Although much of Muay Thai’s history was lost when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in the 18th century, it is clear that the sport is interwoven in Thai history and has been practiced for centuries.
Few rules
Hundreds of years ago, when wars were fought out with close by, hand to hand fights, Muay Thai was part of military training. Back then, there were very few rules and no weight classes, time limits or safety gear.
Hundreds of years ago, when wars were fought out with close by, hand to hand fights, Muay Thai was part of military training. Back then, there were very few rules and no weight classes, time limits or safety gear.
The story of Nai Khanom Tom
One of the great tales of Muay Thai is the story of the boxer Nai Khanom Tom. When the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1767, a number of Muay Thai boxers was captured and taken to Burma as prisoners.
One of the great tales of Muay Thai is the story of the boxer Nai Khanom Tom. When the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1767, a number of Muay Thai boxers was captured and taken to Burma as prisoners.
During a festival the Burmese King had a boxing fight organized between the Thai boxer Nai Khanom Tom and the Burmese Lethwei champion, the Burmese martial art form. After Nai Khanom Tom defeated his opponent, the King challenged him to fight nine more Burmese Lethwei champions, that were one after an other defeated. The King was so impressed with Nai Khanom Tom’s fighting skills, that he set him free and let him return to Thailand.
Part of military training
During the reign of King Naresuan over the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the late 16thcentury, Muay Thai boxing gained in popularity and became part of training for the army. The hands of the fighters were bound with cotton to protect the boxer. On special occasions, glass was glued to the cotton on the fighter’s hands for extra damage. King Rama V was personally interested in the sport, growing the popularity of the sport even further.
During the reign of King Naresuan over the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the late 16thcentury, Muay Thai boxing gained in popularity and became part of training for the army. The hands of the fighters were bound with cotton to protect the boxer. On special occasions, glass was glued to the cotton on the fighter’s hands for extra damage. King Rama V was personally interested in the sport, growing the popularity of the sport even further.
In the 1920’s Muay Thai was banned for a short period of time due to the high number of injuries. With the introduction of rules, time limits and boxing gloves the sport was reinstated.
Muay Thai