the video "Muay Thai - The Art of Thai Kickboxing"
Featuring the Boys of Nakura Rachasima Boxing Club
What follows is the written introduction shown at the beginning of the video. It is a very amateur quality video and otherwise simply shows 5 bouts and a few credits.
Thai boxing (Muay Thai) is a combination sport, a form of martial skill, a king of science, and undeniably, an art form. Handed down through generations of over 2,000 years, it's popularity has surged and declined with each passing monarch. Initially, the sport involved the use of every part of the body but in time became restricted to the use of hands, feet, elbows and knees.
Muay Thai started to receive serious attention as a competition sport during the reign of King Rama VI (1921). Rules were formalized, competitions scheduled, and any man worth his salt was encouraged to learn. Teachers were revered and established their individual styles exemplified by varying rituals. Gradually students became younger and younger and today, boxing is a serious endeavor for growing youths. Even remote provinces have active organizations promoting the spirit and competitions.
Actual matches are a stylish mix of ritual and intense engagement. Most fights open with a dance-like tribute to the contestants' teachers called Wai Kruu. Each motion represents a certain "message" and identity, seperating different schools from each other. As the magic arts have been a part of Thai culture from ancient times, teachers instruct their fighters with formulae and incantations that once in the ring will provide protection, strength, resilience, and determination. Additionally, charms such as the Mongkon, a thick rolled cloth strip worn about the head, and Praciat, a narrow strip worn over the biceps embody magical powers to ward off dangers.
Thai boxing is also unique in that the action has to be accompanied by music so as to heighten the excitement. This accompaniment is often referred to as Pi Muay, which is, in fact, an instrument like a clarinet and produces various tones sounding like Eastern cobra dances. Each boxer is supported by contingent of trainers and enthusiasts who can be heard celebrating every successful contact.
A match consists of five rounds and a "downed" contestant is given a count of eight. Actual knockouts rarely occur as referees are bound to protect their charges' well being. The following excerpts are typical of the enthusiasm generated by Thai boxing in the provinces and are offered here as a small tribute to the courage and artistry of the boys, their teachers, and indeed the Thai people who supported our efforts generously.
Vid-cap Galleries of the video "Muay Thai":