Muay Thai is among the many activities that increase one’s testosterone. In fact, most forms of sports can stimulate the human body to produce this male hormone. Additionally, Muay Thai focuses on both cardio and muscle building, so the testosterone production output will be more consistent.

Of course, there’s more to it than “yes, Muay Thai increases male hormones.” Read on to find out all about testosterone and Thailand’s national martial art.

Does Muay Thai increase testosterone?

As mentioned, it does. Not only does Muay Thai make you look manlier, it also helps with your testosterone production. How? Well… it’s difficult to explain in layperson’s terms. So first, let’s dig a bit deeper into what testosterone is.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is basically a hormone your body produces to make male characteristics differ from females. These differences include sex drive, bone mass, muscle strength, sperm production and much more. (Source)

Of course, men’s bodies naturally produce this hormone. However, it doesn’t mean that women cannot produce it. Women’s bodies also produce testosterone alongside estrogen (female hormone). They are for ovarian function and bone strength. (Source)

Needless to say, men’s bodies produce more testosterone than women’s. If they were to release the same amount, you would see women with broad shoulders and huge muscles everywhere.

Now. The question is: Where does testosterone come from? Well, since it deals heavily with your sex drive, it’s only natural that “sexual organs” produce it. Testicles in males and ovaries in females. (Source)

With all that said, how does Muay Thai increase the testosterone in your body? The answer is in the next section.

Muay Thai-Testosterone relationship

You see. Testosterone helps you strengthen your muscles. So, it makes sense that any tricep-building activities would stimulate this hormone production even more.

As you already know, practicing Muay Thai involves both muscle and stamina training. You need large triceps to generate and absorb more force in fights. And a huge stamina pool will keep you going through the 5 rounds.

Notice something? Yes. The muscle training part closely relates to what testosterone does. 

The science behind the process might be difficult to grasp. But basically, the more you use your muscles, the more worn out it would be. Thus, your body produces more testosterone to reinforce their strength..

However, don’t take Muay Thai as the only sport/exercise choice you have to boost your male hormones. Anything works as long as it relates to muscle strengthening. Going to the gym and enjoying those weight machines also works. (Source)

Cardio activities like jogging and aerobics can help with your testosterone output, too. However, the result would be more on a “long run” side. 

Most cardio focus on burning calories. That’s why it’s not as effective in raising your testosterone. So, if you want to look manly as soon as possible, add muscle building on your exercise schedule. But don’t go pure muscle either. Find a balanced mix between the two.

How else can you boost your testosterone?

There are tons of ways to increase the output of your male hormones. The most recommended is, of course, exercise. Why? Because it helps with your general health and immune system too.

But if you really need easier methods than training Muay Thai and exercise, well… here they are.

1. Diet control

As of 2023, diet control seems to be the best way to do anything health-related. And of course, boosting testosterone is no exception.

The short of it would be “Eat a variety of food with balanced nutrients.” And well… it couldn’t be more true.

“A variety of food” part means eat food that contains all nutrients. Especially protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Now, protein may sound sensible. Your body needs it to strengthen and repair your muscles. But fat and carbs? Well… let’s say that good fat helps balance your hormones, and carbs give you fast energy for maintaining your daily life. (Source)

Finally, the “balanced” part. This means don’t go overboard with these 3 nutrients. Eat them at an appropriate amount and ratio. And don’t forget vitamins (especially D), minerals, and water too.

2. Watch your stress

Have you ever heard of “your body reflects your mind?” Yes, this logic works on testosterone production as well.

Stress is scary. Not only does it bring down your mood, it can also increase your food intake too. As a result, you will gain weight and get fat, throwing your hormone level off-balanced. And that’s the last thing you want when trying to get bulky.

So, don’t underestimate the power of stress. Keep it in check, stay happy, and you’ll get manly in no time.

3. Sleep well

“Sleep it off” solves all problems. Yes, you can increase your testosterone by going to dreamland.

As you already know, sleep reduces stress, keeps your hormones in check, and fixes your tired muscles. So, make sure you never pull an all-nighter anymore (or at least minimize it).

4. Take a supplement

Now, this might be a bit controversial. However, you can’t deny that it’s another option to boost your male hormones.

If you’re new to the supplement circle, maybe you should start with vitamin D. There is research that links vitamin D intake to higher testosterone levels. (Source)

Of course, you shouldn’t jump the gun and go buy Vitamin D right now. Please do your research since everyone’s body is different. Only take supplements when you’re 100% sure that it’s safe for you. Or ask a doctor for advice. And speaking of which…

5. See the doctor

Sometimes, the causes of low testosterone levels can be more serious than impaired sleep, improper diet, or lack of exercise. It could stem from a malfunction of your organs, too. Not to mention the chance of it being a side effect of other diseases.

If you tried everything you can (including training Muay Thai) and found no result, seeing a doctor might be a good idea.

So, consult a professional. It’s safer that way.

Muay Thai can boost Testosterone, right?

At this point, you should understand that Muay Thai helps produce more testosterone. Training your muscle for a fight will stimulate your body to release this male hormone. So if you need more testosterone, Muay Thai might be your choice.

But if you don’t like combat sport, other exercise works too. Just make sure that you mix muscle training in the routine, too.

And if you don’t like sport in general, the list above can help you. However, exercise is still the best way to do it.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Does Muay Thai Increase Testosterone? (Martial Art & Man) appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Improving Muay Thai skills requires only focus. While time and effort are paramount to progress. Practice sessions are nothing without concentration and discipline. Pay attention to detail and technique, like contact point and form. Or else improving power, speed, or precision will be laborious.

Now, that’s the general idea of getting better at Muay Thai. There’s no way around practice. But there are ways to train better. Read on and find 8 methods to improve your Muay in less time.

How to get better at Muay Thai fast

1. Go slow first

This might come to your surprise. Go slow to learn fast? That doesn’t make sense, right?

Well… Going slow might take longer initially, but it saves time in the long run. Why? Because you don’t have to revisit previous lessons and correct your mistakes.

Going slow allows you to focus on little details. Pay attention to the little things your teacher taught, like contact points, stances, and forms.

Make sure you get all that right before going full and fast. If you go fast first, you might miss the chance to shape up a proper form. Fixing it later will be a painful and tedious process.

2. Practice like a real fight

This will be the opposite of the previous item. Once you get the hang of your techniques, go full force. Don’t hold back. Don’t reserve your energy. Practice with all you’ve got.

Think of this as programming your brain. Get yourself used to “punch it like you mean it.” If you half-heartedly punch all the time during your practice, you won’t be ready for the real match.

Let’s say, in an actual fight, you decided to go easy during the first round, like when you practiced. It was warm-up time, right? There should be no problem with relaxing a bit. 

Well… NO. Once the bell rings, it’s a real fight right away. Your opponent is ready to take you down instantly.

So, hard-wire your mind to hit the top note from the get-go. There’s no time to chill inside the ring.

3. Ask, don’t assume

Now. This one might be obvious. But you won’t believe how many practitioners fail to do this.

If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, don’t guess. Call your trainers/teachers and ask what to do.

Once you make an assumption, you risk getting it wrong. And once that happens, you’ll get into trouble. Your strikes might get weak. You might violate the rules. Or the worst case, you can even hurt yourself.

More importantly, old habits die hard. Once you start practicing it wrong, you’ll do it wrong forever. It’s like those mistakes now run in your veins. Needless to say, your opponent will punish you for it.

So before you jump the gun and say, “This is probably fine,” check with your teachers.

4. Don’t forget the basics

As you know, you can’t move to B without passing A. 

So, make sure you get all the basics down before moving forward. And once you get it, keep coming back every so often. Don’t leave the old skills to rust. Practice them every week.

Basic techniques are simple. And that simplicity makes them flexible and dangerous. Your opponents know that you’re going to use a straight punch. After all, everyone uses it. 

However, they don’t know how you’re going to use it. Like where you’ll aim or how many times you’ll strike.

And besides, all the advanced techniques are reinterpretations and derivations of the basics. A spinning kick is still a kick. So, master the kick before you spin.

5. Never skip studies

Sometimes, reading books can make you a better fighter, especially the rulebook.

A thorough insight into the Muay Thai rule can win you big points in a real match. How? Well… Do you know that kicks score higher than most punches? How many forms of throws are allowed? If you know these little things, you can use them to your advantage.

If you have watched enough Muay Thai, you might know that the unlikely-win situation is frequent. Like fighters who throw more punches end up losing, or the 2-down side scores higher than the 1-down. 

These things might seem strange initially. But if you understand the ruleset, you’ll know what’s going on right away.

In short, take off the gloves and put on your glasses. It’s time to read.

6. Watch real matches

Watching as a study is among the best ways to learn, especially when you’re a visual learner.

Locking yourself in a gym may get you far, but seeing how to use the techniques in real fights can get you further.

Let’s say you want to know how to do a powerful roundhouse kick. Find a match with a great roundhouse kick fighter and book the ticket. The rest is to watch and focus.

