THAI BOXING HISTORY

King Nareusan (1555-1605), one of Thailand’s most celebrated warrior-kings, and an excellent boxer in his own right, made Muay Thai a required part of military training.

Perhaps the most celebrated Thai boxer is Nai Khanom Tom, reportedly he was taken captive by the Burmese army after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After soundly defeating ten of the top Burmese warriors in a row he was freed and returned home where he instantly became a national hero.

The actual origins may date back further, but the true historical roots are unknown possibly due to the Burmese book burnings in 1776. 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 hand to keep their edge. In Thai Boxing there were few rules, no rounds, and no weight classes. In this time period boxers fought barefooted, their fists and forearms wrapped in hemp rope and combat was extremely brutal. Training methods were vast and varied. Banana trees were kicked, kneed, and elbowed, softening the tree until it could be wrapped on the trainers arms for kicking. This is where the unique creation of the Thai pad got its start. Thai Boxing, like many other oriental fighting arts, derived much of its roots from the religion of Buddhism. People who have seen Thai Boxing for the first time often wonder about the pre-fight ritual that takes place before an authentic Thai Boxing match. This ceremony called the "Ram Muay" is a spiritual ceremony which seals off the ring from outside influences, pays homage to gods, parents, ancestors, teachers, the king and country. A great deal of significance is placed on the Ram Muay because it displays both the heart and soul of the fighter. The Ram Muay and the ensuing fight that follows are traditionally accompanied by music from a four-piece ensemble. The pace of the fight often follows the beat and tempo of the music, which is played at ringside. Because the Thai people have learned to quickly adapt to various fighting situations as a people some believe that this may be the source of inspiration that has given the Thai fighter a distinct edge in the fighting arena. Over the centuries Thai Boxing has evolved towards greater efficiency and economy of motion. More recently Thai Boxing has adapted various Western Boxing techniques, training methods, and strategies, which have been added to an already formidable fighting arsenal. Modern western style gloves, weight classes, and 3-minute rounds have been adopted as a standard in the Thai Boxing ring. Because of the highly rigorous nature incorporated in Thai training methods and the directness of the fighting techniques employed, Thai Boxing and Thai Boxers are among the most fierce and highly respected martial artists around the world. Muay Thai means the "King of Martial Arts" and was borne out of combat reality over thousands of years when the Thai people had to defend (successfully) their country, Muay Thai is the devastating "Science of the 8 limbs (fists, elbows, knees, shin & feet) " from Thailand, which is believed to have originated between 1000-2000 years ago. Muay Thai should not to be confused with KickBoxing. Kickboxing is a ring sport about thirty years old derived from a combination of Japanese and American influences that resembles Karate with the addition of western boxing. Muay Thai used to be referred to as Pahuyuth (multi-faceted fighting style) some two hundred years ago, but Muay Thai itself is only a part of the whole Thai fighting system. The true art includes weapons and groundwork and has often been referred to as Ling-Lom, which is a little known system of "no-holds barred" from Muay Thai and few fighters ever learn it.

Muay Thai makes full use of all the body's natural weapons by combining clinches, grapples, locks and throws, as well as unlocking mind and spirit potential.

Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations.

