subject: Muay Thai The Traditional Art Of Kick Boxing [print this page] Muay Thai is a form of kick boxing that is thought to have emerged from the battle field when fighters lost their weapons. It evolves from the ancient system of Muay Borang (traditional boxing) and incorporates martial arts practices.
Practitioners are of the belief that the art hails from over two thousand years ago. The uniqueness arises out of the use of the entire body in true martial art form and the eight contact points system of the art.
Whereas western style adaptations incorporate only the fists (2 point contact) Muay Thai uses the elbow, knee, hip, fist, palm, arm etc as contact points.
Originally used for combat, the fighting system developed into an art and started enjoying royal patronage especially during the reign of King Rama V. There was a special royal fighting regiment skilled in Muay Thai. Exhibitions and matches for public entertainment showcasing Muay Thai skills became frequent.
During the reign of King Rama VII, a written code of the rules was first introduced. The art was practiced wearing only hemp rope wrapped around the fist and arm but after a death, the more western practice of gloves as well as cotton slips for the feet were also introduced.
The Muay Thai system is such that it involves heavy physical fitness levels. Many practitioners are forced to have short careers in the ring as it takes a heavy toll when matches are fought almost every week.
Muay Thai is the official sport of Thailand and is entertaining and invigorating to watch and experience. The traveller to Thailand should make arrangements to at least view one match when next travelling to that part of the world. If such a traveller seeks a different experience in accommodation, then serviced apartments Bangkok is the answer. The Grand President Bangkok is one of the ideal Sukhumvit apartments offering a central location and state of the art facilities.
