Description
With techniques including kicks, punches and the extensive
use of knees and elbows, Muay Thai is often referred to as
the science of 8 limbs. It is an effective and brutal martial
art originally from Thailand. Muay Thai distinguishes itself
from western kickboxing and other standup martial arts by
3 things: the clinch, the Thai low kick and the Thai roundhouse.
Thai roundhouse kick
The clinch includes some stand up grappling, where the fighter
tries to control the opponent’s head and use knees and
elbows in this close range to inflict damage. The Thai low
kick involves kicking the opponent's outer thigh with the
upper part of the shin. To perform the Thai roundhouse kick,
the entire body rotates from the hip and the leg is straight
and"locked" just as it makes contact with the opponent.
Other standup martial arts, have the tendency to utilize "snappy"
kicks, which are faster but less powerful or menacing. It
has been said that getting hit with a Thai kick is analogous
to being hit by a baseball bat.
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Jennifer and Sly working
technique |
History
Muay Thai or Thai boxing, in its most commonly seen sports
form, is a full contact ring fighting often called the “science
of eight limbs (hands, elbows, feet, knees).” Thai Boxing
can be seen throughout Thailand in hundreds of stadiums and
is now gathering popularity throughout the world. Thai Boxers
are considered the kings of the ring due to their incredible
ring record. The Thai international full contact competitors
win over 80% of the time and most of those who do defeat the
Thais do it with methods similar to Thai boxing. Currently,
Thai Boxing is gaining popularity in many countries due to
its simple, yet extremely effective approach to training and
combat.
Thai Boxing is believed to have started in 1650 when King
Naresuen of Siam was captured by the Burmese and offered freedom
if he could defeat the Burmese champions. He successfully
defeated 12 of the finest Burmese boxers to become a national
hero, and instilled the pride of the Thai people making Thai
Boxing a national pastime. However, because of Burmese book
burning in 1776 the actual origins may be dated back even
further. In its modern form, Thai Boxing is practiced by over
300, 000 men, women, and children.
Thai Boxing is an adaptation of the Thai military arts. In
peacetime the weapons of the battlefield were laid down and
the soldiers would fight empty handed to keep their edge.
At that time there were few rules, no rounds, and no weight
classes. In this time period boxers fought barefooted, their
fists and forearms were wrapped in hemp rope and combat was
extremely brutal. Training methods were varied. Banana trees
were kicked, kneed, and elbowed, softening the tree until
it could be wrapped on the trainer’s arms for kicking.
This is where the unique creation of the Thai pad got its
start.
Thai Boxing also has much of its roots in Buddhism. People
who see Thai Boxing for the first time often wonder about
the pre-fight ritual that takes place before every authentic
Thai fight. This ceremony called the Ram Muay is a spiritual
ceremony which seals off the ring from outside influences,
pays homage to gods, parents, teachers, loved ones, king and
country. A great deal of significance is placed on the Ram
Muay since it displays the spirit and heart of the fighter.
Both the Ram Muay and the fight itself are accompanied by
music from a four piece ensemble. The pace of fight is often
dictated by the music played on the side of the ring.
Because the Thais quickly adapt to anything which may give
them an edge, Thai Boxing has evolved towards greater efficiency
for centuries. Most recently they have adapted various Western
Boxing techniques, training methods and strategies to their
already formidable tools. In the past 50 years Thai Boxing
has enjoyed even greater popularity. Modern western style
gloves, weight classes, three minute rounds have been adopted.
Because of the rigorous nature of its testing ground and directness
of its techniques, Thai Boxing and Thai Boxers are some of
the most highly respected Martial Artists throughout the world.
Vanderlei Silva using the clinch and knees in MMA
Class Format
Muay Thai is known for its rigorous and extreme conditioning.
Class begins with an intense warm up which include jumping
rope, shadow boxing and other bodyweight exercises. Pad work
and drilling with a partner follows to develop power, timing
and speed. The basic offensive techniques that are drilled
use punches and kicks in the free range and knees and elbows
inthe clinch. Classes end with some more conditioning, bag
work and a cool-down. Sparring is reserved for the more advanced
levels under a supervised instructor.
Sly working pads with DJ
Attire
Thai shorts, t-shirt, hand wraps, gloves. If sparring is involved
additional equipment such as a mouthguard, shin pads and headgear
are recommended.
Muay Thai students
Instructors
Joey
de Los Reyes, DJ
Dallaire, Eddie De Nobrega, Sylwester Organka, Dave Edwards, Roberto Herrera, Jenypher Lanthier |