Thai boxing or Muay Thai is the Martial Art

Muay Thai, called also Thai-boxing or Thai-kickboxing in the west

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ss Muay Thai, called also Thai-boxing or Thai-kickboxing in the west, is Thailand’s national sport and is gaining in popularity in many countries, especially in Japan and Europe where a large number of young people are being trained to fight professionally. It should be noted that although there are many similarities, Muay Thai is very different from the Kickboxing, which originated in the western world approximately 20-30 years ago as a result of the efforts of Karate practitioners to find a way to compete full contact. There are significant differences in the historical evolution, the techniques as well as the rules of the bouts of Kickboxing as practiced in the west and Muay Thai. As an example, Muay Thai rules allow the use of all sorts of low kicks, elbows strikes, knees, and also certain types of throws not legal under regular kickboxing rules. These are the same techniques which have made Muay Thai one of the most feared martial arts.

You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV—the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero. In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations. In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.

An International Passion

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Muay Thai, along with soccer, is certainly the most passionately followed sport in the country. Television networks broadcast fights five days a week, and the fight results at major stadiums are reported in all major newspapers. International boxing is also very popular, and the country has produced dozens of world champions, but they all started out as Muay Thai fighters. So it is not surprising that a boy as young as seven or eight would start training to become one—and many do, at stables across the country. Most provincial capitals have a boxing ring, but the ultimate dream of young boxers is to fight at Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen, the biggest and most famous stadiums in the country. Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen alternate, so there is a fight program every night. Tickets on an average evening are 220, 440 and 1,000 baht, but on big nights prices of ringside seats may go up to 2,000 baht. Ratchadamnoen’s Sunday Special rates are good bargains, with ringside tickets going for 500 baht each. Fights usually begins around 6:30 p.m., with preliminary bouts featuring younger, less experienced boxers, and build up towards the main event, usually around nine o’clock. Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fight is preceded by a wai khru dance, in which each contestant pays homage to his teachers. Besides the symbolic meaning, the dance is a good warm-up exercise. You will notice that each boxer wears a headband and armbands. The headband, called mongkhol, is believed to bestow luck to the wearer since it has been blessed by a monk or the boxer’s own teacher. Since Buddhism and the teacher play important roles in the life of Thais, the headband is both a lucky charm and a spiritual object. It will be removed after the wai khru dance, and only by the boxer’s trainer. The armbands, meanwhile, are believed to offer protection and are only removed when the fight has ended. A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxers’ safety depends on his decision. To one side of the ring is the band section, comprising a Javanese clarinet, drums and cymbals. They accompany the fight from the homage dance to the conclusion. The tempo goes up as the action inside the ring intensifies. The musicians are mostly old-timers who have seen just about anything, yet their music always makes the heart race faster. It is said that the tune is a siren song that the true Muay Thai devotee can never resist. On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.

Equipment used in Thai Boxing Match

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Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium. There are a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules, equipment to provide water for boxers, and other additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own such as boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords. Thai boxing can be classified into two major types, the first is muay lak which puts the emphasis on caution and patience, and is very rare nowadays. Theo- ther is muay kiew which is full of tricks and feints performed to catch the opponent off guard.
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RULES OF PROFESSTIONAL THAI BOXING (MUAY THAI) INTRODUCTION

