Muay Thai (Thai boxing): what it is and how to start training
Demanding, effective and even… spectacular. These are probably the 3 words that best describe the martial art whose origins date back to the 8th century. It is true that a lot of time has passed since then and the discipline itself has undergone a considerable transformation. Want to know what it used to be like, what has changed and what it looks like today? Read on!
You will find out what Thai boxing is. Learn about its history, where it comes from and what its current rules are. P.S. Further down you will also find information about the clothing and training of Muay Thai fighters. Without false modesty: this article really is worth reading to the end.
What is Muay Thai? Definition and history of Thai boxing.
Muay Thai (also known as Thai boxing) is a martial art practised in a square ring surrounded by ropes. This discipline has a lot in common with, among others, boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). However, there are important differences. Bouts take place exclusively standing up and fighters have a wide range of strikes at their disposal. They can use kicks and throw punches with their hands (wearing gloves). However, the most characteristic elements are the spectacular knee and elbow strikes.
The history of this martial art dates back to the 13th century. Originally, it was used by, among others, soldiers, until it became Thailand’s national sport. It began to take on a more sporting character between the late 19th and early 20th century, when the first general rules were formulated.
At first, contests were held without any protective equipment and under very brutal rules (including, for example, the lack of weight categories). Fighters wore only special hand wraps. In addition, they could strike the groin, headbutt and even apply holds to their opponents. All of this led to frequent and very serious injuries. That is why, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was decided to pay more attention to athlete safety.
The changes gradually introduced included, among others, division into weight categories, dividing the fight into rounds, banning dangerous strikes and making gloves compulsory.
Muay Thai rules. What do Thai boxing bouts look like?
Currently, two fighters take part in a bout that lasts 5 rounds. Each round lasts 3 minutes, followed by a 2-minute break. The fight takes place in a ring measuring 6.1 by 6.1 metres or 7.3 by 7.3 metres. This sport is divided into amateur competition (which allows the use of elbow, knee, head and other protective gear) and professional competition (in which only basic protection, such as gloves, is required).
In this discipline, there is a weight division that places fighters into 14 groups in which they can compete. These are the categories:
- up to 45 kg
- 45 - 48 kg
- 48 - 51 kg
- 51 - 54 kg
- 54 - 57 kg
- 57 - 60 kg
- 60 - 63,5 kg
- 63,5 - 67 kg
- 67 - 71 kg
- 71 - 75 kg
- 75 - 81 kg
- 81 - 86 kg
- 86 - 91 kg
- over 91 kg
As in other combat sports, there are several ways to end a Thai boxing bout.
- By knockout - when the opponent falls to the canvas and cannot continue the fight.
- On points - when the bout goes the full distance; the result is decided by a panel of judges.
- By disqualification - when the fighter breaks the rules in force.
A Thai boxing bout may also be stopped if the fighter (for example, due to an injury) cannot come out to continue fighting or is unable to defend themselves against the opponent’s strikes.
Clothing worn by Thai boxing fighters
Muay Thai is a very intense contact sport that also involves a serious risk of harm to health. That is why the right gear plays a key role.
In amateur sport, each fighter is required to wear a T-shirt, shorts for combat sports, gloves and protective gear as well. The main purpose of this equipment is to reduce the risk of injuries and serious injury. In the case of professionals, on the other hand, they may compete both without a shirt and without protective gear.
The shorts have a very distinctive construction that is impossible to confuse with that of any other sport. They feature a wide elastic waistband and loose legs. They are usually made from a “slippery”, shiny material. Very often they also include prints and lettering. You will also find examples of this kind of clothing in our store.
As for gloves, weight limits apply depending on the specific categories. Generally, they should weigh between 283.5 and 340 grams.
Strikes and techniques used in Muay Thai
A typical Thai boxer has a whole arsenal of strikes at their disposal, including more than 50 different combinations using fists, legs, knees and elbows in total. In addition, this discipline distinguishes between attacking, defensive and counterattacking techniques, as well as clinching and close-range work.
Thai boxing training. How and where to start?
If you are completely new to it, all you really need to start is willingness (and that is literally true). Check whether there is a club in your area that runs Muay Thai classes and sign up for a trial session. Training takes place in rings, using specialist equipment (speed bags, heavy bags, etc.), as well as during sparring with other fighters. You will probably learn everything you need already in your first class.
Remember that reaching a satisfactory sporting level requires time and commitment. It is a demanding sport that requires “a bit” of effort. Do not be discouraged by your first setbacks or by the fact that it feels difficult at the beginning. It is a natural path that every fighter has had to go through.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! And why? Find out.
Beyond the purely sporting aspect (competition, the desire to test yourself or simply the adrenaline), Thai boxing training can also be appreciated from the point of view of health and wellbeing.
- First of all, it is a very physically demanding discipline. That means it will help you build a level of fitness, strength and endurance that many people can only dream of.
- Secondly, it gives a sense of security. Because who would want to pick a fight with a Muay Thai fighter? ;)
- Thirdly, it opens up interesting career paths. Especially if you are thinking about it from a professional perspective, whether in Thai boxing or, for example, in mixed martial arts.
- Fourthly, it is simply an interesting way to spend your free time and develop your passions and interests.
Clothing for Muay Thai? You will find it at SMMASH too!
With solid, comfortable clothing, training is much more effective. Take a look at our store, where you can currently choose from many models of shorts and other sportswear designed for combat sports (for women and men).
We have a huge range of designs and colours, but… if you do not find anything that catches your eye, you can always use the unique X-CREATOR. It is a special tool that will let you design and then order clothing exactly the way you want it. Choose the product type, colour and design, personalise it and you are done.
