Muay Thai is the traditional art of Thai self-defense it is a style of unarmed fighting using the feet, knees, elbows, and fists as defending weapons. It techniques can differ greatly from kickboxing, and true Muay Thai fighter in Thailand make frequent use of elbows and knees in competition (in addition to the feet and fists) there is no martial art quite like Muay Thai. Muay Thai students do not earn belts typical of other martial arts. Instead, Muay Thai practitioners prove their skills in the ring.
Muay Thai is a highly sophisticated martial art born out of conflict and war. The first historical account of Muay Thai dates back to 1767 and the legendary Nai Khanom Dtom. While a captive of the Burmese, he was ordered to fight ten consecutive matches against the best Burmese boxers. Dtom defeated the all, and was commended by the Burmese king for his bravery and skill. His extraordinary exploit is recorded in school textbooks and is known to every Thai child today.
3. Modern Muay Thai
The modern form of Muay Thai was born in 1930 when leather gloves, rounds per bout, and weight classes became standard. In 1964, the Japanese adopted Muay Thai, modified it, and called it "kickboxing." Today, the Thai military, U.S. Seal teams, and the CIA continue to use its effective striking techniques. It is also the national sport of Thailand.
