Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed ub in the 18th Century as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs” and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to strike opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body is operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground.

Muay Thai has progressed significantly over the past 100 years due the increase in popularity, it began to garner international recognition and exposure. In World War II, after formally being introduced to Muay Thai, foreigners named it “Siam Boxing”. The French labeled it “Le Sport Orient” or the fighting style of the orient. Soldiers from Europe and America would watch Thai soldiers practice Muay Thai amongst themselves. They were so impressed with the style of fighting that they asked the Thai soldiers to teach them the fundamentals of Muay Thai. As it became more popular internationally, the rules began to change so it could be better organized and governed like boxing which ultimately planted the roots of modern Muay Thai.

Today, Muay Thai is recognized on a global scale. It was recently accepted as a provisional Olympic sport and its techniques are sought out by mixed martial artists from around the world. Training camps and gyms are located in almost every country with top athletes in the sport coming from every part of the globe.