Pay attention to how the kicks can be used as a response, combination, and initiation. Remember the details and try copying once you hit the gym.

Even though you couldn’t pick up anything, you still get to watch for entertainment and inspiration.

7. Join local tournaments

What’s a better way to improve than real experience?

Practicing. Watching. Usually, these two aren’t enough for you to improve your Muay Thai. So, it’s time for the real deal.

Fighting in the ring and practicing in the gym are two worlds apart. The pressure will be intense. Your heartbeat will be crazy fast. And of course, your opponent will do the unexpected.

Even if you can’t take all the differences at once, at least get used to them as soon as possible. Create that switch called “competitive mode.” Develop your fighting instinct. And before you even know it, your techniques will grow.

8. Go to Thailand

If you’re desperate to get better at Muay Thai, how about visiting the home of the martial art: Thailand.

And once you’re there, don’t let your time go to waste. 

Find a gym nearby and attend their lessons. And since the gym is in Thailand, the training quality will be top-notch. Expect your teacher to be detail-oriented and intense. After all, they will want to know your worth as a foreigner.

In addition, the atmosphere will keep you focused. Again, you are in the home of Muay Thai, and you will feel the pressure to improve. And everyone around you, teachers or spar partners alike, expects the same result.

Still on the fence about training Muay Thai in Thailand?

READ MORE ▸ 6 Clear Reasons Why You Should Train Muay Thai in Thailand

Attention to details

Note that 6 out of 8 tips presented ask you to be detail-oriented. This is proof of how much little things matter. So go slow, ask questions, nail the basics, study rules, and watch matches.

When you’re ready to move on, give it all out and find a new experience. And if you want to go further, try flying to Thailand. Do all that, and you’ll be surprised with your progress.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post How to Get Better at Muay Thai? (8 Easy Tips) appeared first on ThaiGuider.

The main reasons why you should train Muay Thai in Thailand are the stories. The practitioners get to learn about the lineage of their techniques. This might sound minor. But if the learners know its original purpose and evolution, they might find a new way to adapt and improve the art too.

Needless to say, the benefits don’t end there. There are many more to discover. Read on and find 5 reasons to fly to Thailand and train in Muay Thai.

Why do people go to Thailand to train in Muay Thai?

Before getting to the point, let’s prepare you with foundational knowledge about Muay Thai.

• What’s Muay Thai Origin?
• What’s Wai Kru Muay Thai?
• Muay Thai training for beginners.
• Health risks and dangers in Muay Thai.

Ready? Then let’s start with the obvious one.

1. Train with the best

As you know, Muay Thai is the national martial art of Thailand. So, it’s no surprise that the country would have the highest quality training. After all, Muay Thai was born in Thailand, evolved in Thailand, and still lives in the locals’ daily life.

Tons of big names and legends are still fighting in the countries. Like Bua Khao, Phetmorakot, and Tawanchai. Others even open their own gyms to pass down their fighting style.

And speaking of gyms, there are more than thousands of options across the country. Try them all out and choose the best one. But if you’re unsure where to start, here are some recommendations.

2. Discover the tradition

Muay Thai isn’t all about practice. It’s about the heart too.

Training in Thailand allows you to discover the beauty and spirituality of the art. What you find might differ from gym to gym. But what’s common among them is the importance of a teacher.

You probably won’t find any gym outside of Thailand that teaches you how to “Wai Kru.” Don’t know what it is? It’s a dance-like ritual Muay Thai fighters perform before they fight. Each move signifies their gratitude for the trainers, teachers, and coaches.

READ MORE ▸ Wai Kru Muay Thai: A Powerful Greeting, Dance, or Ritual?

These dance moves have a strong tie with Thai culture. So, learning them with the locals is the best way to do it.

And besides, you will get to learn more about traditional fighting etiquette. Like how to show respect to your opponent, when to greet the opponent’s coaches, and what is considered rude for Muay Thai fighters.

They might sound insignificant for a real fight. But in the ring, these little details can affect the mood and momentum of each round. So, you better learn it properly.

Of course, you can look these details up on the internet. But that won’t stick in your mind. Training in Thailand will hardwire these little things in your brain so you can auto-pilot through everything.

3. Get in the right mood

Sometimes, Muay Thai training can be harsh. You might lose your fire and feel like quitting. Training in Thailand, however, might make it easier for you to keep going.

Remember that you train in the land of Muay Thai. This means you might get a chance to bump into your idol. It’s not that rare to meet sports celebrities in a supermarket here.

But if luck isn’t your strong suit, force your way through. Book a ticket to one of the many matches in the country and get inspired by the experience. There’s no way your passion wouldn’t rekindle after that.

Now, let’s talk about the sense of belonging a bit.

Being a foreigner in a local Muay Thai camp will make you feel misplaced initially. You will feel the pressure to work harder so everyone accepts you. Let that pressure drive you. It will be super rewarding when your Thai gym mates shake your hand.

And don’t forget to hang out with them from time to time. Practice is important and all, but you need a break as well. Who knows? You might learn some new tricks as you fool around with them. And speaking of which…

4. Learn the local tricks

In a fight, tactics can be as game-changing as strategies. And there’s no better place to learn them than Thailand.

You will get plenty of chances to interact with veteran local fighters. And who knows? They might tell you some little tricks under their gloves. Like when to pull your pants to break the opponent’s momentum. Or how to use the rope/cage to your advantage.

Thai athletes are somewhat infamous for these little tricks. It’s not illegal, per se, but it might disrupt your opponent’s rhythm. So, you might want to learn some tricks for emergencies too.

Besides, learning these tricks will enhance your understanding of the rules. You must know how much is too far and how much is okay. So, this is a guaranteed way to master them all in one go.

5. Find more chances to fight

If you feel like putting your training to the test, join one of the many fighting rings in Thailand.

Thai people love watching Muay Thai, so it’s no surprise promoters keep various tournaments up all year. Some might be broadcast on TV. Some might be community-only. Choose the ones you prefer and test your skills to your heart’s content.

Needless to say, these are also great chances to improve yourself. Feel free to steal a technique or two from your opponent. They might fit in your repertoire better than you thought.

Of course, more fights can also mean more money. If you win, you’ll get cash. If you lose, you’ll get experience. So, you can’t go wrong here.

And if your form is good enough, you might win a chance to start a new career. Famous coaches and fighters attend these events all the time. So, if your skill catches their eyes, they might come to you themselves.

6. Earn the “bragging rights”

This might sound insignificant, but it could give you an edge in the mind game.

Let’s say you decide to return to fight in your homeland. If your opponents know that you’ve trained in Thailand, they might be cautious of your “uniqueness.” Some might even get intimidated from the get-go.

Use that to your advantage. It might be minuscule, but everything counts in an actual match. Remember, fear of the unknown is human’s oldest fear (said H.P. Lovecraft). If your opponents don’t know how you trained, they will unconsciously fear you.

Muay Thai training in Thailand, it’s just better!

Not to say you should jump on the bandwagon. But if the crowd is going to Thailand to train Muay Thai, there must be a great deal on it. And what’s mentioned here is just scratching the surface.

So if you’re starting your Muay Thai training, give going to Thailand a chance. It might cost you a big buck. But everything will be worth it.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post 6 Clear Reasons Why You Should Train Muay Thai in Thailand appeared first on ThaiGuider.

What separates Muay Thai and Kickboxing is unclear, thanks to how the latter has so many variations. But the differences will show if one compares Muay Thai and American Kickboxing. Knees, elbows, and low kicks are allowed in the Thai fighting ring but are illegal in its counterpart.

Of course, that’s not all there is to it. More specifics separate these 2 sports apart. Read on and discover the two worlds of Muay Thai VS Kickboxing.

Is there a difference between Muay Thai and Kickboxing?

This question might be trickier than you think. Why? Because while Muay Thai is a term referring to Thai-style boxing, Kickboxing can refer to various existing and mixed martial arts.

For example, Japanese Kickboxing originated from the combination of Muay Thai and Karate. (Source) American Kickboxing is an evolved version of the Japanese with more striking limitations. (Source)

See the problem now? Muay Thai will always be Muay Thai. Kickboxing, however, can be many things. And sometimes, people refer to Muay Thai as Thai Kickboxing too.

So, this article will primarily discuss American Kickboxing. Now, let’s start with the arsenal of both fighting styles.

Weaponry

Muay Thai is more well-rounded in usable body parts. And here’s why.

Originally, Muay Thai was a tool of war. The point of each attack wasn’t to score points or play tricks. All strikes were meant to kill as fast as possible. So, ancient Muay Thai fighters would use anything to finish the job quickly, including knees and elbows.

Of course, modern Muay Thai isn’t like that anymore. It was modified to preserve the longevity of each fighter’s career. However, elbows & knees are still around, low kicks are still legal, clinch-fighting is okay, and even some forms of throws get the green light. (Source)

Basically, most Muay Thai original weapons are legal. Modern matches only limit how you use them.

