Muay Thai

The martial art of muay thai or thai boxing originated in Thailand many hundred years ago. It is also known as the science of the eight limbs since all parts of the body less the head is used in combat. It is perhaps the most brutal form of fighting known. Under current rules the matches are 5 times 3 minutes where the match is decided by points or by knock out. Knock outs are frequent but since most fighters are very well conditioned many if not most matches go all five rounds.

Muay Thai differs from other forms of striking arts since the rules allow some neck wrestling and using knees and elbows from the clinch. In addition muay thai fighters are perhaps the most conditioned fighters with very strong abs and cardiovascular strength. This allows the matches to be very though and brutal. In Thailand most matches are fought as hard games of attrition where the fighters exchange blows and in particular round house kicks to ribs.

The first rounds are usually slow and then the matches pick up the pace with the majority of knock outs in the later rounds. The Thai round house kick is unique in that it uses the shin to kick with and not the foot. In most other striking arts this kick is done by a snap with the knee. In Muay Thai the kick is executed by turning the hips and keeping the leg stiff. This makes up for the saying that a Thai round house kick resembles a baseball bat.

Punches are not typical in Muay Thai and score lowest. Elbows and knees score the most. Some throws are also allowed but do not score very much. To be a muay thai fighter tons and tons of hours must be spent kicking sand bags and thai pads. This training is not for everyone and only well conditioned and dedicated people ever make it to the ring. In addition to the skill needed to fight having lung capacity is also very important.

Flexibility is another important factor.