Muay Thai is a national form martial art of Thailand which uses bare hands. It is a tradition to arrange Muay Thai matches in various festivals. Nowadays, it is well-known world-wide and various clubs have been established to promote and teach Muay Thai in many countries.
our own country, Muay Thai has received much public support so that boxing stadiums have been established in almost every province. It is an important business that will boost the nation's economy and bring fame to our country.
keeping up with the progress in modern society, the rules and regulations of Muay Thai have been kept updated, relying on the leadership of the government, But the original rules have not been ignored.
Nowadays, Muay Thai is popular and well-known in many other countries. Boxing equipment and stadiums have been devised individually. The Ratchadamnoen Stadium believes that Muay Thai is national Thai heritage, unique to our country, and should therefore be protected. It is a basis for further development to exceed other countries on this field. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary to improve and update the factors in administration and the rules and regulations, and to keep a written record as a guideline which can be changed or altered if necessary in the future.
Stadiums wishing to make use of these rules and regulations may do so freely.RING
Muay Thai takes place in a raised square ring not more than 4ft (120 cm) above the ground with steps to get up and down by. Each side must not be less than 19ft. (5.70 metres) long or more than 27ft. (8.20 metres) long.
The ring must be formed by 4 ropes, not more than 24ft, (7.30 metres) and not less than 16 ft. (4.90 metres) in length on either side, each rope not less than 3/4 inch (2 centimetres) in diameter, supported by posts at 4 corners. The ropes must be covered by linen sponge or soft leather to prevent injuty to boxers, placed parallel and taut at 1, 2, 2 and 4 ft (03.30, 0.60, 0.90 and 1.20 metres) respectively above the floor of the ring. The floor space must extend farther than the ring for at least 3 ft (90 centimetres) on all sides, cushioned with soft cloth or straw mats or corkboards, etc. of at least 1 inch (2.50 centimetres) thicknes to prevent injury in case of a fall covered with canvas which is tightly and evenly stretched and fixed to the edges of the floor.
There is a restricted area extending 1 metre around each side of the ring for the ring personnel judges, doctor, time-keeper, mediator, and other officials as indicated by the stadium manager.EQUIPMENT USED IN MUAY THAI FIGHT.
Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches be provided by the stadium;
a stopwatch.
a signal gong.
a warning bell.
boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules.
equipment to provide water for boxers.
Additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own:-boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords. THE TRADITIONAL MUAY THAI MATCHES.
Contestants must pay homage to their teachers in a praying ritual accompanied by Thai musical instruments the "Pi" (Java pipe), Glawng Chana (drum), and Ching (cymbals). These instruments also accompany each bout of fighting and will stop during rest period. RULES OF MUAY THAI MATCHES.
Boxing matches in Thailand must receive written permission from the government.
A Muay Thai contest is divided into no more than 5 rounds, each 3 minutes long, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds allowed.
Boxers must wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 grammes). The glove must not be squeezed kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.
Contestants must receive medical examination from the stadium doctor and declared fit to fight.
Contestants must weigh in naked and their weight must not exceed the limit in their weight division.
Contestants must perform 4 and 5 not less than 6 hours before the fight.
Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.
Contestants must wear only trunks (red of blue according to their corners) appropriately fit their bodies.
Wear no shirts nor shoes. Ankle cap, however, is permitted.
A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight rutual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start of the actual fight.
Amulets may be wrapped around biceps or waists completely covered in pieces to cloth.
Meta or other material that will be dangerous to the opponent is prohibited.
Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin. Gum shield may be used.
The application of vaselin, hot ointment, fat herb or other on body or glove that will cause any disadvantage to the opponent is prohibited.
It is permitted to bind the hand with soft surgical bandage not longer than 12 yards and not wider than 2 inches. Adhesive tape may be placed on the back of the hand or on the bandage.
Qualifications of contestants.
Contestants must have been taught the art of Muay Thai by a teacher.
Contestants must understand the rules of Muay Thai matches.
They must be healthy.
They must not have any contagious or socially unadapted disases or be addicted to drugs.
They must be of an appropriate age.
Under-aged contestants must receive permission from their parents and guardians.
They must not misbehave or break any social or ring etiquettes.
Contestants from boxing camps must receive permission from their manager.
Changing of camps or managers must be in accordance with stadium rules.
Weight Categories.Standard divisions of boxers and weight limits are :
Mini Flyweight not over 105 Ibs.
Junior Flyweight not over 108 Ibs.
Flyweight not over 112 Ibs.
Junior Bantamweight not over 115 Ibs.
Bantamweight over 118 Ibs.
Junior Featherweight not over 122 Ibs.
Featherweight not over 126 Ibs.
Junior Lightweight not over 130 Ibs.
Lightweight not over 135 Ibs.
Junior Welterweight not over 140 Ibs.
Welterweight not over 147 Ibs.
Junior Middleweight not over 154 Ibs.
Middleweight not over 160 Ibs.
Light Heavyweight not over 175 Ibs.
Heavy weight over 175 Ibs.
Muay Thai matches, ranking, and championshiop contests in each division must comply to the rules and rugulations which are set by Ratchadamnoen Stradium.
Each contestant can have 2 seconds or handlers in his corner. In a title bout 3 are allowed.When in the ring, boxers, handlers or those involved in the fight must respect the orders of the referee according to the set rules.
Muay Thai referees must be well-learned and qualified in handling Muay Thai contests according to the stadium's rules and regulations.
There are 3 officials who handle a bout. These officials comprise 2 judges and 1 referee who is also acting as a judge.
