Muay Thai, better known as Thai boxing, has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. This martial art is very popular in Thailand and far beyond.
Muay Thai as it is practiced today is somewhat derived from the ancient armed martial art of Krabi Krabong . The ancient warriors of this art were trained to use their eight body parts when not armed.
This was called Muay-Boran , and from it emerged the more modern Muay Thai. Many traditional techniques are no longer permitted in the more competitive Thai boxing, simply because they are considered too dangerous for the practitioners.
Other names by which Muay Thai has also been known include: Mai See Sawk, Muay Pahuyuth, Chaiaboksen, Muay Tai, Siamese Boxing (Thailand was formerly called Siam).
While many things are permitted in Thai boxing matches, there are still plenty of rules to follow. Various techniques can be used with fists, elbows, knees, and legs . The fist techniques are very similar to Western boxing. The kicking techniques, knees, and elbows, of course, represent a significant difference from regular boxing.
Acceptable techniques in Muay Thai
Thai boxing is full-contact , meaning victory can be achieved by knockout (KO). If this doesn't happen, victory can, of course, be achieved by scoring the most points over the various rounds.
In addition to arm techniques to the head and body, kicking techniques to the head, body, and legs are permitted. Low kicks, in particular, are a feared weapon of the Thai boxer.
These thigh kicks are highly effective and especially painful, especially when performed repeatedly. The knockout victory against low kicks is considered a classic.
Differences between Muay Thai and Western boxing
Another major difference from Western boxing is the clinching . In conventional boxing, the fighters are separated immediately after clinching. In Muay Thai, however, the clinching is a crucial element of the fight.
During the clinch, it's permitted to continue fighting, and frequent training is given to techniques such as knee strikes. Throwing the opponent from the clinch is also permitted, using techniques similar to Japanese judo.
Thai boxing is considered a highly effective martial art worldwide. It was introduced in Europe and the United States in the 1960s and 1970s.
Especially in the Netherlands, many practitioners of Japanese Kyokushin karate have switched to Thai boxing or practice it alongside it. Thai boxing is often mistakenly called kickboxing, which is not actually the same thing.
Different rules apply in kickboxing, and the traditional opening ceremony (Ram Muay) is omitted. Furthermore, elbow strikes are rarely allowed in competitions in the Netherlands and the West.
It's often called Thai rules when this is permitted. Even today, Thais are masters of these techniques.
Dutch victories in Muay Thai
The Netherlands has a reputation to uphold in Thai boxing and has built a very glorious history in this sport. Thom Harinck, coach of the world-famous Amsterdam Chakuriki, is considered one of the pioneers who introduced the sport to the Netherlands.
Jan Plas of Mejiro Gym is also considered the Dutch father of Thai boxing. Since the sport was introduced in the Netherlands, the following names have achieved great fame: Perry Ubeda, Peter Aerts, Ernesto Hoost, Sem Schilt, Remy Bonjaski, Badr Hari, Andy Souwer, and Albert Kraus.
Ramon Dekkers, Peter Smit, and Rob Kaman are often considered the biggest names of the previous generations of Dutch fighters. They achieved the near-impossible in Thailand by winning against the considered unbeatable Thai fighters at home and in their own stadium.
Martial arts galas and classes
Nowadays, countless galas are organized in the Netherlands, and enthusiasts can attend an event almost every weekend. Matchmaking, the pairing of opponents, is based on experience in the ring.
There are youth, N (newcomer), C, B, and A classes. The more often you win, the higher your rank. Currently, the dominance of Dutch fighters is faltering, and many new countries are emerging, such as Georgia, the entire Eastern Bloc, Armenia, and many others.
Materials for Muay Thai
Several materials are required for Muay Thai training. The most important are (Thai)boxing gloves and protectors, such as shin guards, instep guards , a mouthguard, and groin guards. Elastic handwraps are used to support the hands.
Although not usually required, most practitioners do wear the traditional shorts during training. Check out all our competitively priced complete Thai boxing sets.
Punching bags are often used during training, for which special bag gloves have been developed because normal boxing gloves get damaged on the bag.
Furthermore, every gym should have a few Thai pads available for practicing hard kicks. Larger kicking pads can also be used for this purpose.
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