Introduction to Muay Thai part 2

Picture by Willy_G91.

Also known around the world as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is an ancient art of self defense that was created and tested in battle by the fearless warriors of ancient Thailand.  Today, Muay Thai is used all around the world.  Several military around the world is known to incorporate Muay Thai into their training.


Unlike other martial arts, Nak Muay (that is, the term used by Thai speakers for Muay Thai practitioners) don't earn belts for their skills and their progression.  Instead, their skills are tested in the ring.  Since Thai fighting first began, the only things that the fighters themselves are interested in are the championship belts which showcase their dominance in Muay Thai fighting.


Muay Thai uses limited amount of grappling i.e. their Thai clinch. Nak Muay put more emphasize and focus on crushing kicks, punches, and bone shattering elbows.  A well-trained and experienced Nay Muay possess the ability to dish out devastating amount of power from punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. 


Muay Thai doesn't incorporate ground grappling and submission holds because it was designed for the battlefield, where swords and spears were used. Not to mention, there were always multiple attackers. One can be attacked from the blindside if he chose to engage in a ground fight. Being grounded also means being an easy target for the long range that swords and spears possess. Therefore, keeping the fight standing and having fast mobility and agility is much more important. Because one slow movement can lead to their death. With these types of conditions and the type of environment, Muay Thai needed be a very fast responsive martial art that incorporates the use of weapons.

Picture by SLImagesCa.

Although there are other martial arts that put a lot of emphasis on striking, Muay Thai is quite different.  The first area in which Muay Thai differs is the effective use of both elbows and knees.  The elbows and knees that are used with most Thai techniques are known as devastating tools by other martial art practitioners around the world.

Kicking and kneeing is the main objects in Muay Thai.  In order to become efficient with kicking, the shins need to be conditioned - which can be quite painful.  Once the Thai stylist has conditioned the nerves in his shins for impact, the shins can be used just like a club or a baseball bat.  This is something you should really see for yourself in action - as the sound of the impact alone can send chills down your back.

All in all, Muay Thai is a great martial art for defense and competition.  Thai is one of the best martial arts in the world, proving it time and time again - in both ancient times and anytime it is used today. Although, at the end of the day, it is the practitioner that dictates the effectiveness of a fighting style, not the style itself.