History of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) a kind of Kickboxing
Various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia. As with most countries in the region, the cultures of China and India have heavily influenced that of Thailand. Both countries had a hand in the developement of local martial arts. Indian boxing forms like Musti-yuddha are remarkably similar to Muay Thai and it is often said that every move in Muay Thai has a similar equivalent in Shaolin kung fu. Muay Thai's origin in Thailand can be traced back to its ancestor Muay Boran ("ancient boxing"). This was the form of unarmed combat probably used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with Krabi Krabong, the weapon-based style. The precedence Muay Thai and Muay Boran give to the kick is probably indigenous to Thailand and the surrounding area since Indian boxing as well as most southern Chinese styles use even low kicks sparingly. This may have come through the influence of the older Krabi Krabong wherein kicks are the dominant form of unarmed attack. Another influence from Thailand's weapon style can be seen in the pre-fight Wai Kru which is probably based on the sabre dance of Krabi Krabong. Neighbouring countries such as Cambodia or Myanmar also show signs of influence one way or the other. Eventually Muay Boran was divided to:
The practice of Muay Thai was later kept up largely by Buddhist monks who were the keepers and teachers of all arts both practical and spiritual. As every Thai man is compelled to live as a monk at least once in his life the art grew in popularity among common people, so much so that it was said that any man worth his salt would practice it. As well as continuing to function as a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which the exponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. This kind of muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. It was even used as entertainment to kings. Eventually the previously bare-fisted fighters took to wearing lengths of rope wrapped around their hands and forearms. This type of match was called muay kaad chuek. If both fighters agreed they might even glue pieces of broken glass to their gloves using resin or wet flour. Needless to say this was not common and is now banned. Royal Muay Some time during the Ayutthaya Period, a platoon of royal guards was established, whose duty was to protect king and the country. They were known as Grom Nak Muay (Muay Fighters' Regiment). This royal patronage of muay continued through the reigns of Rama V and VII.
The Muay Renaissance Legendary Heroes The referee was reported to have stated that the Burmese opponent was distracted by the Wai Kru, so the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanomtom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods between fights. The last Burmese was reputed to be a great boxing teacher. Nai Khanomtom defeated them all in a superior fashion. King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. As his lord master was incompetent, the country was lost to the enemy. If his lord had been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen." He granted Nai Khanomtom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanomtom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's. Today, some have wrongly attributed the legend of "Nai Khanomtom" to the King Naresuan, who was also once taken by the Burmese. There is also the legend of Skeng Man Nang (c700). He was a mutant child born with three legs. This made his parents foresake him, but he was taken in by a monastery in the north of the country. Here he was taught muay boran by the monks, and it soon became apparent that his extra leg gave him considerable fighting prowess against bipedal foes. However, he committed suicide after becoming mentally unbalanced by the cries of "choi soi kap" ("three legged mutant" in ancient thai). His existence has only recently come to light, after the royal archives at Ayutthaya which were destroyed by Burmese invaders were recovered. (Reference: Professor Peter Shaw, School of Oriental and African Studies, London)
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