Thai Boxing also known as Muay Thai derives its origins from the legendary King Nareusan circa mid-1500s A.D, whom history records was once captured in battle by the Burmese army. The Burmese who had heard of the King’s expertise in hand-to-hand combat offered him a chance to regain his freedom if he could defeat the champion Burmese fighters. Nareusan soundly bested the Burmese fighters and returned to his native Siam where he was celebrated as a national hero. His legend is continued today by the people of Thailand, who carry on the tradition through the popular sport of Muay Thai. This sport has been included, and is continued as a vital part of the military training and rich culture of the people today. Boxing in this style reached its zenith about two hundred years ago during the reign of Prachao Sua (King Tiger), at this time in history Muay Thai was practiced by all classes among the population. From those days up until the early part of this century, the fighters used horsehide strips and then later hemp was used for protective gloves. It was at one time the custom to grind fine pieces of glass into the hemp if both contestants consented. Because of the inherent dangers these practices were discarded and a modern version of leather boxing gloves was introduced about 50 years ago and have continued to the present day. Fighting methods once included chokes, holds, hip throws, groin kicks, eye-gouging, chopping blows, and rigid finger strikes. For safety reasons these practices have been outlawed in modern Muay Thai boxing competitions. Muay Thai is very similar to the fighting arts used in neighboring countries, such as Burma (Khmer Boxing) and Laos (Laos Boxing). Historical records are unclear as to the exact origins of Thai-Style boxing. One can assume that Thai boxing has existed since the Thai (Tai) people emigrated from the South of China. The Tai tribe immigrants found it necessary to defend against attacks from local people of the region. Fighting became essential to survival. Weapons consisted of bows and arrows, spears, javelins, swords, and curved pikes. However, in close combat weapons became awkward and were replaced by elbows, knees, feet and fists. Such war practices became the foundation and origins of Muay Thai. When the Thai's finally organized a city and country, there arose a need for a standing army to defend the country. Soldiers in those days were required to learn and practice Muay Thai in addition to traditional battle weapons. Kru Muay ("boxing strategy") or teachings of the Thai boxing arts were developed and eventually the common citizen began to take up this form of fighting, as a form of self-defense in daily life and as a ready militia in the event of the need to defend the country. During the Ayudhya period, a period of constant battles between the neighboring countries; including Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam, historical records indicate that King Sri San Petch or Khun Luang Sorasak known as Phra Chao Sua (The Tiger King) often traveled throughout the land to secretly test his fighting prowess. He is said to have been an exceptional boxer, who enjoyed the sport so much that he often disguised himself in order to test his skill against local villagers and thus became a living legend in his own time. When the Ayudhya fell in 1767 AD many Thai's were captured as prisoners of War. In 1774 the King of Burma held a festival in Rangoon to celebrate the Chedi, which contains the relics of Buddha. Many forms of entertainment were enjoyed during these celebrations including a boxing match for the King held by a famous Boxer named "Nai Khanom Tom" who was a prisoner of war from Ayudhya. Forced to fight the best of the Burmese boxers, Nai Khanom Tom defeated 10 Burmese opponents in a row, and instantly became a national hero. During the reign of King Tak Sin the Great, the King had an advisor named "Phraya Pihai Dab Hak" who had diligently studied the art of Muay Thai with many famous teachers of the day. He displayed his fighting talent before the King and as a result he was chosen to become a military commander and was later promoted to the rank of Chao Muang (or governor) of the region. During the Ratanakosin Period, Muay Thai was recognized as a national art form, with competitions held during the annual festivities. Fighting rounds were timed by the use of a floating coconut shell. A drum was beaten to signal the end of a round when the coconut shell sank. In 1788, during the reign of King Rama I, two voyaging brothers from France arrived in Thailand by ship; these brothers defeated many boxers across the Indo-China Peninsula. King Rama I was forced to consult his brother the Crown Prince, who offered to find suitable boxers to fight against the Frenchmen. Prince Phraya Phra Klang chose a great boxer named Muen Plan from among the Royal Guards. The match was held on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Muen Plan wore full battle attire complete with bare-torso, magical charms with mystical incantations and special oils to ensure invincibility. When the fight began, the large French fighter attacked by aiming for the neck and collarbone. Muen Plan defended himself skillfully with Muay Thai. The other Frenchman, while witnessing his brother’s distress became very frustrated, so he pushed Muen Plan's back to prevent him from retreating. Members of the Royal Guard saw this forbidden interference and obvious violation in boxing etiquette and proceeded to assist Muen Plan. The Royal Guard proceeded to assault the two Frenchmen until they had to be carried back to the ship. The French brothers set sail the next day and never challenged another Thai Boxer again. During the reign of King Rama V, Thai boxing matches were very popular, matches were held for the King's enjoyment, and skilled boxers were bestowed special titles from the King, for example Muen Muay Mee Chue from Chaiya, Muen Muay Man Mudh from Lopburi, Muen Cha-ngad Cherng Chok from Korat. Also during this time period boxing camps were established. Members of the royal family sent out talent scouts to recruit boxers from the countryside and then arranged matches between the different camps. Winners received money and valuable gifts. This was to be the Golden Age of Muay Thai.

