Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai, where Muay is translated as “boxing,” is also referred to as Thai boxing. Many sources trace the history of Muay Thai back to ancient Thailand where, because of the desire to defend the kingdom from neighbouring tribes and kingdoms, Siam warriors were compelled to train in an art that involved both armed and unarmed combat. As such, out of the bravery and resolve of Siamese soldiers, the Muay Thai discipline, as we know it today, was born.

Muay Thai has been dubbed the “Art of Eight Limbs”, because it emphasises on the use of eight points of contact that combine the use of fists, kicks, elbows and knees. This martial art stresses the importance of using each body part as a weapon. For example, the hands acted as the sword or dagger, the shins and forearms were hardened in training and acted as armour against blows; the elbow was used to bring down opponents and the legs and knees acted as the axe.

Evolution of Muay Thai

Throughout the history of Thailand, the Muay Thai discipline evolved as events unfolded in history. Created as a practical technique for use in warfare, it evolved to become a very popular sport, especially during the reigns of kings like King Pra Chao Sua, King Naresuan, King Narai, etc. These kings promoted Muay in one way or the other and their movements have made Muay what it is today.

As Muay Thai gained ground and began to spread to other parts of the world, the once traditional discipline that was carried out in open courtyards was transformed into a more modern style of fighting. Rules began to change so it could be better organised and rings were introduced to replace the open courtyards, and this ultimately planted the roots of modern-day Muay Thai.

Muay Thai Fighting Techniques

Modern-day Muay Thai techniques are deeply rooted in the ancient Muay Boran. Muay Thai techniques are categorised under attack, defence and counter techniques. Attack techniques consist of punches, elbows, knee strikes, push kicks, etc. Defence techniques include blocks, lean backs, deflections, leg catches, etc. To become adroit in Muay Thai requires constant training, practising the techniques over and over again until they become a part and parcel of you. Let’s take a look at the various Muay Thai techniques that you could master:

Punches: Punches are commonly used in Muay Thai. There are many different types of punches that can be used in Muay Thai. The main punch techniques are the straight lead punch or jab; the straight rear punch or cross; the uppercut, the hook, the overhear punch, etc.;

Kicks: The Muay Thai kick is delivered using the shins. Delivered from the outside, the arm is swung backwards along with the inside rotation of the hip to generate force. Besides the famous roundhouse kick, Muay Thai kicks can be done in a myriad of ways, including, the jump kick, axe heel kick, spin kick, etc.;

Elbows: The elbow can be used in several ways to strike. They are indeed very effective weapons in Muay Thai. When executed, elbow strikes can knock out an opponent;

Knees: Knee strikes can also be as powerful as any other Muay Thai technique. Kicks are thrust to the body or upward in the case where the fighter is targeting the opponent’s head. Muay Thai can also be devastating as they can end fights through knockouts.

Other Muay Thai techniques include clinches and teeps. They are equally as powerful as all the other Muay Thai techniques.

Benefits of Muay Thai

Muay Thai is, undoubtedly, a very demanding and interesting sport which is worth its weight in gold. The benefits of Muay Thai are varied with more and more people taking up this sport for a myriad of reasons, including: improve fitness, self-defence, build confidence, self-discipline, to be part of a community, and many others.

Whatever be the reason for practising Muay Thai, it is and remains a force to be reckoned with.

Sign-up today for this discipline at Undisputed Fitness and Martial Arts and be rest assured, your life will never be the same!