Muay Thai, better known as thai boxing, has been practiced for centuries in Thailand. 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 Krabi Krabong. The old warriors of this art were trained to use their eight limbs when they were not in possession of weapons.
This was called Muay-Boran and from this the more modern Muay Thai evolved. Many traditional techniques are no longer allowed in the more competition-oriented thai boxing because these techniques would simply be too dangerous for the practitioners.
Other names under which Muay Thai has also been known are: Mai See Sawk, Muay Pahuyuth, Chaiaboksen, Muay Tai, Siamese Boxing (Thailand was formerly called Siam).
During thai boxing matches many things are allowed, but there are still enough rules to follow. One can use all kinds of techniques with the fists, elbows, knees, and legs. The fist techniques closely resemble Western boxing. The kicking techniques, knees, and elbows obviously create a big difference from regular boxing.
Allowed techniques in Muay Thai
Thai boxing is full-contact, which means that victory can be achieved by knockout (KO). If this does not happen, one can of course win by scoring the most points over the various rounds.
Besides arm techniques to the head and body, it is allowed to perform kicking techniques to the head, body, and legs. Especially the so-called low-kicks are a feared weapon of the thai boxer.
These kicks to the thighs have a very effective and especially painful effect, particularly when performed repeatedly. Victory by knockout through low-kicks is considered a classic.
Differences between Muay Thai and Western boxing
Another major difference with Western boxing is the clinch. In regular boxing, fighters are separated immediately after the clinch. In muay thai, however, the clinch forms a very important part of the fight.
During the clinch, it is allowed to continue fighting, and much training is done on delivering knees during the clinch. Also, one may throw the opponent from the clinch, with techniques comparable to Japanese judo.
Thai boxing is considered worldwide as a very effective martial art. 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. Thai boxing is often mistakenly called kickboxing, which is actually not the same.
Kickboxing has different rules and omits the traditional opening ceremony (Ram Muay). By the way, elbow techniques are rarely allowed in matches in the Netherlands and the West.
It is often called Thai rules when these are allowed. The Thais are still masters today in using 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, trainer of the world-famous Amsterdam Chakuriki, is considered one of the pioneers who introduced the sport in the Netherlands.
Jan Plas of Mejiro Gym is also regarded as the Dutch father of Thai Boxing. Since the sport was introduced in the Netherlands, the following names have gained 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 greatest names of the previous generations of Dutch fighters. They managed to achieve the almost impossible in Thailand by winning in the home stadium of the seemingly unbeatable Thai fighters.
Martial arts galas and classes
Nowadays, numerous galas are organized in the Netherlands, and enthusiasts can attend an event almost every weekend. Matchmaking, pairing opponents, is done based on experience in the ring.
There are youth, N- (novice), C-, B-, and A-classes. As one wins more often, one rises in rank. Currently, the dominance of Dutch fighters is wavering, and many new countries are emerging, such as Georgia, the entire Eastern Bloc, Armenia, and many others.
Equipment for Muay Thai
Various equipment is needed for Muay Thai training. The most important are the boxing gloves and protectors, such as shin instep guards, a mouthguard, and a groinguard. Elastic handwraps are used to strengthen the hands.
Although usually not mandatory, most practitioners wear the traditional shorts during training. Check out all our competitively priced complete thai boxing sets.
During training, punching bags are often used; special bag gloves have been developed for this because regular boxing gloves get damaged on the bag.
Furthermore, every gym should have some Thai pads to practice the hard kicks. For this, one can also use the larger kicking shields.
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