What is Muay Thai? 

Muay Thai is a martial art discipline practiced in many parts of the globe, though its country of origin is Thailand. Referred to as The Art of the Eight Limbs, it holds many similarities to other arts that originated from Southeast Asia, such as the pradal series in Cambodia, Lao Boxing of Laos and Tomoi in Malaysia. In Thailand, Muay Thai is not just famous, it is their national sport.Similar, yet vastly different, the main difference that one has to take note of is that Muay Thai emphasizes the use of eight points for both offense and defense. These eight points are the head, fist, elbows, knees and feet.

Techniques

In old times, Muay Thai used nine points instead of eight. Save from the eight mentioned above, using the head was legal and a common part of the combat sport. However, it is now illegal to do so, presumably because of the dangers caused by headbutting, both for the attacker and the defender.

In fighting, think of Muay Thai is often likened to a mix of many sports. Muay Thai fighters often employ many defensive and offensive tactics that are similar to other sports. The only difference is that in Muay Thai, fighters have to worry about a lot of things and hence, many are quick to point out that Muay Thai is one of the hardest combat sports to master and participate in.

The fact that you have to worry about eight different points of attacks is proof enough that Muay Thai requires agility, strength and skill.

Practicing Muay Thai

If you’re interested in learning Muay Thai in all of its glory, it’s best that you go to its motherland. But, if that isn’t possible or if Thailand is too far away from you, you can look up personal trainers and gym who specialize in Muay Thai online.

Practicing Muay Thai, even if you have no plans of taking it up professionally, will do you a lot of good. More so since it originated as a form of self-defense in Muay Boran and many claim it’s one of the best combat sports out there to learn for you to know how to protect and/or defense ones self.

So, go out there and learn The Art of the Eight Limbs and you’ll definitely find yourself not only entertained, but amazed on how the combat sport has become a global phenomenon.