Kickboxing, on the other hand, is full of limitations. And it makes sense, considering how the sport was created in the 1900s. Back then, martial art was already more common as a sport and self-defense than a killing tool.

Elbows, knees, and low kicks are a big NO in American Kickboxing. However, the international ruleset allows the use of knees and low kicks. (Source)

American kickboxers cannot engage in clinch combat either. Basically, you can look at Kickboxing as ordinary boxing with kicks. But don’t underestimate it, though. Despite the fewer weapons, it still is among the best global fighting styles.

Rulings

Let’s discuss the general rules of both sports before diving into the technical ones.

A Muay Thai match consists of 5 rounds — 3 minutes each. The fighters get a 2-minute rest in between. (Source)

Despite the small number of 5 rounds, Muay Thai fighters tend to go slow in the first round. The “real” fight usually begins in the 2nd – 3rd.

And if you think about it, this timing technique makes sense. With the green light on the low strikes, fighters prefer to destroy each other’s legs with kicks before getting up close.

American Kickboxing, however, has 3-10 rounds — 2 minutes each — with a 1-minute break in between. (Source)

With such a short round, most fighters usually go all-out from the first bell. They have to make each second count and maintain their momentum. 

In terms of protection, both sports use similar gear. These include mouth-guard, hand wraps, 10 oz boxing gloves, and groin-guard.

However, kickboxers also wear shin pads under their long-legged pants and kick boots. Meanwhile, Muay Thai only requires a short. So, Muay Thai is generally more brutal with less protective equipment.

Now let’s discuss the technicalities. 

Even though both sports are full-contact, Muay Thai is less strict on the ruling.

Striking below the waist is a common occurrence in Muay Thai. Of course, groin strikes are illegal. Leg strikes, however, are encouraged. (Source)

And to be fair, leg strikes might be the most effective weapon in the Muay Thai arsenal. They are long-ranged, hard to dodge, and devastating. A kick to the thigh or shin can shut down your opponent before they even throw their first punch.

Kickboxing, on the other hand, forbids any strikes below the waist. This means you cannot attack your opponents’ legs at all. If you want to kick, your only targets are the torso and head. (Source)

However, leg sweep is allowed in Kickboxing. Just make sure you sweep below the opponent’s ankle. Or else you’ll get a warning from the referee.

Techniques

The main difference between Muay Thai and Kickboxing (other than elbows and knees) is the kicks. More specifically: the kick’s contact point.

Most Muay Thai kicks are bone-focus. You usually hit your opponent with the hard shin bone, creating a massive destructive power. (Source)

This technique, however, is high-risk-high-reward. If you mess up the kick and land it on the wrong side, you might injure yourself. Fighters hurting their legs with their own kicks isn’t uncommon in Muay Thai.

To lower the chance of such an accident, most local Muay Thai fighters started their training as elementary school students. They need that much time to strengthen their legs.

Kickboxing’s kick, however, mostly uses the balls of your feet and heels. The damage might be lower, but they are safer to use and more consistent.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Kickboxing doesn’t utilize shin bones. Some roundhouse kicks use this part as a contact point too. But still, using bones is not as mainstream as in Muay Thai.

Muay Thai VS Kickboxing: Which one is for you?

This question can be tricky to answer too. Why? Because it depends on what your goal is with the martial arts. Is your goal to train in self-defense, or is it to exercise? Maybe you want to enter the MMA ring.

To make things more complicated, the answers aren’t limited to A or B but also “both.” 

After all, Muay Thai has been a part of Kickboxing from the beginning. So, if the answer is Kickboxing, you can learn elements of Muay Thai from it too.

But anyway, let’s answer this question in a more simplified way.

Self-defense/street fight: Muay Thai

Muay Thai might be a bit more advantageous in real fights.

In case of assault, you don’t have the time to worry about “Will my strikes hurt the assailant too much?” Your mind should focus on “How can I get out of here fast?” And Muay Thai provides a better answer. Why? Because it simply has more weapons.

Elbows and Knees are lethal. One hit to the face marks the end of the encounter. However, they might be risky to use thanks to the short range.

So, you might want to perform the low kick. If the assailant is not prepared, they will immediately go down. And that’s where you run.

Of course, Kickboxing can do the same. However, performing a move you rarely practice can be dangerous at such a moment. So, Muay Thai is just a better option here.

Exercise: Both

To be fair, this actually depends on where you are. If you’re in Thailand, then Muay Thai is a better choice. But If you’re in a Western country, go with Kickboxing.

Both of them are great exercises. They strengthen the muscles of your entire body, provide great cardio sessions, and get the endorphins (happy hormones) rushing. So go to the closest gym and they whatever they have.

And if you go to the gym with coaches, they will keep you safe and secure. It’s rare to injure yourself under the supervision of a pro.

Joining MMA: Kickboxing

If it’s a fight between Muay Thai and Kickboxing, the result might be in Muay Thai’s favor (thanks to the more lethal moves in its repertoire). In MMA, however, pure Muay Thai will probably fall short.

You see. Kickboxing is already a mixed martial art. This means that it’s more flexible to add more fighting styles to the ingredient list. Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu are common choices since they cover floor moves.

Muay Thai, however, is more specialized and strict. Most Muay Thai stances would fail under the choke, grab, and floor situation. At its core, Muay Thai is all about striking. And if you can’t strike, you’re done.

So, Kickboxing is a more sensible choice here. But if you’re confident you can get out of your opponent’s floor moves, feel free to go with Muay Thai.

Similar… but still different

Even though Muay Thai and Kickboxing share some characteristics, they are still two different sports.

What ties them together is the use of punches and kicks. The rest, however, is way off — like elbows & knees, low kicks techniques, strategies, and even protective equipment. Muay Thai is more open in these regards.

But in the end, enjoy what you like. Nothing is wrong with appreciating one sport more than others. The point is you have a great time.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Muay Thai VS Kickboxing: What’s the Difference? appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Muay Thai’s danger varies based on the situation. Training & sparring is relatively safe under the supervision of a coach. Injuries like a muscle sprain or concussion occasionally occur in actual matches. In self-defense combat, Muay Thai can be life-threatening for the users and the opponents.

Of course, you should already know that Martial arts and danger go hand in hand. But Muay Thai might push that saying a bit further. Read on to find out how dangerous Muay Thai is.

Is Muay Thai dangerous?

Generally speaking, yes.

Muay Thai is the art of inflicting pain. No matter how you look at it, somebody will get hurt when Muay Thai is involved.

But how dangerous is Muay Thai? And why is it among the most lethal martial arts in the world?

What makes Muay Thai dangerous?

Short answer: the bones. Many Muay Thai techniques utilize striking with your bones. Needless to say, the damage they cause can be tremendous.

In Muay Thai, it’s legal to elbow and knee your opponent. After all, these are the weapons separating Muay Thai from other Martial Arts.

And as you know, the elbows and knees are less meat and more bone. So, they are harder and stronger than other body parts. And since their contact point is small, all the force concentrates on one spot — resulting in devastating power upon impact.

An elbow to the head would feel like being hit with a sledgehammer. Even if your skull didn’t break, it still caused a concussion and other brain injuries.

A flying knee to the chest is also hazardous. It sucks the air out of your lungs and can even break your rib cage. No need to imagine what would happen when it hit your face.

Of course, Muay Thai isn’t all knees and elbows. Even though they are destructive, they can be risky to use since their range is limited. So, another dangerous weapon of Muay Thai is the legs.

Kicking techniques in Muay Thai involve utilizing your shin bones. So, if a Muay Thai fighter swings a kick at you, expect the damage to be comparable to a baseball bat. Yes, it can break your bones, sprain your muscles, or even knock you out.

But that’s not all. These bone techniques can hurt the practitioners too.

After all, if you use your bones too much, they will eventually break. Especially when the bones clash. You might have seen a Muay Thai match where the winner celebrates with wobbly steps. Yes. To finish their opponent, they kicked so hard that they injured their shin or foot.

So, using bones can seriously injure both the fighter and his opponent.

Muay Thai & injuries 

What’s the worst that could happen in Muay Thai? Well… death.

During the boom of Modern Muay Thai in Thailand (around the 80s), many organizations held matches and tournaments everywhere. So, fighters of that time had many opportunities to show off their skills and make money.

However, not all rings are created equal. Some had poor safety measures — like no medics prepared nor judges on stage, and others were outright illegal. As a result, many participants suffered serious injuries. The most common ones were torn muscles, broken bones, internal bleeding, and concussions. 

And some unfortunate souls died in the ring as well.

Of course, most of the incidents happen to no-name fighters. The coaches wouldn’t allow their big shots to risk themselves like that (considering how easy it was to suffer a long-term condition). However, it didn’t change the fact that many had to end their career and life.

So, today’s Muay Thai has improved the measures to ensure the athlete’s safety. Like the medical staff, stricter rules, and trained judges. But unfortunately, these protocols still can’t prevent the casualty to zero.

