand. This remarkable feat is still celebrated today on the 17th March every year as the 'National Muaythai Day' in Thailand.

Muaythai today is a competitive sport that is practiced by many around the world. It is a combat sport specifically designed to promote a high level of fitness and toughness (both mental and physical) in the individual. Training regimens include many staples of combat conditioning such as shadow boxing, rope-skipping, running and weight resistance exercises. As one of the most popular fighting forms to watch, it is the versatility of offensive and defensive moves in Muaythai that makes it visually exciting.

Muaythai in Singapore

Muaythai in Singapore is 10 years old. It started with a small organization that now has 15 active gyms under the umbrella of the Amateur Muaythai Association of Singapore (AMAS), a member of the World Muaythai Council (WMC) and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA).

Gyms in Singapore operate under the same rules and regulations, united for the good of the sport, and the development of Muaythai both locally and internationally. Singapore has been participating in the last 5 World Championships coming home with medals, showing that it may be a small country in size, but a big one in heart. Locally, there are approximately 1500 practitioners off the sport.

The future of the sport looks bright with the likely inclusion of the sport into the SEA Games and upcoming world championships in 2010, where Singaporeans will fight for fame and glory, proudly waving the Singapore flag. If all goes well, the 2012 Olympic Games will see Muaythai debut on the international stage, and possibly become Singapore's beacon of hope.

Muaythai Traditions

The various practices and rituals observed by a Muaythai fighter.

The history of Muaythai is embedded in Thai history and is one that is rich with tradition. With origins that span almost 2000 years, Muaythai is one of South-East Asia's oldest and most traditional martial arts.

The training of a traditional Muaythai boxer and particularly the relationship between boxer and trainer is highly ritualized. When a boxer is considered ready for the ring, he is usually given a new name by his trainer, usually with the name of the training camp as his surname. For the public the relationship is perhaps best expressed in the Ram Muay (ritual dance) and Wai Khru (respects to the teacher) that takes place before every match.

The Wai Khru Ram Muay (as it is sometimes called) usually starts with the fighter walking around the ring, counter-clockwise. This could be described as 'sealing the ring', showing that the match is between only the two combatants. The ritual is both practically and spiritual. In practical sense, it prepares the body for combat. During the Wai Khru, there are many different movements and steps that a fighter might perform before the match, along with stretches. Some motions imitate, for example, a swallow, a hunter, a soldier, or an executioner. Some fighters use this ritual to attempt to scare their opponents, commonly by stomping around them. But in a deeper sense, the fighter is expressing religious devotion, humility and gratitude.

Amulets adorned by the fighters represent good fortune and grant strength. The Monkon for example, is worn on every fighter's head as he approaches the ring and is removed only after the Wai Khru. This circlet is believed to bring success and protection to the fighter. Another such amulet is the Prajied. This arm ring is made of cloth and is fitted around the fighter's biceps. It is also a protective charm that promotes toughness and helps avoid danger.

What is Muaythai

Muaythai in Singapore

Muaythai Traditions

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