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Thai boxing (muay thai) is called "the art of eight limbs" because in this martial arts, blows are struck with fists, knees, shins and elbows. The duel in Thai boxing looks very spectacular, but also brutal - the players hit with full force, and their goal is to knock out the opponent as quickly as possible. Find out what the muay thai technique is all about and to whom this martial arts is recommended.

Contents:

  1. Thai boxing (muay thai) - story
  2. Thai boxing (muay thai) today
  3. Thai boxing (muay thai) - technique
  4. Thai boxing (muay thai) - training effects
  5. Thai boxing (muay thai) - to whom is it recommended?

Thai boxing( muay thai ) is considered to be one of the most brutal and at the same time the most effective martial arts. Its feature is a rich repertoire of blows that can be performed with the help of fists, elbows, knees and shins.

Unlike other eastern combat systems, technique plays a secondary role in Thai boxing - what really matters is the ability to deliver a decisive blow to your opponent that will knock them to the ground. For this reason, muay thai is more often included in sports than in martial arts (in the latter, more attention is paid to technical skills and spiritual values).

Thai boxing (muay thai) - story

Thai boxing (muay thai) is the national sport of Thailand, with a centuries-old tradition, which is closely related to the culture and history of this country. It was probably created in the 13th century and was initially cultivated by Thai army soldiers for defense purposes. It was also a favorite sport of kings, and over time it began to spread among the lower classes of society.

Muay thai competitions were organized in various parts of the country, which was always a great event and attracted the attention of many observers. The winners received honorary titles and decorations which guaranteed them lifelong admiration and respect. It was then that the whole ritual of muay thai competition was born - it was preceded by a special dance before the fight (waikhru), and during the competition the players were played with the traditional Saram melody.

Thai boxing (muay thai) today

At the beginning of the 20th century, the formula of Thai boxing underwent many significant changes. Above all, gettingmore often, wrappers (kaad chuek, i.e. straps for binding the hands) were replaced with boxing gloves. This was due to the desire to reduce muay thai trauma. The most brutal techniques such as head hits, groin kicks, levers and throws were also forbidden. The fights began in rings surrounded by ropes, and the competitors were divided into weight categories.

Despite many elements taken from the tradition of Western boxing, to this day muay thai competitions are held with the accompaniment of traditional music. The popularity of the sport is huge, and participation in fights is a way of earning money for many Thai people. Not only men train, but also women and children. The duels take place at both professional and amateur level. A feature of the amateur style is the players wearing head, body and knee pads.

Thai boxing (muay thai) - technique

Thai boxing is a full-contact combat sport, i.e. one in which strikes are de alt with maximum force. Inflicting the opponent in pain is an inseparable part of every duel (especially in the professional formula). As in regular boxing, punches are used (straight, hook, chin), but players can also use legs and elbows. It is the blows with these parts of the body that are most painful. Boxers must be prepared at all times for a sudden knee blow to the ribs or an elbow hit in the face.

In Thai boxing, fighting on the ground is not practiced, throws, chokes, levers, head hits and in particularly sensitive places, such as the crotch, are forbidden.

Various types of kicks are also used, incl. Circular kicks using the shin or foot, which may be delivered to the opponent's thigh, side or head. In addition, muay thai players often fight in a clinch, i.e. they put their arms behind their heads and hold their necks. In close combat, the most important thing is that the opponent does not manage to pull our head down, because then a blow with a knee to the face from below can be knocking out.

Check: Boxing training at home - exercises for beginners

Thai boxing (muay thai) - training effects

By training muay thai you can strengthen all the muscles of the body and shape the figure. Boxers often have well-developed shoulders and neck, which must be strong to avoid clinching. You also develop agility, flexibility and reflexes, because this fighting style requires a very quick defensive reaction - one false move and you can get a sudden hit with a knee or elbow. Thai boxing also allows for effective fat loss,because it combines elements of strength and aerobic training. One training session usually lasts about 60-90 minutes, during which you are constantly on the move - so you can burn a lot of calories.

It is also worth mentioning the psychological effects of Thai boxing training. This sport develops character, teaches mental endurance and perseverance in achieving goals. By studying the muay thai technique, you can increase your self-confidence and learn to control your own reflexes. It is also a great way to relieve stress and negative emotions accumulated during the day.

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Thai boxing (muay thai) - to whom is it recommended?

Muay thai is not a simple sport - to practice this discipline, even in a much milder amateur formula, you need to be focused on a lot of strength and mental effort. It is important to have the right level of muscle strength from the beginning and be motivated to constantly increase your abilities. This discipline is suitable for those who feel comfortable in fast, dynamic sports that require immediate reaction. People who want to slim down and shape their figure, and at the same time improve their performance and motor coordination, can benefit a lot from it.

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