The most recent death in the ring was in 2019. Panpech, a young fighter aged 13, was knocked out before passing away at the hospital. Cause of death: concussion. (Condolences to the young man and his family).

Of course, it was an accident. Nobody wanted it to happen. However, this incident broke the Teen Muay Thai industry. Many locals criticized the match organization and staff for lack of risk assessment. And some blame the coaches for not throwing the towel as well.

Note that what’s mentioned here is all in competitive settings. In a real fight, Muay Thai can be even more life-threatening. This environment has no rules, so the fighter can go all out with killing intent.

Muay Thai danger in different circumstances 

In training

If you have a coach or teacher, you are pretty much safe.

Your instructor will teach you how to attack and defend while keeping your body from harm. If you can follow the instructions, there’s little need for safety concerns.

In addition, your coach can provide you with various safety equipment. So, your training session will be as smooth and secure as possible.

On the other hand, if you choose to go on a self-taught route, you might break a wrist or two.

A video from YouTube cannot assess your posture or technique. So, you will never know if what you’re doing is correct or not. And as a result, you might develop a bad habit that slowly ruins your body as a fighter.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should never practice at home. Feel free to do so when you know what you’re doing. Or else, getting a coach is the best approach.

In sparring

Again, a spar can be relatively safe if you have a coach.

However, the risk of injury is definitely higher than in training. After all, you cannot control your sparring partner. They could go with a friendly approach or switch to competitive mode at any moment.

And besides, unlike in training, you will be taking hits. No matter how skilled you are, you can never escape from a fight without eating a punch or two. So, prepare those muscles for the impact.

What you need to pay attention to are the kicks. If you’re unfamiliar with Muay Thai, your eyes might focus on the opponent’s fists. So, when the leg strikes come, they might appear like popping out of nowhere (especially the low kicks).

And as mentioned, kicks are among the most dangerous weapons in the Muay Thai arsenal. Make sure you know how to deal with them.

In a match

Needless to say, your tendency to suffer injuries spikes in a match.

Unlike in a spar, no one will go easy on you. The punches will be fast. The kicks will be heavy. Everything you see will try to hurt you as much as possible (not to mention what you don’t see).

So, keep your guard up. Protect your vital spots. Even though the judge is right next to you, he cannot heal your bleeding or concussion.

In a street fight and self-defense

Avoid these circumstances at all causes.

Whichever side uses Muay Thai, the opponent isn’t going to like it.

Some of you may know that Muay Thai was born as a tool of war. Yes. It’s an age-old art form specializing in killing people. So, if no rule is applied, a Muay Thai fighter can become a killing machine.

If you happen to be using Muay Thai against an assault, make sure you only stun and run. You wouldn’t want to be a murderer, right? So only destroy the opponent’s balance and bail. Even if you know you can beat the assailant to a pulp, you still shouldn’t. Unintentional killing is killing, nonetheless.

But if your opponent uses Muay Thai, keep your distance and call for help. After all, Muay Thai is a close-quarter fighting technique. You should be safe if you are far enough to dodge the kicks. 

And most importantly, call for help. 1 VS 2 victory is rare in real life. So Get your number up, intimidate, and try to walk away.

Safety Battle: Muay Thai VS other martial arts

1. Boxing

Boxing, as a sport, is definitely safer than Muay Thai.

You can only damage your opponent with punches. No kicks, elbows, or knees are allowed. It’s a sport that focuses on techniques more than destructive power with all the rules and regulations.

And besides, international boxing, like the Olympics, requires you to wear safety gear in a match. So, the injury wouldn’t be as serious as in Muay Thai.

Of course, this doesn’t mean boxing isn’t dangerous. You can still get a concussion or lose your life if you’re not careful. But overall, Muay Thai is a more life-threatening sport.

2. Karate

This is a close match. It is difficult to conclude which sport is more dangerous to your health because both are equally lethal.

Without protective gear, a Karate kick can send you to the hospital in a blink of an eye. Even with the helmet, you can still get serious injuries and concussions.

And the most dangerous aspect of Karate is speed. Their kicks are usually faster than their Muay Thai counterparts. And the strength is no joke too. You can even say that kicks are the highlight of the Karate sport.

However, Karate still limits you from using weapons like elbows and knees. So, Muay Thai can be more dangerous in close quarters, depending on the circumstances.

In any case, both sports are on par with each other for health concerns. You definitely don’t want to mess with the fighters of both martial arts.

3. MMA

In this case, MMA is hands-down more dangerous than Muay Thai as a sport.

No matter how effective Muay Thai is as a knock-down tool, it has nothing to counter the grappling techniques of MMA fighters. If a pure Muay Thai fighter got himself in a lock or hold, they’re pretty much finished. 

And on a side note, Muay Thai only fights to stand. If your opponent is down on the floor, you wait until they get up. MMA, however, encompasses wrestling and has lots of floor moves to utilize. You can even sit on top of your opponent and unleash carnage on their face. Again, Muay Thai can’t do that.

So basically, MMA is more well-rounded than Muay Thai — making it a more dangerous sport overall.

4. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ), things get a bit technical.

BJJ, at its core, is a self-defense tool. And not only does it protect you but also your opponents. The beauty of BJJ is in suppression, not inflicting pain. The practitioners only neutralize the threat, and that’s it. No killing moves. No harming intent. Just calm things down and back off.

That’s one of the reasons why BJJ is a world-class martial art. It saves lives.

Muay Thai, a martial art, can’t compare on a safety stage. It’s the art of striking down your opponent, not keeping them away from harm.

So, if you’re looking for a self-defense system that will be safer to use, BJJ is definitely a better choice.

Finally, does Muay Thai hurt?

All in all, Muay Thai is going to be painful. It’s a martial art and a combat sport; your body will inevitably receive impacts. The degree of damage might vary, from a sprain to brain damage. And death is always looming on the horizon.

However, this doesn’t mean you should shy away from Muay Thai. Knowing how dangerous the sport is, you should be able to appreciate it much more. The fighters are practically dancing with death. It requires laborious training and tremendous skills to avoid stepping on death’s toes. And they deserve respect for that.

And if you’ve trained enough to fight in a ring, you deserve the same respect too.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Is Muay Thai Dangerous? Injuries, Health Risks, Safety appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Muay Thai rankings are similar to those of international boxing. Fighters are separated into weight groups, like Flyweight, Welterweight, and Middleweight. Moreover, each fighting stadium/program has its own record with different criteria. So, the global No.1 title is still up for debate.

Now that you know the general criteria, it’s time to see how they order all the fighters. Read on and discover the ins and outs of the Muay Thai ranking system.

How does Muay Thai rankings work?

Before diving further, let’s tune up your understanding.

As mentioned, there are mountains of Muay Thai ranking in this world. And that means the criteria for one list may differ from another. List A might look at 3 criteria, while List B looks at 5. So, it’s natural that your favorite fighter will appear on a different number on each ranking.

However, general criteria like weight or body size are usually the same. 

In this article, the criteria discussed will be based on ONE Championship’s method. They have the most layman-friendly explanation of their ranking system compared to other organizers/stadiums.

The criteria

Weight

Now. Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. The weight criteria in Muay Thai is pretty much a copy of international boxing.

In general, there are 15 weight divisions in Muay Thai. (Source)

• Mini Flyweight: < 104 lbs
• Junior Flyweight: 105 – 108 lbs
• Flyweight: 109 – 112 lbs
• Junior Bantamweight: 113 – 115 lbs
• Bantamweight: 116 – 118 lbs
• Junior Featherweight: 119 – 122 lbs
• Featherweight: 123 – 126 lbs
• Junior Lightweight: 127 – 130 lbs
• Lightweight: 131 – 135 lbs
• Junior Welterweight: 136 – 140 lbs
• Welterweight: 141 – 147 lbs
• Junior Middleweight: 148 – 154 lbs
• Middleweight: 155 – 160 lbs
• Light Heavyweight: 161 – 175 lbs
• Cruiserweight: 176 – 190 lbs
• Heavyweight: >191 lbs

But here’s the thing. You might have heard that Featherweight is a different number, or 126 lbs is called Flyweight.

Well, you are not wrong. Different event organizers (especially in Thailand) call each weight range differently. For example, ONE championship calls 126 lbs or below Flyweight, but Ratchadamnoen Stadium calls the same weight range Featherweight.

In essence, you can see them as the same thing. It’s better to just ignore the naming issues and use weight range as the universal criteria.

In the ranking system, fighters will be ranked among opponents of the same division. Middleweight fighters will not appear in the Featherweight or Heavyweight ranking.

The reason for that is simple. The heavier you are, the more force you can generate (f = ma, elementary physics). It’s unfair to rank the lighter-weight fighters against the heavier ones.

Fight Record

You should know this concept well if you watch soccer (football), football, tennis, or any other sports.

Fight record is pretty much the number of wins VS losses. If you win often, you’ll rank higher. But if you lose frequently, your rank will drop. And that’s it. This criterion is quite self-explanatory. So, let’s move on.

