Commonly known as \u201cthe art of eight limbs\u201d is a Southeast Asian martial art form known as Muay Thai. The \u201cstriking\u201d combat form is said to have originated from Thailand. Apparently, the Muay Thai comprises of elements belonging to several styles such as Lethwei, Pradal Serey, Muay Laos, and Musti-Yuddha. Furthermore, this martial art form comprises of two components i.e. Physical and Mental preparation. In addition, this combat form has been officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) although it is not yet an Olympic sport.<\/p>\n
a. History\/origin of the Muay Thai:<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the cultural history of Thailand, the Muay Thai was developed by a fighter known as Nai Khanomtom during the 16th<\/sup> century. Apparently, Khanomtom was captured by the Burmese Kingdom during a war. It was seven years after the war that the King of Burma organized a martial art festival to judge the quality of the Burmese fighters to that of the Thai. It was at this festival that Nai defeated about ten Burmese fighters and impressed the king, who then decided to set him free from imprisonment. It was this style of combat that he used at the festival that became known as \u201cSiamese Style Boxing\u201d which was later renamed as \u201cMuay Thai\u201d.<\/p>\n b. Weapon used in the Muay Thai:<\/strong><\/p>\n The \u201chands and feet\u201d of the fighter is mainly used as a weapon in the Muay Thai.<\/p>\n c. Technique involved in the Muay Thai and training availability:<\/strong><\/p>\n In terms of technique, a fighter basically uses moves such as punching, elbow strikes, kicking, knee strikes, foot thrusting, and clinching to overcome an opponent. In addition, a fighter also makes use of a few defensive moves such as blocking, redirection, avoidance, evasion, disruption, and anticipation. As for training centers\/schools, there are few available especially in Thailand for anyone interested in learning this \u201cstriking\u201d martial art form.<\/p>\n