Muay Thai The Origin And Evolution

By Author: Marco Perazzo
Total Articles: 3
Comment this article

Muay Thai also known as the art of eight limbs because of the use of feet, hands, elbows and knees; both right and left. Muay Thai is one of the most widely used striking arts, especially for combat athletes. The history of Muay Thai can be traced back to south east asia. It gained popularity during the 16th century and eventually worldwide by the 20th century. Internationally, there are many organizations to claim world muay thai titles. But historically the defacto world champions are considered the champions of Muay Thai most prestigous stadiums Lumpinee or Rajadamnern. If a fighter claims to be a world champion, he should have titles from either of these stadiums.

The origin of the term Muay Thai came from Sanskrit Mavya which means to bind together. For the practitioners, they are known as nak muay. As for the foreign fighters practicing Muay Thai, they are termed Nak Muay Farang which means foreign Muay Thai fighter.

Variations of Muay Thai

There are different variations to kick boxing. Bando, Savate, Kyokushin Karate, Sanshou and many others. Typically the best kick boxers in the world are considered ...
... to be the champions of Muay Thai.
Some of the original Thai fighters were soldiers, this martial art evolved from ancient boxing practiced by these soldiers in war. One of the fore fathers in terms of styles of fighting that helped develop Muay Thai is Krabi Krabong, a martial art based on the use of weapons. Looking into the Wai Kru or the dance before a fight begins, it is common to see the heavy influence of Krabi Krabong.

In the 1920s to the 1930s, the modernization of Muay Thai began, rules implemented, stadiums built and government and military governance enacted. Modern gloves and the use of a ring was introduced at this time. With the success of Muay Thai, this caused a new industry for Thailand, foreigners coming to train in the national sport. If you travel around the different Muay Thai camps you will see many foreigners working with Thai trainers, Russians, Europeans and North Americans.

Influence and Evolution of Muay Thai

When it comes to the popularity of Muay Thai today, it is undeniable how it has become one of the keys of Mixed Martial Arts. Mixed Martial Arts has been known to combine different martial arts and those fighters that can best fold in their Muay Thai have a distinct advantage. Nowadays, it is a sport that systematically makes use of stand up techniques of boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai. Muay Thai has been practiced by great UFC champions including Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. Of course, a lot of Muay Thai purists don’t agree since it dilutes their art. But others have embraced Muay Thai’s new found popularity and have embraced MMA fighters wanting to learn and represent such an effective art.

Muay Thai all over the world is practiced no longer just for the purpose of combat but also for self defense and definitely for health and fitness. This is the main reason why a lot of non fighters are now taking group classes to learn the basics of Muay Thai.
A great number of MMA fighters from all over the world travel to Thailand to practice the art of Muay Thai. Whether in Bangkok or Phuket a these fighters now put their skills to test and are learning directly from the land where Muay Thai originated. As a sport in Thailand, Muay Thai is more popular than western boxing. So much so, if a Thai Fighter is mainly using his hands to win bouts he is sent to become a boxer, the Muay Thai fans want to see all 8 limbs used. Muay Thai as an art has yet to peak in terms of global recognition. But with its attachment to MMA many camps and instructors are seeing surge in popularity.

Marco Perazzo is the owner of New Jersey Martial Arts. New Jersey Martial Arts aka NJMA was started in 2006 by world renowned Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Instructor, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Coach Professor Marco Perazzo. NJMA has two locations convenient to both Burlington and Camden County.