This can be defined as one of the sports derived from the martial art practiced in Thailand which primarily includes strikes in standing position and the other techniques used in this art. This is a combination of various mental and physical disciplines and is often called as “the art of eight limbs”. Muay Thai has been given this term because it follows the technique which is applied by combined effort of knees, elbows, fists, feet and shins, along with a brilliant physical preparation which allows a full attack efficiently on the opponent. It has been in practice for a long time all over Thailand but became renowned internationally after the players won several matches in the various martial art competitions. The international federation of muay thai amateur is the only place where the art of muay Thai is regulated and governed. Another league which is professional is held and organized with the efforts of the World muay Thai council.
More about the game:
Muay is a word derived from a Sanskrit word mavya which implies “binding together”. It is called the scientific application of eight limbs also as it includes eight points of contact while striking an opponent while in other sports like kick boxing there are only six points of contacts. A person who learns and practices it is called nak muay. It was also called the pahuyuth or toi muay.
History:
According to the versions of Thai folklore national Muay Boran Day or boxer’s day is celebrated in the honor of Nai Khanomtom who had defeated the greatest boxers of Burma during the seven day festival. The king was so impressed that he announced that Nai Khanomtom is filled with venom and can defeat any enemy with just his hands. When he returned to Thailand free and independent the practice prevailed.
The technique:
The actions and moves of muay Thai has been divided into two categories formally– mae mai (major moves) and luk mai (minor moves). Almost all the moves include the action of all the muscles and techniques.
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Foot-thrust or thip
- Slapping foot thrust
- Sideways foot thrust
- Reverse foot thrust
- Straight foot thrust
- Jumping foot thrust
-
Kicking or te
- Jump kick
- Spinning heel kick
- Straight kick
- Diagonal kick
- Axe heel kick
- Round house kick
- Down-roundhouse kick
- Step-up kick
- Half-shin, half-knee kick
-
Punching or chok
- Uppercut
- Swing
- Cross
- Jab
- Hook
- Cobra punch
- Spinning backfist
-
Knee or khao loy
- Flying knee
- Curving knee strike
- Knee bomb
- Step-up knee strike
- Straight knee strike
- Knee slap
- Diagonal knee strike
- Horizontal knee strike
-
Elbow or ti sok
- Elbow chop
- Mid-air elbow strike
- Double elbow chop
- Spinning elbow
- Uppercut elbow
- Elbow slash
- Forward elbow thrust
- Horizontal elbow
- Reverse horizontal elbow
Other than these the neck wrestling or chap kho is also there.
Defensive moves:
There are various techniques which are used to defend oneself against these moves like evasion, redirection, disruption, avoidance, blocking, anticipation etc.
This art is also combined with other martial arts sometimes to perform certain techniques or at places where there is the need to do so.
