A brief History of Muay Thai

"Muaythai" is a national sport of thai society.

Competitions have been held continuously since Sukhothai period, around 1257AD.

in 1702 King Pha Chao Sua disguised himself so he could box with ordinary people. Known as "The Tiger King" He loved Muay Thai so much that he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions.

During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. To keep the army busy, he ordering them to train in Muay Thai.

In 1774 Nai Khanohm Tom was made famous for his battle against a group of Burmese. Nai Khanom Tom was a prisoner of war in Burma. The Burmese had captured him when they sacked and burnt Thailand's ancient capital Ayutthaya. Nai Khanom Tom must have been a great fighter, he was ordered to fight 10 of Burma's greatest fighters, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest.

He defeated all 10 fighters, King Mangra of Burma was one of the first to applaud the feat he had just witnessed stating, 'Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom, even with his bare hands as he has fell nine or ten opponents.

The King gave Nai Thanom Tom his freedom and he retuned to Ayutthaya. and a heroes welcome. The Thai army has fostered Muay Thai ever since, Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand. For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skill, the martial art of the battlefield.

When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muay Thai. But then so does every Thai person, male or female. Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood.

Muaythai became the favourite sport and pastime of the people, the army and the King. Historical sources show that people from all walks of life flocked to training camps. Rich, poor, young and old all wanted some of the action.

Every village staged its prize fights and had its champions. Every bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained with the sport and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights. Muaythai compettition was an activity that earned income for boxers throughout Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods.

Muay thai is widely reguarded as the ultimate form of street effective martial arts, it consists of eight weapons, hands, elbows, feet and knees.

At A.O.S.A we follow the Blitz Thai kickboxing cirriculum, created by Kru Mark "The Hammer" Castagnini.

For futher information on our classes please come see us or call us for more information.