Match quality

Now, this criterion might be a bit ambiguous and opinionated. Why? Because it’s based on the judges’ personal thoughts.

Match quality refers to the fighter’s performance in each match compared to the opponent. This can include forms, stances, techniques, impacts, and strategies.

It is determined separately from the fight record since you can have a superb performance but end up losing in the end. Even Though you’re knocked out in the 5th round, you can still be ranked higher than the winner since you dominate the first 4 bouts.

The opposite also holds true. Winning with terrible performance is not going to boost your rank much.

Now, here’s the problem. The judges can be biased in this regard.

They might be generous with one technique more than others or prefer certain fighting styles more than the rest. That’s why most event organizers invite diverse critics, gurus, and athletes to form the judging panel. This prevents the ranking from being one-sided and unfair.

Holding the Champion belt doesn’t guarantee the No.1 spot

Champion titles only certify that you have the most wins in an event.

Ranking, however, focuses on the consistency of your performance. Even though the Champions are usually the better fighters in general, they can sometimes gain that belt because of luck/accidents too.

Top fighters can perform horribly in “that one match” thanks to “a bad day.” This might cost them the tournament, but their ranking won’t fluctuate much. Why? Because one match doesn’t reflect the fighter’s whole career.

You might have heard of the term “the uncrowned king.” Yes, a beast of a man who has never been awarded champion. There are tons of them in the Muay Thai industry. 

Who’s the best?

Now, you should understand how the Muay Thai ranking is made. Let’s look at actual lists to see who’s the best.

But remember, there are thousands of “Muay Thai top fighters” lists in this world.

In Thailand, 3 rankings dominate the Muay Thai industry: Lumpini, Ratchadamnoen, and One championship. So, let’s see how they rank their fighters (Notable weight division only, or this article would be 3,000 words long).

Lumpini Rankings (source)

Featherweight (127 – 130 lbs)

Champion: Songkom Bangkok Alaiyon

#1 Kaona Sj. Tongprajeen

#2 Lamnammoonlek A. Atchariya

#3 Superlek Kiatmoo 9

Welterweight (141 – 147 lbs)

Champion: Rafi Singpatong

#1 Saenpol W. Panyawai

#2 Mathias Seven Muay Thai

#3 Darky Lookmakamwan

Middleweight (161 – 168 lbs)

Champion: Kompikat S. Tawanrung

#1 Tobe Kaewsamrit

#2 Diego Carado

#3 Osan RMB Gym

Ratchadamnoen Rankings (source)

Featherweight (127 – 130 lbs)

Champion: Samingdet N. Anuwat Gym

#1 Lamnammoonlek A. Atchariya

#2 Superlek Kiatmoo 9

#3 Detsakda Sj. Tongprajeen

Welterweight (141 – 147 lbs)

Champion: Jomthong Chuwattana

#1 Petkantat M.yuden

#2 Sansiri J.powerroof Phuket

#3 Ponek A. Kwanmueng

Middleweight (155 – 160 lbs)

Champion: Shinya Hokusei Gym

#1 Eddy Chuuwattana

#2 Taweechai S. Prasopchoke

#3 Yodkunpon Sitmonchai

One Rankings (source)

Flyweight (125 – 135 lbs)

Champion: Rodtang Jitmuangnon

#1 Superlek Kiatmoo9

#2 Panpayak Jitmuangnon

#3 Walter Goncalves

Bantamweight (135 – 145 lbs)

Champion: Jonathan Haggerty 

#1 Nong-O Hama

#2 Felipe Lobo

#3 Saemapetch Fairtex

Featherweight (145 lbs – 155 lbs)

Champion: Tawanchai PK Saenchai

#1 Superbon Singha Mawynn

#2 Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong

#3 Jimmy Vienot

Muay Thai Rankings is fact + opinion

Muay Thai rankings are simple yet complex. They are composed of both evidential facts like weight and fight record together with personal thoughts like fight quality. So, it might be best for you to just ignore them and enjoy the fight.

In the end, ranking isn’t going to make Muay Thai better or worse as a sport. You can always watch or even practice it as it is. No need to care about numbers and orders.

However, you can’t deny that ranking is part of the fun too. So, keep what you learned today in mind the next time you see fighter top lists. Don’t let someone’s opinion get to you.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Muay Thai Rankings: How Does It Work & Who’s the Best? appeared first on ThaiGuider.

The origin of Muay Thai is obscure. Only a few records mention it as a tool of war. During the Ayutthaya period (1351 –1767), locals already knew about the 4 Muay Boran: Powerful Korat, Strategic Lopburi, Technical Chaiya, and Speedy Ta-sao. So, the root of Muay Thai must have been older.

Even though Muay Thai history doesn’t have a clear starting point, it still has a story. Read on to explore the history of Muay Thai and what makes it unique.

What is the origin of Muay Thai?

How it started

As mentioned, nobody knows who invented Muay Thai, when it was founded, or how it was established.

Locals like to joke that Muay Thai is an innate instinct. Thai people know how to swing a devastating kick from their first day on earth.

However, experts say Muay Thai is a product of the combined 4 Muay Boran (Ancient boxing — Muay means boxing and Boran ancient).

During the Ayutthaya Kingdom, people gossiped about the famous hand-to-hand martial arts from four regions: Northeastern Muay Korat, Central Muay Lopburi, Southern Muay Chaiya, and Northern Muay Ta-Sao.

Each of the four specializes in one aspect of Modern Muay Thai. Korat is in power. Lopburi strategies. Chaiya techniques. And Ta-Sao speed.

Of course, people practiced Muay Boran — or Muay Thai — to use in unarmed combat during the war. You never knew when your weapon might fail. So, being able to fight bare-handed would increase your chance of survival.

However, Muay Thai was not war-exclusive. The people of Ayutthaya enjoyed it as a sport too.

Some monarchs loved Muay Thai so much they even joined the ring in disguise to fight with famous fighters. One of the prominent examples was King Suriyenthrathibodi (1661-1708) — nicknamed: the tiger.

He was a fierce fighter and Muay Thai practitioner. So, when he joined the ring, he was said to overwhelm 3 masters of that time.

And since the king was so fond of this martial art, everyone began practicing it. Some people even made a career out of Muay Thai by joining the police. So, you could say that this is where Muay Thai saw its boom as something other than a tool of war.

How it grew

Fast forward a little. Ayutthaya Kingdom has fallen. And this is the opportunity for Muay Thai to make its name as the art that saved the nation.

In the attempt to take Ayutthaya back from Myanmar, King Tak-sin created an army of seasoned warriors in Jantaburi. And many of these warriors happened to be Muay Thai masters of the era. For instance, Thongdee Fun-Kao (later known as Pichai, the broken sword).

Together, they managed to take back the fallen Ayutthaya. And the group of Muay Thai masters was celebrated as national heroes, hence the name “Savior Muay Thai.”

However, that’s still not the peak of the national martial art.

The most significant turning point of Muay Thai came during the reign of King Rama V.

The monarch was a big fan of the sport, as an audience and a fighter. He organized official matches between masters of all regions in front of the grand palace. As a result, Muay Thai popularity skyrocketed. Hence the golden age of local Muay Thai.

On a side note, the name “Muay Thai” actually came out much later. People still called the art by the original 4 names.

But in the 1932 revolution, the locals decided it was time to unite the nation as one. You see, nationalism was a huge deal back then. So, they gave four Muay Boran one singular name: Muay Thai.

How it went international

As you know, Muay Thai is not Thai-exclusive anymore. A bunch of foreigners travel to Thailand to train in this martial art. But how did Muay Thai get to that point?

The answer is simple: the media.

In the late 80s when the world was opening up, Muay Thai found an opportunity to make a name globally.

Rick Rufus, a world-champion kickboxer, decided to challenge Muay Thai. And Changpuek Kietsongrit was the Thai candidate who accepted the duel.

The fight was broadcast worldwide. Changpuek managed to pulverize Rufus even though half of his arsenal was sealed away (most Muay Thai moves, like elbows and knees, are considered illegal on the international stage).

This is arguably the moment that Muay Thai made a breakthrough. From that day, westerners started paying more attention to this unknown martial art. More and more people tried their hands at it. And today, Muay Thai has reached its international peak with the likes of ONE and UFC.

What makes Muay Thai unique?

Lethality. One word to sum up Muay Thai’s original philosophy.

Remember, Muay Thai was a tool of war. Its purpose was to exterminate your opponent and move on to the next. So, it’s no surprise that the art contains various killing moves.

The most obvious example is the inclusion of elbows and knees.

The art of 8 limbs

If you haven’t noticed, elbows and knees are among the most solid parts of your body. They are almost pure bones with little meat. So, making use of them is natural when weaponizing your limbs.

Combining 2 elbows and 2 knees with 2 hands and 2 legs, you get 8 weapons. Some Muay Thai schools include the use of head and buttocks too. So, the art can extend its arsenal up to 10.