There must be a timekeeper in every contest, being responsible for timing all the rounds and the intervals, giving signals with a bell. 5 seconds before every round the time keeper will give a signal with a buzzer for seconds to get out. Seconds or handlers must leave the ring promptly. If the fight is stopped for any reason than the end of a round, the timekeeper must do as instructed by the referee to have an extension or not.
There must be at least one ring announcer to announce the result of the events and to give other nesessary information about Muay Thai and the contests to spectators.
Referee will order the fight to start when
the boxers have finished their pre-fight ritual of paying homage to their ancestral Muay Thai teachers, according to the Thai tradition.
the referee will call both boxers to meet him in the middle of the ring to give his final briefing on some of the rules and responsibilities of both parties. Then the referee will order them to go back to their corners and take off their sacred cords.When the boxers are ready, the referee will order the start of the fight and time keeper will give a gong signal and start timing the fight.
Verdict or decision by referees final.
The outcome of the contest may be one of the following five ways:-
Knock Out (K.O.)-To strike an opponent so effectively that he falls to the floor or hangs on the rope or fall off the ring and is unable to resume the contest before the referee counts 1-10; or ot knock an opponent out of the ring and he cannot get back before the count of ten; such a contest ending in a knock out.
Technical Knock Out (T.K.O)-Decision of referee in stopping a fight because one contestant, though not knocked out, is not in a fit state to continue; or he cannot out to fight at the bell of a new round; or he is so badly cut that it is too dangerous to continue; or the referee can consult with the stadium doctor before deciding to stop the fight.
Surrender-One contestant give in voluntarily.
Foul-when one contestant is dismissed from the ring because of a serious foul, the decision is awarded to his opponent.
Decision on points.
For disobedient boxers who do not follow the referee's orders, or whose fights considered to be collusions or sham fights, the contest chairman, the referee and head of the judges have a right to declare "stop contest and no decision".
The full score for lach boxer in each round is 10 points. The boxer who wins the round will get 10 points; the other, of course, will get less, but not less than 6. In the case of a draw, each will receive 10 points for the round.The judges must award points to contestants on the given scorecards.When each contest ends, the judges must propose the boxer who gets higher total of the two as the winner. If both boxers get equal scores, the judges must propose a draw.The referee will decide the winner by unanimous decision or by majority, 2 out of 3. The bout will be a draw if 2 give it a draw. But if there are 3 contradicting scores, a win, a loss and a draw, the verdict will be a draw.
The Principles of Scoring will be as Follows:
Hitting with punch, foot, knee and elbow according to the Muay Thai rules, the officials will also consider the effectiveness of the strike, its strength, target and how much it causes disadvantage to the opponent.
Defensive, ability to evade the opponent's attack.
Attacking and fighting skill.
If both boxers score equal totals, the who more offensive in the fight will be given an advantage.
The referee is authorized to deduct only 1 point at a time, as a penalty to any contestant.
FOUL. A foul is constituted by:-
Behaving or talking unpolitely.
Intentionally using his head to attack the opponent.
Butting, biting, picking or pressing the eye; pulling the hair, spitting on an opponent.
Wrestling; falling intentionally over a fallen opponent and elbowing or kneeing him; throwing down an opponent by the means of Judo or Wrestling.
Intentionally falling on the fallen opponent, pressing elbow or knee upon him.
Deliberately striking a fallen opponent.
Punching, kicking, spurning with foot, kneeing, elbowing, etc., at an opponent while holding the rope.
Cunningly avoid the opponents' attacks, such as by feinting to fall or slip under the rope, or hide behind the referee.
Intentionally kicking or kneeing at the opponent's protection cup.
Violation of rules. The referee should act as follows:-
A contestant who violates the rules intentionally but does not put the opponent at disadvantage or hurt him, will be given one warning or have one point deducted.
A contestant who violates the rules intentionally and put the opponent at an disadvantage or make him unable to continue the fight, may lose the fight through foul, or the referee may discontinue the fight with no decision. (If the violator's scores are higher).
In case of an unintentional violation which causes injury so serious that the fight can not be continued, the referee should stop the contest and given a TKO decision to the leading scorer or a TKO draw if the scores are equal.
In case of an unintentional violation, the referee can give two warnings. The third warning will result in a loss, or the fight may be stopped with no decision.
A contestant may protest a foul his opponent commits against him by reporting to the referee who will make decision immediately. If the protest does not fit what stated under the rules number 24 and 25, the referee may order the fight to continue.
When one side is fallen, the referee may act as follows:-
The referee must order the order contestant to retreat to the farthest corner immediately then starts counting from 1 to 10.
If the other contestant disobeys the referee's order, he must stop counting and order the violater to conform before continue his count.
If the fallen boxer gets up before the count of ten and before eight, the referee must continue to count until eight and order the fight to continue. If the boxer is not in fighting condition and cannot continue the fight, the referee must continue to count until ten If the "fallen" boxer get up before the count of 10 but falls down without being hit again, the referee must continue counting.
If both boxer: fall down together, the referee must start to count and continue counting even though one boxer has got up and the other is still down. When the count reaches 10 the bout is awarded to the one who gets up and is in fighting condition before the count of 10. But after the count of 10, if both boxers still cannot get up, the bout is declared a draw.
The bell will not save the boxers from being declared knocked out except in the last round. In the interpretation of these rules, if there is any question in consequence to the contest and not specified by the rules, it is up to the stadium manager and the judges to decide, relying on Muay Thai tradition as guidelines.

