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 Krabi Krabong. The ancient warriors of this art were trained to use their eight body parts when they were not in possession of weapons. This was called Muay-Boran and from this the more modern Muay Thai emerged. Many traditional techniques are no longer allowed in the more competitive Thai boxing. This is because these techniques would simply be too dangerous for the practitioners.
Other names by which Muay Thai has also been known are: Mai See Sawk, Muay Pahuyuth, Chaia Boxing, Muay Tai, Siamese Boxing (Thailand used to be called Siam). Many things are allowed during Thai boxing competitions, but there are still plenty of rules that must be adhered to. You can use all kinds of techniques with the fists, elbows, knees and legs. The fist techniques are very similar to Western boxing. The kicking techniques, knees and elbows obviously make a big difference from regular boxing.
Permissible techniques in Muay Thai
Thai boxing is full-contact, meaning victory can be achieved through a knockout (KO). If this does not happen, you can of course win by scoring the most points over the various rounds. In addition to the arm techniques to the head and body, it is allowed to perform kicking techniques to the head, body and legs. The so-called low kicks in particular are a feared weapon of the Thai boxer. These kicks on the thighs have a very effective and especially painful effect, especially when performed repeatedly. The victory by knockout on low kicks is considered a classic.
Differences between Muay Thai and Western boxing
Another big difference with Western boxing is clinching. In regular boxing, fighters are separated immediately after clinching. In Muay Thai, however, the clinch is a very important part of the fight. During the clinch it is allowed to continue fighting and there is therefore frequent training on, among other things, making knees during the clinch. One may also throw the opponent from the clinch, using techniques comparable to Japanese judo .
Thai boxing is regarded worldwide as a highly 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 it. Thai boxing is often mistakenly called kickboxing, which is actually not the same. Different rules apply to kickboxing and the traditional opening ceremony (Ram Muay) is omitted. By the way, elbow techniques are rarely allowed in competitions in the Netherlands and the West. People often call it Thai rules if this is allowed. The Thais are still masters in using these techniques today.
Dutch victories at Muay Thai
The Netherlands has a reputation to uphold in Thai boxing and has also built up a very glorious past 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 considered the Dutch father of Thai boxing. Since the sport was introduced in the Netherlands, the following names have made 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 is often considered the greatest names of the previous generations of Dutch fighters. They managed to achieve the almost impossible feat in Thailand by beating the Thai fighters considered unbeatable at home and in their stadium.
Nowadays, countless galas are organized in the Netherlands and enthusiasts can attend an event almost every weekend. Matchmaking, linking opponents together, is based on experience in the ring. There are youth, N (newbie), C, B and A classes. The more you win, the higher your rank. Currently, the dominance of the Dutch fighters is shaking and many new countries are emerging, such as Georgia, the entire Eastern Bloc, Armenia and many other countries.
Materials in Muay Thai
Different materials are required for Muay Thai training. The most important are boxing gloves and protectors , such as shin-instep protectors , a mouthguard and groin protector . Elastic bandages are used to strengthen the hands. Although not usually mandatory, most practitioners do wear 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 normal boxing gloves get damaged on the bag. Furthermore, every gym should have a number of Thai pads to practice hard kicks on. You can also use the larger stair cushions for this.