Not convinced that elbows and knees are dangerous? Watch this video.

Convinced yet?

However, the most terrifying weapons in the Muay Thai repertoire are not these two. After all, they both have a short range and can be risky to use.

What makes Muay Thai really dangerous is the kicks.

The hidden weapon

You can generally divide Muay Thai kicks into 2 categories: swing and thrust.

The swing is called “Te” (เตะ). Most martial arts use this technique to strike opponents from the side. But as mentioned in the video, Muay Thai’s “Te” uses your hard shin’s bone as a contact point instead of the soft meat. The result? A devastating power.

Of course, this kicking technique can hurt the practitioner too. That’s why most local fighters train their swing kicks since they weren’t even 10. They need to strengthen their bone for the impact.

Next is thrust (or push). Thai people call thrust kick “Teeb” (ถีบ). This move is basically you performing pushes with your foot. The natural range of your legs is longer than your arms. And they generate much more force.

So it’s an effective tool to create distance or destroy the opponent’s balance. And if you got “Teeb” in the solar plexus, you will immediately be on the floor struggling for air. The fight would end right there.

Both leg techniques can shut down your opponent if they aren’t prepared. That’s why many Muay Thai fighters throw kicks more than punches. Not buying it? Watch this (skip to 07.40 for the actual fight).

No punches. All kicks.

And if you think about it, it also makes sense in an ancient war environment.

Your legs are usually longer than your arms. So if you have to fight bare-handed with a sword-wielding man, you might want to damage them from a distance first. Then, going in later.

And besides, if you punch, your opponent can just cut your arms with his blade. But if you quickly strike from a lower angle with kicks, it can be difficult to block with a sword.

Top 5 Muay Thai Legends 

1. Kanom Tom

Let’s start with the earliest legend in Muay Thai history. Kanom Tom.

Kanom Tom was a Muay Thai Master in the late Ayutthaya Kingdom. Even though his early life was nothing eventful, his later days were entirely different.

Following the fall of the capital, he was captured and sent to Myanmar. In the foreign land, he fought, UFC-style, for Myanmar King’s entertainment.

The legend said he beat down 10 Myanmar masters in a role, using only Muay Thai. Even the king of Myanmar had to admit that Muay Thai was deadly, quoted, “This man is dangerous even with a bare hand.”

Today, most Muay Thai schools recognize him as a great teacher of Muay Thai. He has a statue monument in Bang Ban, Ayutthaya. There’s also a local annual event called Kanom Tom Day, where people celebrate his skills and love for the art.

2. Pichai, the broken sword

Pichai was known for his sword-fighting spirit more than Muay Thai. But you can’t deny that he was a beast in the ring.

In his youth, Pichai was called Thongdee Fun-Kao. Legend says he won a fistfight against a Muay Thai master of Tak City. (It was rare for a no-name to win against a master back then). 

Seeing Thongdee’s victory, the Duke of Tak invited him into his army — promoting him to master. Later on, the Duke of Tak seized the throne as King Tak-sin. He appointed Thongdee as his royal protector under the new name, Pichai (victory).

If you’re curious about the title, here’s what happened.

In Pichai’s time, war was raging in the nation. He practically ate and slept on the battlefield. And after so many fights, one of his dual swords couldn’t keep up and broke mid-battle. But that didn’t stop him from slaughtering his opponent and winning the war.

Hence, the broken sword.

3. Samart Payakaroon

Let’s fast forward to the modern era.

If you’re a Muay Thai fan, you must know the name and face of Samart Payakaroon. Or at least his kicks.

He was an unrivaled Muay Thai champion, considered to be the greatest of all time. His distancing technique was so powerful that you couldn’t get close to him (unless he wanted to knee or elbow you).

The fighting genius of Samart was undebatable. After sitting at the number one title in Muay Thai for many years, he moved on to the international boxing stage. And, as you expected, he became a champion there too.

After his retirement, he worked in the entertainment industry as a singer and actor for a couple years. Then, became a famous Muay Thai coach in America.

4. Somrak Khamsing

Another Muay Thai Champion who made it big worldwide.

He was the first Muay Thai fighter who won Olympic boxing and took the gold medal home.

Somrak was a strategist. His fighting style was said to be extremely difficult to read — no matter in offense or defense. He’s so full of feints and tricks that many fighters of his time claimed that he made them look dumb in the ring.

And to top it all off, his reflex was legendary. Blocking and attacking at the same time is only a natural thing for him to do. But unlike Samart, Somrak prefers to get close and smash with lightning-fast punches.

After fighting for many years, he retired and became a TV personality (as seems to be a common trend for Thai athletes).

5. Tawanchai P.K.

If you love Muay Thai, you must have heard of this name. (And if you remember the sudden-death kick video, yes, that’s him)

He is considered the best of the bests in today’s Muay Thai, proven by the world champion Title. And maybe, he’s the reason you’re reading this article.

What makes Tawanchai a beast is his speed and accuracy. They are basically insane. Most of his opponents fail to defend against his kicks that come out of nowhere. And he also has the reading prowess to boot. No matter what you do, he can find a way to counter instantly.

Many Muay Thai Fanatics dub him the “once-in-a-lifetime genius.” Give him some time, and you might see the second coming of Samart Payakaroon. 

Muay Thai history: From obscure to phenomenal

Even though Muay Thai’s origin and history are all over the place, its current reputation rivals Kung Fu. After all, you Googled “Muay Thai History” to find this article, right? That in itself is proof of Muay Thai’s reputation.

Needless to say, Muay Thai has come a long way both as a tool of war and sport. And it’s nigh impossible to see the martial art disappear anytime soon. Who knows? It might be making history for itself right now.

So, enjoy your time with Muay Thai as an audience and a fighter. You’re a part of its legend too.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Muay Thai History: Origin, Characteristics & Hall of Fame appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Muay Thai training for beginners is all about having a coach. Even with impressive muscles, you can seriously injure yourself with incorrect form, postures, and techniques. Training with coaches solves these problems. In addition, training without a teacher can be considered rogue-ish in Thai culture.

Of course, there is much more than that to Muay Thai training. So read on to learn how beginners should start this world-dominating martial art.

Is Muay Thai beginner friendly?

The answer is: it depends on your goal.

If you want to learn Muay Thai to exercise, lose weight, or protect yourself from street thugs, it is a beginner-friendly sport anyone could learn. Of course, with a teacher.

But if your goal is to turn pro and fight in a money-making match, then it might not be as beginner friendly as you think — even with a teacher. You need to understand that Muay Thai is a martial art — an art form that waltzes hand in hand with pain. A little misstep can cause you and your opponent life-long injuries or even death.

So, going pro will ask you to be physically and mentally ready.

Pro Muay Thai training requires strict discipline and massive willpower. Even when practicing with a sandbag, you must concentrate on your strength, precision, form, and technique. 

All this is for you to pulverize your opponents while keeping them (and yourself) away from lethal blows in actual matches.

Besides, training Muay Thai has a cost. A proper teacher usually doesn’t come cheap, especially when you want to make a career out of it. An average coach can cost you around 1,000 to 2,000 baht per hour. So, expect an athlete maker to cost much more than that.

But of course, most of you reading this article wouldn’t have “going pro” in mind. So, you could say that Muay Thai is beginner friendly. And for those of you who dream of fighting as a career, good luck.

Do you need the experience to learn Muay Thai?

You can always start any martial art from scratch. There’s no need for prior combat knowledge or a muscle-building portfolio. All you need is the will to train your body (and probably a mind ready to get hurt).

After all, you can learn those tactical aspects of a fight and shape up your body as you train.

Besides, you might not need those fighting tactics in the first place. If you just want exercise, you can just keep moving, punching, and kicking. Then, you’re good to go.

Of course, this doesn’t mean prior martial art experience won’t help. If you have fought in a boxing ring before, learning Muay Thai will be an extension of your previous skill. It will equip you with new weapons and strategies.

What’s the best age to start Muay Thai?

Again, it depends on your goal.

If you want to learn Muay Thai as an exercise, then anywhere before 35 is usually doable (granted you don’t have a serious illness). Beyond that, you might need to be already in shape. Building muscles in your late 30s from scratch is going to be challenging.

However, if you want to turn pro, you might want to start in your early teens.

Turning yourself into a fighter during middle school might sound ridiculous. But it’s a common practice in Thailand.

Many local Muay Thai fighters started their career as they entered elementary schools. They strengthen their body and hone their skills as a kid. Basically, they’ve been destroying banana trees with their legs even before they can recite A-Z.

To compete with those people, you should start as soon as possible. Even though — as a Westerner — you have a better innate physique, your technique and experience can’t compare. And that can easily doom your career.

Of course, you can start later if you have boxed before.

But remember that Muay Thai is more brutal than your average boxing. Elbows, knees, and clenches are legal in Muay Thai rings. Learning to use those lethal weapons effectively takes practice, and your opponent will definitely use them.

Why should you train Muay Thai?