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A 'Muay Thai' match formally have no more than 5 rounds, each round take 3 minutes to last, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds is allowed.Boxers must regularly wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 gramm). The gloves must not be squeezed, kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.

Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.

₪ Contestants must wear only trunks (red or blue according to their corners) appropriately fit their bodies.

₪ Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin,Gum shield may be used.

₪ Wear no shirts nor shoes, but ankle cap is permitted.

₪ A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start of the fight.

₪ Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent is prohibited

Where & When to see

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Bangkok & Vicinitiy

₪ Lumpini Stadium

Rama IV Road, Bangkok Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 p.m, Saturday afternoons 5-8 p.m., Saturday nights from 8.30 p.m. Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside)

₪ Ratchadamnoen Stadium

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 p.m.Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights

₪ Channel 7 Stadium

Behind the old Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit), opp. Chatuchak Park, Bangkok Tel: (662) 272-0201Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 1.45 p.m., third Wednesday of each month starting at 12.00 noon. Ticket prices: Free admission

₪ Rangsit Stadium

336/932 Prachathipat Road, Rangsit, Pathumthani Tel: (662) 992-0099 Fight Nights: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 8.30 p.m. Ticket Prices: 110 (women only), 220 Baht

₪ Samrong Stadium

Samrong Road, Samutprakarn Tel: (662) 393-3592 Fight Nights: Fridays and Sundays, from 8.30 p.m Ticket Prices: 100 Baht for women, 200 Baht for men

₪ Omnoy Stadium

74 Moo 12 Tumbon Omnoy, Amphoe Krathumbaen, Samutsakorn Tel: (662) 420-4317 Fight Schedule: Saturdays from 11.45 a.m. Tickets: 200 Baht

₪ International Stadium, Chachoengsao

23/22 Moo 6 Thepkunakorn Road, Tumbon Sothorn, Amphoe Muang, Chachoengsao Tel: (66-38) 821-746-50 Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 4.00 p.m. Tickets: 200 Baht

Learning Muay Thai

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Muay Thai, with its emphasis on both offense and defense as well as on stamina, is a martial art anyone can learn: men, women, young or old. With the interest in Muay Thai growing fast, martial-art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their curricula. Some hire former Muay Thai champions as instructors, others have trainers who studied with Thai teachers. These schools may teach all the right moves and maneuvers, but Muay Thai isn’t just about punches and kicks. To learn Muay Thai is to learn about its roots and its purpose, and there’s nowhere better to do that than in its homeland. In the past, foreigners wanting “the real thing” would go to one of the stables, where training focuses on professional competition. For those not so inclined, there wasn’t much choice, and language was sometimes a problem. Not anymore, since Thailand now has a school for total Muay Thai education for both professionals and amateurs.

Muay Thai Institute

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The Muay Thai Institute was established with the goal of preserving and promoting the art of Muay Thai and making it accessible to all. The Institute, which is located in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok International Airport, offers accredited training courses for boxers, instructors and referees. Opened in 1997, the Institute is run by a professional team of Muay Thai instructors, promoters and officials. Its staff instructors are all former champions, hold at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and speak English. Graduates will received a certificate recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education and the World Muay Thai Council. Since its opening, the school has trained hundreds of amateurs and professionals. Students have come from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and other parts of the world. Thai students, many of them girls and young women, also come for recreational and professional courses. The Fundamental Muay Thai Program consists of Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional levels and takes 120 day to complete. The program was designed to provide students with the historical and cultural background to Muay Thai as well as the physical skills and fitness training. The course includes a study tour to Bangkok’s major stadiums, so students can experience the real thing live.Muay Thai for Instructors is ideal for those who want to become Muay Thai instructors or to run training schools. The program comprises three 15-day courses.Muay Thai for Referees and Judges is divided into three levels of proficiency: local, national and international, each taking 15 days. The Muay Thai Institute occupies a complex next door to Rangsit Stadium. Classes take place in the classroom and in the well-equipped gym. Students have access to the in-house fitness facilities and Muay Thai library. Dormitory-style accommodation, with five bunkbeds to a room, TV, and fridge, and meals are available. The Institute can arrange visa and paperwork for applicants to any of the courses

Tuition and Fees

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Fundamental Muay Thai 1-3: US$ 160 per course
Fundamental Muay Thai 4 (Professional): US$ 1,200
Muay Thai Instructors 1 & 2: US$ 288 per course
Muay Thai Instructors 3: US$ 320
Amature Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320
Professional Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320

International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact:
The Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: 992-0096-9