During the reign of King Rama VI, Thai boxing matches became more widespread. Matches were held in makeshift rings. A courtyard became a standard raised ring surrounded by ropes. The first boxing ring was built at Suan Kularp field in 1921. Traditional rings were available, however boxers continued to bind their hands with rope. Foreign boxers came from far and wide to challenge the Thai boxers. A fight between Harntalay and Chin Chang from China attracted a huge crowd of spectators. The result was that Young Harntalay defeated Ching Chang with a splendidl kick. During this period they had referees in the ring, and time was kept by a clock. These innovations were probably adopted from foreigners from abroad. Rope binding prevailed until 1929 when boxing gloves took its place. Earlier at the Lumpini Park Ring, a Filipino boxer gave an international boxing exhibition with boxing gloves. Later, gloves were also used in student boxing matches called "Muay Farang", and also in professional international boxing matches between Thai and foreign boxers. Thai-Style boxing enthusiasts realized that gloves were less dangerous than rope-binding, and they decided that gloves should be officially adopted in Muay Thai, but fighting with elbows, knees, feet and fists would still be allowed. Although many improvements or changes were applied from the type of ring, breaking each bout into rounds, using the minute-system of timekeeping, and using gloves, one aspect of Thai-style boxing remained the same, the jock strap. Originally, the jockstrap consisted of a triangular-shaped pillow tied to the waist, with a strap tied behind from between the legs. The pillows were red or blue colour according to the boxer's corner. These pillows were used until one boxer went to Malaysia and saw foreign boxers use jockstraps. He brought the idea back to Thailand, and since then jockstraps have replaced the triangular pillows. During the reign of King Rama VII, known as the revolutionary period, fixed boxing stadiums were established in Bangkok and in the neighboring provinces. They gradually disappeared in 1942 during World War II. After the war, boxing stadiums sprang up like mushrooms overnight. Skilled boxers from upcountry flocked to Bangkok to take part in tournaments. Finally the first standard boxing stadium was established, the Rajdamnern Stadium, in 1945. Rules were set, and later on regular bouts were set at 5 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a two-minute interval between rounds. The weight was taken down in stones like racehorses, and later converted into kilograms. Phrayaa Phichai of the Broken Sword, otherwise known as Thongdii Fankhao, is an example the Thai fighting spirit. As a small child he loved to practice boxing and was always running away from his home to train and improve his fighting skill. Later, after he had risen to the level of a champion fighter under the reign of King Taskin, he became the commander-in-chief of the army and led the common people in bravely resisting the enemy without thought of his own life. For the love of his country he fought fiercely in battle until his sword broke. Throwing it down he continued to fight with his fists, knees, elbows and feet. Because of his superior knowledge of Thai boxing, he came out of the battle alive and victorious.

In the early days of fighting, the matchmaker system was used; the stadium officials would organize matches providing cup or talent jackets as prizes. Matches were not classified into weight groups until many years later when the pound system replaced stones and kilograms. International names were given for each weight group, such as flyweight and bantamweight. Matches were arranged to select a champion for each class, following the international style.

Many additions have been made to the regulations of Muay Thai. It is forbidden now to hit the private parts since this technique has become quite infamous as a form of attack and is considered debasing for the fine art of Thai boxing. Muay Thai remains a national art form. If all parties concerned help to uplift and conserve this form of martial arts, and pass it onto following generations, it will remain a valuable possession of the Thai nation.