There are thousands of martial arts and sports you can master in this world. So why Muay Thai? What separates this regional fighting technique from the others

1. It’s more than an exercise

“Exercise” is the most common reason to learn Muay Thai.

Nowadays, Thai people see Muay Thai as another way to keep themselves fit — not the intimidating fighting style it used to be. And it makes sense.

Muay Thai keeps you in shape, stimulates your nerves, sharpens your mind, enhances reflexes, and builds discipline. 

And most importantly, it’s fun.

A friendly fight is always exciting. In a spar, you work both your mind and body in search of a way to put what you learn into practice. And you can let yourself enjoy the thrill — unlike in a street fight where your life’s on the line.

But that is the benefit the locals are looking for. For you, a foreigner, you also get to learn Thai culture in the process.

Muay Thai is not all about fighting and training. It also involves Thai discipline, respect, spirituality, and history. After all, it is an old art form that has survived wars for hundreds of years.

2. You want to be more outgoing

Muay Thai forces you to interact with people.

You cannot train alone as a beginner. Even though you’re not sparring, you still interact with your coach to fight better.

Of course, you can do the same with other sports too. However, you’ll most likely interact with Thai people when you train in Muay Thai. And that’s a faster way you can make a local friend.

If you plan to stay in Thailand for a while, you don’t want to stand out as a tourist, right? You want to be a part of the community. So, training in Muay Thai helps you speedrun the process.

3. You want an effective tool to protect yourself

Muay Thai is a tried-and-true way to save yourself from a fight.

Keep in mind that Muay Thai is different from boxing. While boxing focuses on winning a fair fight, Muay Thai shines the most in life-threatening situations.

In the old days of the Thai warring period, Muay Thai was the last resort for any warrior to survive on a battlefield. It could give you a chance to run, or terminate the threat entirely.

Muay Thai has a nickname called “the art of 8 limbs.”

Not only can you attack and defend with your 2 arms and 2 legs, but also 2 elbows and 2 knees.

The additional weapons of Muay Thai are lethal. An elbow to the head is said to have an equal force of a sledgehammer. Basically, don’t eat it with your face. You will need a doctor after that.

So if you want to knock someone out before they could hurt you, a good elbow could do the job (granted you know how to use it).

How should you start learning Muay Thai?

1. Find a coach

This is arguably the most significant part of your training. 

Your coach will find the best way for you to reach your goal. So, you don’t have to waste time trying everything out yourself.

As mentioned multiple times, your safety is paramount. Your coach will ensure you won’t injure yourself as you train. They can fix your sprain-inducing postures and provide you safety equipment as you start out.

And most importantly, Thai people see the self-taught Muay Thai fighters as rogues.

In local Muay Thai matches, younger fighters are often referred to with these formulas…

1. [Name] + a student of [Teacher’s name]. Like Tae Sid Kam Ron (or Tae, a student of Kam Ron)
2. [Name] + [Gym Name]. Like Tae Khongsittha (or Tae from Khong Sittha gym).

These introductions highlight the significance of the Muay Thai Teacher-student relationship. Your martial arts aren’t something you created but received from someone else. So, you are fighting with their reputation on the line.

This is why Muay Thai has a dance ritual called Wai Kru Muay Thai to show the student’s appreciation towards their teachers before each fight. A teacher is that important.

2. Focus on body strength first

While better techniques can bring you victory, strength is still the foundation of your fight.

Your masterful punching prowess is useless if you only have the strength to perform it once. And no matter how precise your strikes are, they won’t do anything without the strength to back up.

So, throw most of your initial effort into shaping up your body. And by shaping your body, it means shaping up to be a fighter, not a cyclist or a basketball player.

Each sport utilizes different muscles. A tennis player might need more arms than a sprint runner. So ask your coach which body part you should prioritize with Muay Thai.

If there’s one body part you might want to emphasize, it would be your leg. In Muay Thai, a low kick is a legal move. This means you WILL get kicked in the legs dozens of times. And it hurts a lot. So, ensure you know how to block and get used to it.

3. Never slack on your form

There are proper ways to practice. And, of course, there are horrible ways to practice too.

Punching practice isn’t only about throwing your fist at the target. It’s also about your arm line & shape, wrist position, and knuckle contact point. Make sure that you keep all these things in mind when you train.

These details make your attack stronger and more effective while preventing you from injuring yourself.

Performing punches in the wrong form can cause your shoulder to sprain or your wrist to break. The same goes for kicks, knees, and elbows.

Where can you train Muay Thai in Bangkok?

You can enter the scene in pretty much any Muay Thai gym across the country.

Most of them will teach you the same thing for beginners, including body-building routine, basic techniques, positioning, etc.

However, you might want to be specific when selecting your gym. For example, you might want a coach of the same sex as you. After all, men and women have different physiques. A male-focused gym might not be the best place for a lady (especially in a spar).

The following are 5 gyms that work well for beginners.

1. Bangkok Fight Lab (BFL)

When it comes to close-quarter-combat (CQC) training, BFL probably is the most influential in Thailand.

Not only does it teach Muay Thai, but also other martial arts like Jiu Jitsu. So if striker training does not suit you, you can switch to grappler anytime.

BFL provides both private and group lessons in a camp-like environment. They also customize their classes to match your personal goals too. However, the cost might vary because of that.

Needless to say, the coaches and teachers in the lab are all professional and experienced. They operate on an international standard. So, the courses may lean towards the serious side at times.

Nevertheless, it’s still promising for a complete beginner.

Check out more about Bangkok Fight Lab here.

2. Fitfac Academy

Fitfac is known for its variety.

They push the term “beginner-friendly” to the next level with their fitness-focus course for those looking for a new way to exercise.

And if you want to be a real fighter, Fitfac can also guide you with its technique-focus course.

Of course, all coaches and staff are professionals. They have years of experience in making fighters out of a newbie. Even a veteran can learn something from them through a spar session.

Check out more about Fitfac Academy here.

3. Yod Muay Thai Gym

If you’re a lady looking for a modern Muay Thai experience, Yod Muay Thai Gym is the place for you.

Since most of their trainees are women, you can feel right at home in this place. They offer various “fitness-focus” courses that work well with your diet routine.

The atmosphere is more light-hearted and newbie friendly than others. So, Yod Muay Thai Gym might be an ideal gateway for you to get into the Muay Thai scene.

Check out more about Yod Muay Thai Gym here.

4. Khongsittha Muay Thai

Looking for more traditional Muay Thai training? Khongsittha got you covered.

Their course is not only a training session but also an experience. You get to go to a camp like local athletes and hone your body and mind to master the art. This might sound too much for someone with zero experience, but they are friendly to all beginners.

Moreover, you can enjoy your resting time in a resort-like private room with delicious Thai food to accommodate.

Basically, you can consider the Khongsittha Muay Thai course a vacation trip to experience Muay Thai.

Check out more about Khongsittha Muay Thai here.

5. Rajadamnern Singha Muay Thai Academy (RSM)

Starting off as a Muay Thai stadium, RSM was a world-famous destination to enjoy quality boxing matches in Thailand.

This place offers both international boxing and Muay Thai classes. You can go with the general ones first to get the basics. Then, shift gear later to fight in Thai style.

They welcome people of all genders and ages. Even little middle school girls can try their hands out in this academy. So if you want to train as a family, this might be the place.

The professionalism of all coaches is through the roof. They still work as ring staff, so you can trust their expertise.

Check out more about Rajadamnern Singha Muay Thai Academy (RSM) here.

Muay Thai training for beginners: Start your journey with the right foot

Now, you should be ready to step into the Muay Thai industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or not. What matters is that you prepare your mind.

Your teachers will shape you up. You only have to keep up with your strength while trying to hone your technique. And don’t forget to choose the gym that suits your style. 

Finally, remember to enjoy yourself. Muay Thai is another sport, so having fun is only natural.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Muay Thai Training for Beginners: How to Get Started appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Wai Kru Muay Thai is a ritual where the boxers perform dances to pay respect to their masters before a fight. These masters refer to both their coaches/teachers and Muay Thai deities. The dance forms vary based on the school. However, most dances include two phases with 4 directions in each.

Like everything else in Thailand, Wai Kru Muay Thai is more than just a dance. Read on and explore the beautiful side of Muay Thai and its nuances.

What is the traditional Muay Thai greeting?

Many foreigners mistake Wai Kru Muay Thai as a way the fighters greet each other. Not to say that it’s completely wrong. However, it is much more than that.

Essentially, Wai Kru Muay Thai is a pre-fight ritual emphasizing the teacher-student relationship.

But before discussing Wai Kru Muay Thai, you need to know what “Wai Kru” means.

Wai Kru is a Thai word composed of “Wai” and “Kru.” 

“Wai” is the Thai way of greeting and paying respect. And “Kru” means teachers and masters. So basically, Wai Kru is a ritual where students pay respect to their teachers. This ritual isn’t limited to Muay Thai but also music, dance, plays, and education.

