The development of Muay Thai saw the transformation of the human
body into a multifaceted weapon inspired by the weapons common to
the time. The shin became the staff of the pike, used to block and
strike. The arms became the raised twin swords of defense. The fist
functioned as the jabbing tip of the spear. The elbow developed
into the battle axe, used to smash and to crush. The knee, too,
axed its way through enemys defenses. Finally, there was the
transformation of the flashing foot into pike, arrow, and knife. As
each part of the body became a weapon unto itself, a new
close-combat fighting skill was born: MuayThai. Since its initial
development, MuayThai has changed in many ways. It is now a modern
sport, rather than a battlefield skill. But in its heart are
carried old traditions and an ancient fighting spirit.
Muay Thai is part of the cultural heritage of the Thai people.
Their histories are intertwined. But their historical development
is difficult to discern clearly. When the Burmese sacked the Thai
capital of Ayutthaya, the archives of Thai history were, for the
most part, lost. Along with them were lost the historical accounts
of the development of MuayThai. What little we do know comes
primarily from the writings of Burmese, Cambodian, and early
European visitors to Thailand, as well as chronicles from the Lanna
Kingdom in Chiang Mai. All these sources agree that MuayThai
originated to be used on the battlefield in person to person
combat. As to the specific origins, however, these sources are
unclear and often contradict each other.
Cultural Heritage
There are, however, two main theories. The first suggests that the
art of MuayThai developed as the Thai people migrated from China to
what is now Thailand. It would have been an essential tool in the
migrants struggle for land. The second theory contends that the
Thai people were already settled in Thailand and developed MuayThai
as a means of self defense against invasion. Whichever account is
correct, what is indisputable is that MuayThai was an essential
part of Thai culture from its very beginnings.
The first great upsurge in interest in MuayThai as a sport and not
just a military skill occurred in the Ayutthaya period during the
rule of King Naresuan in 1584 CE. At that time, every soldier as
well as the King himself, trained in MuayThai. MuayThai slowly
evolved from its roots in the Chupasart a warfare manual and
new techniques were developed. This development continued under the
reign of King Prachao Sua, the Tiger King, who so loved MuayThai
that he often fought incognito in village contests. Thailand was at
peace during his reign, so soldiers were ordered to train MuayThai.
Interest in the sport subsequently took off. MuayThai became the
favorite pastime and sport of the Thai people, who flocked from all
walks of life to MuayThai training camps. Every village staged
prize fights and had its own champion.
While MuayThai has always been popular, there have been times when
it has been especially popular. The reign of King Rama V was one
such golden age for the sport. Many boxing camps were set up and
talent scouts, under royal command, recruited fighters from around
the country to fight for the King.
Match makers arranged grand bouts, which were fought for large
prizes and honour.
Fighters in action!
At that time, the matches were not staged in a ring as they are
now. Any available space a courtyard or village clearing, for
instance would be used. It was not until the reign of King Rama
VI that the standard ring surrounded by ropes came into use, as did
time keeping by the clock. Before that time, time keeping was done
by floating a pierced coconut shell in a tank of water. When the
shell sank, a drum signaled the end of the round.
Muay Thai has always been a sport for the people as well as a
military fighting skill. Regardless of social position, the Thai
people have always practiced Muay Thai. It was part of the school
curriculum until the 1920s, when it was withdrawn because it was
thought that the injury rate was too high. Thai people, however,
have continued to practice MuayThai in gyms and clubs. The people
have always followed the sport and have been instrumental in moving
it from the battlefield to the stadium ring.
Thai Boxer up-close.
Thai Kings, of course, have been powerful forces in the development
of the sport. One such prime mover was King Prachao Sua, or the
Tiger King. He not only influenced fighting styles, but also the
equipment that was used. At the beginning of his reign, the hands
and forearms of fighters were bound with strips of horse hair. This
both protected the fighter and inflicted more damage on the
opponent. Horse hair strips were later replaced by hemp ropes or
starched strips of cotton. For particular challenge matches, and
with the fighters agreement, ground glass was mixed with glue and
spread on the strips.
Changes in the sport since that time have primarily been changes in
equipment rather than radical changes. For example, while Thai
fighters have always worn groin guards to protect against kicks or
knees to the groin (which were legal moves until the 1930s), these
guards have evolved from tree bark or sea shells held in place with
a piece of cloth to triangular shaped pillows tied in place, which
have subsequently been replaced by the modern groin protector which
was brought back from Malaysia by a Thai boxer who traveled
there.
The most radical changes in the sport occurred in the 1930s. It was
then that the sport was codified and todays rules and regulations
were introduced. Rope bindings of the arms and hands were replaced
by boxing gloves, a change that can be attributed to the growing
success of Thai boxers in international boxing. The introduction of
weight classes was also inspired by international boxing. These and
other innovations such as the organization of fights into five
rounds substantially altered the fighting techniques employed by
fighters. Some techniques have disappeared.
Fight in the ring.
The establishment of stadiums, instead of makeshift rings, began
during the reign of King Rama VII before World War Two. During the
war, they gradually disappeared only to return with a strong
presence afterwards. Boxers from up-country once again headed
toward fame and fortune in Bangkok. Glory could be found at
stadiums such as Rajdamnern and Lumpini. With the introduction of
television coverage, the popularity of the sport was enhanced.
Channel 7 began broadcasting fights in colour over twenty years
ago. Today four Thai television stations broadcast fights free to
millions of MuayThai enthusiasts throughout Thailand.
The Champion.
Muay Thai truly has evolved from a battlefield art into a popular
sport. It has recently been accepted as an official sport in Asian
Games competition and the push is on to have it accepted as an
official Olympic sport. It is becoming increasingly popular outside
of Thailand and has enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas,
Australia, Africa, Japan, and Europe. The fighting tradition
continues to be passed on and is spreading wide and far. The
illustrious history of MuayThai is on a path to greater recognition
and international popularity.