Each art form has a different way of Wai Kru. For example, music performers Wai Kru by performing specific songs while mask-plays actors by prostrating and chanting sutras.

In Muay Thai, Wai Kru comes out as a dance.

Boxers dance to express respect and gratitude towards those who had taught them. These people can be their trainers, coaches, staff, and even the mythical entities of Muay Thai. That is why all dances include lots of Wais and prostration.

In the warring era of Thailand, each warrior performed Wai Kru in front of their masters before leaving for the front line. The martial art their teachers had passed on could save their lives, so they show appreciation through dancing. After all, it could be their last chance to do so.

Nowadays, Muay Thai has transformed from a tool to saving and taking life to a sport. However, the art of Wai Kru still remains.

Many modern Muay Thai schools have their own dance steps. Some even have unique movements added to the ritual, distinguishing them from the rest. If you’re a Muay Thai connoisseur, you can tell which school a fighter belongs to by looking at how they dance.

And here’s the thing. Since each fighter dances differently, some might finish the ritual earlier than others. So, the (somewhat) awkward moment where one fighter is left dancing alone in the ring often happens.

Besides showing respect, Wai Kru Muay Thai can be done for luck too.

Many boxers believe you must pray to the sacred spirit of the martial art and the boxing ring. If you don’t do that, you might get serious injuries from the fight.

How do Muay Thai fighters dance?

In the early days of Muay Thai, only a few masters existed. So, defining how to dance was simple. There should be one universal dance with minimal variations.

Nowadays, thousands of Muay Thai schools and masters have risen to fame. And each has its own dance to teach its students. So defining the one general movement and order to describe all of them is nigh impossible.

However, some elements unite most dances together.

For non-experts, all dances can be divided into 2 phases: sitting and standing. Each can, again, be divided into 4 directions: front, back, left, and right.

Sitting phase

As the name suggests, this phase involves movements requiring the fighters to kneel.

It often starts with a triple prostration, greeting the sacred spirits. Depending on the school, the prostration can be simple or over the top.

Then, the dance moves on to the 4 directions. Basically, the fighters turn to four different sides of the ring and perform one dance move for each.

The order varies from Front > Left > Back > Right to Left > Right > Front > Back. Any order works for different fighters. The important thing is to pay respect to all four.

In each direction, the fighter may perform different dances. They could perform the same for all, but many believe that some movements only belong to a specific direction.

For example…

• Front: Hanuman Whaek Mek (หนุมานแหวกเมฆ), simulating Hanuman (a monkey warrior deity) cleaving the cloud.
• Back: Chang Sabut Nguang (ช้างสะบัดงวง), simulating an elephant raising its trunk.
• Left: Praya Krut Yutthayat (พระยาครุฑยุทธยาตร), simulating a Garuda entering a battlefield.
• Right: Hong Hern (หงส์เหิน), simulating a swan spreading its wings

There are numerous moves in each direction. And that means the school can pick anyone they see fit.

Notice that, in each direction, the fighters usually spiral their fists around each other as a transition move. 

This probably originated from rope wrapping in the old days. Since boxing gloves were not a thing in the early days, locals used a rope to wrap their fists, reducing damage to their hands. And this applies to the standing phase too.

Standing phase

In contrast to the sitting phase, standing involves movements requiring the fighters to stand up straight.

It starts with a Wai to greet the spirit, just like in the sitting phase.

However, the tricky thing about this phase is that several fighters prefer to dance in only front directions. This doesn’t mean they are too lazy to do the others. It’s just how they have been taught. And it takes much less time, which works better with TV broadcasts.

Like the sitting phase, the fighter would choose one move from a massive collection to perform in each direction. 

The most iconic one is arguably the frontal Phraram Phlaeng Sorn (พระรามแผลงศร), simulating Rama (one of the reincarnations of a Hindu deity as a human) shooting bow and arrows.

Other examples are…

• Back: Phayak Dom Kwang (พยัคด้อมกวาง) or Phayak (mythical beast) eyeing a deer.
• Left: Hong Hern standing variation
• Right: Nok Yoong Rumpan (นกยูงรำแพน) or peacock fanning its tail.

▸ READ MORE about ▸ Thai Wai

Other phases

Besides the two main phases, many fighters opt to perform several prefaces. There are more variations than a hand can count. But here are some recurring instances you can see inside the ring.

1. Mongkol

Before everything starts, the fighters usually Wai their coach/teacher directly. In turn, the coach gives them the sacred headband called Mongkol. 

In addition, the fighter may go beyond and Wai the opponents and their coach. Just to show respect.

2. Corner

Fighters go to the four corners of the ring and perform a Wai before they dance. This is done to ask for blessing from the spirits of the ring. Usually, they would start at their corner. Then the order varies.

3. Circles

After the corner phase, some fighters prefer circling around the ring before dancing. They might clasp their hand on their chest and chant sutras in the process. This phase is more like a meditation moment than a dance.

Is Wai Kru Muay Thai a religious ritual?

You can consider the Wai Kru Muay Thai a religious ritual in many ways. After all, there are numerous references to Hinduism in the dances.

For example, Rama and Garuda.

Rama is the protagonist of an Indian Tale called Ramayana. He is a human reincarnation of the great Hindu deity, Narayana. In the tale, he wields a bow and arrows, leading an army of monkeys to fight against a ten-faced giant in a great war.

Garuda is a mythical half-man-half-bird being. It’s usually portrayed as a fierce hunter overlooking the sky. Hinduists revere this being as an animal-vehicle of Narayana.

However, Wai Kru Muay Thai also encompasses the element of Paganism. Some schools pay respects to significant figures in Muay Thai history or other spirits and animals that don’t belong to any religion.

For example, Khanomtom (นายขนมต้ม) and Phayak.

Khanomtom was the name of a Muay Thai fighter who lived in the warring era of Thailand. He was said to be capable of beating 10 men in a row with his bare hands.

Phayak is a mythical beast in Thai tales. It’s usually perceived as a Tiger with minor physical differences, more intelligence, and unrelenting aggression. In some stories, Phayak can even magically communicate with humans.

So, is Wai Kru Muay Thai religious? Not entirely. But you could say it is too. Ancient Thai people loved mixing foreign cultures with existing ones. And it can’t be helped. They lived in one of the most influential trade spots in the region, after all.

▸ READ MORE about ▸ Religion in Thailand

The tactical side of Wai Kru Muay Thai 

Now, you should understand what Wai Kru Muay Thai is. However, this ritual is not just a spiritual performance. Fighters can gain tactical advantages from dancing and watching the opponent dance too.

First, Wai Kru can act as a warm-up. Since each dance requires some form of cardio, it is a great way to ready your muscles for impact. That’s probably why each school has different dance moves. After all, some schools’ strategies might focus on punches while others kick.

Second, Wai Kru provides mental prep time. You can use the dance as a moment of meditation and review what you have practiced in your mind. Or just to set the right mood for the fight.

You can see this aspect of Wai Kru as what athletes call a “routine.” 

For example, some sprint runners might perform specific movements before every race. These moves, for example, are touching thighs, spinning shoulders, and wiping the forehead.

These actions are performed every time they practice. So the brain unconsciously remembers that when the athletes move like this, it’s time to run fast.

Wai Kru basically uses the same concept. Program the brain to get your muscles and mind ready.

Third, Wai Kru allows you to pre-analyze the fight. You can see many things from watching the opponent dance, like strength, balance, technique, and much more. 

In addition, you can also familiarize yourself with the ring. It may not be significant now with the factory-produced ring. The ground would be flat, and the space is always the same. 

In the past, however, a friendly duel between two fighters could break out anywhere. That’s why many standing dance moves require you to walk around the place. You can get a better lay of the land that way.

Finally, you can intimidate your opponents while you dance. Some moves might require more strength than others. And if you can perform them properly, you might freak your opponent out. Needless to say, that is beneficial in a fight.

Of all four advantages, the meditative one is arguably the most important. Getting your mind ready is crucial in every fight. Victory can slip through your fingers if the crowd or the nerve overwhelms you.

Besides, you can gain other advantages in other ways. Like actual warm-up routines, tactical research, and pre-fight meetings with your opponent.

Nevertheless, Wai Kru combines these edges into one session. So, it is still an effective pre-fight tool in every match.

Wai Kru Muay Thai, Beyond what you think

Explaining Wai Kru Muay Thai to a foreigner would take a long time. As you can see, it isn’t only a greeting or a dance. It’s a tradition that combines Thai values, religious components, and tactical elements.

▸ READ MORE about ▸ Thai Traditions

Wai Kru Muay Thai’s essence lies in the relationship between a fighter and his teachers. Respect. Gratitude. And appreciation. The beautiful yet intimidating dance is only a tool to convey those emotions.

So, the next time you watch a Muay Thai match, don’t forget to pay attention to this pre-fight ritual. Hopefully, you can appreciate its core values much more than before.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided by ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

▸ CHECK OUT our Complete Guide on ▸ Thai Culture

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