Hong Hern

Hong Hern

After being in sitting manner until standing up in Dhepnimitra manner and then turn to the right.

Step 1 : raise the right foot and straight it backward. Standing on your left foot. Bend your body to the front . Start to perform the dance by sprawling your arms , kneel down while turning the face side of your palms down.

Step 2 : kneel up and bend up the wrist to raise up the fingers.

Step 3 : lay your right foot on the floor then straight your left foot backward , continue to perform the dance alike the flying bird. The movement of body , arm and palm must correspond with the music.

Step 4 : lay down your left foot then "Yang Sam Khum" (walk strengthly in three step) to change the direction. By turning you around to the "left direction" then step out your left foot . bend your body down to " wai " the "Pra-Bhrama-tis" ( the direction of Bhrama ) at the left side just one time. Repeat to perform the " Hong-Hern" dancing styles by starting the first step to the third step again but in the fourth step you must turn to the backside "Wai Bhrama" and then repeat to perform the dance . The last time turn to the front side. (which is the original direction while you sit in the "Dhep Pha-nom" form) And then "Wai-Bhrama" perform the dance called "Hong-Hern" and "Bhrama Si Na" then you play "Yang Sam Khum" and bend your body down to salute your counterpart. It is the finish of the "Wai Kru" and the dance called "Hong-Hern"

Information : MuaiThai.Com

Payak Dom Kwang

Payak Dom Kwang

To perform the "Payak Dom Kwang" style.

Start with Wai Kru from the Dhep Phanom form until stand up with the Dhep Nimitra form.

Step 1 : turn round your body to the right direction to wai "Phra Brahma : the right direction" for one time.

Step 2 : from the Kow Yang , while the left foot is front , bend your body down frontward tighten the fist, raise your elbow to block the front side and instantly turn around to look at the backside which is look at the counterpart , the right arms and right foot are behide. Nod your head up and down to the counterpart one or two times.

Step 3 : repeat step 2 but switch the use the right foot front instead. And then repeat the step 2 and 4 which turn to perform until complete all 4 direction. Then go back to your corner with "Kow Yang" and bend body down to salute the counterpart. The "Payak Dom Kwang" and " Kwang Leow Lung" perform similar style .

Information : MuaiThai.Com

Sod Soi Mala

Sod Soi Mala

To perform the "Sod Soi Ma-La" style,starting with "Wai Kru" in sitting "Thep -Panom " until standing up in " Dhep-Nimitra".

Step 1 : turn round your body to the right direction. Perform "Wai Phra Brahma" one time.

Step 2 : step out your left foot forward. Raise your right leg and straighten it backward , lift it to the same level of your chin. Bend your left arm perpendicular to the floor. Stretch the tip of your fist up.

Step 3 : insert left fist up inside of the right arm and beyond it up until right elbow parallel to the level of your chin.

Step 4 : repeat the third step but change the right arm to be the left arm instead.

Step 5 : repeat the step 2- 4 but change to stand by your right foot instead.

Step 6 : repeat the dance for every direction. And then "Kow Yang" and bend down to salute the counterpart and go the your corner.

Information : MuaiThai.Com

SOW NOY PRA PANG

SOW NOY PRA PANG

To perform the "Sow Noy Pra Pang" style.

The first direction ( front direction)

The boxer start at sitting in the "Dhep Pha-nom" form and bend down to prostrate ' Pra Ratanatrai three times. Clasp and put your hands at the chest. Say a Pali verse "Na Pidta MoMaiHen Bhuddha Pidta ThaPidhoo Ya" 3 times. Realize the gratefulness of Buddha, Dhamma and Buddhist monk , the gratefulness of mother, father , masters start to 'Tha-wai-Bung-Kom' for the first round from the clasp at the chest level form.

Step 1 : bend your body forward simultaneously stretch your arms forward until the tip of your fingers touch the floor. Use both of your thumbs to insert and combine preventing separation from each other. wai "Phra Mae Dharanee"

Step 2 : perform alike you use your hand to pick some " Mae Dharanee" up to the chest. Then be in the "Dhep Phanom" form.

Step 3 : perform "Wai" by raising your hand up to touch the face as the "Tha Wai Bung Kom" form. Bend your elbow , turn up your face up move your body backward. keep your two thumbs touching your forehead. stretch up your index finger and bend your body backward a bit. Then let your hands down at the chest level.

The second "Tha Wai Bung Kom",

Step 1 : bend your body forward a bit.Let your face side of your palm outward. Stretch the tip of fingers out. Bend your body lower simultaneously slowly move round your hand out backward. Then move it back through your elbows.

Step 2 : then move your hands out of your body at each of both side. Slowly move your hands round to meet each other at the front side.

Step 3 : let the face of your palms downward. To pick up "Phra Mae Dharanee" by move round your palms frontward just one time. Then turn the face of the palms up and lay them on the floor.

Step 4: move your palms scoop "Phra Mae Dharanee" into your chest to be the " Phanom Meo Samer Og"

Step 5: raise up hands up to "Wai" then let your hands down to PhaNom at the chest level. Perform the "Tha Wai Bung Kom" for the third time by start from Phanom Meo at the chest level , repeat the same step with the Tha Wai Bung Kom at the second time.

Start to perform the boxing dance. From the sitting put the hand together in the chest level to be the ' Pa-thom' and Brahma form'

Step 1 : raise your body up a bit from the tip of your foots. Step out the right foot frontward. Bend your right knee perpendicular to the floor. Sit on the left heel. Right hand lay on the right knee, tighten your hand lay downward. Bend left elbow raise the left hand put it at the chest level

Step 2 : from the 'Pa-Thom' , bend your body frontward. Your weight focus on right foot. Kneel your left knee down. Stretch left legs straight backward. Bend your foot up above the floor. Hit the fist frontward , eyes look straight on.

Step 3 : hit the fist backward simultaneously step back to sit on the left heel, stretch the right foot ahead raise up the tip of the foot.

Step 4 : spin your left fist out of the body raise it up high above the right side of the head. ( similar to the 'Bung A-Bai Berk Far' form). The right arms is on the same level as the chest. Right elbow still lay on the right legs.

Step 5 : bend your body forward and then backward. Repeat this step 2 times.

Step 6 : while bend your body frontward for the third time, but not bend body back yet. Raise your right heel up from the floor a bit. ( as spring )

Step 7 : focus your weight on the right knee, right arm lay on the right knee. Kneel left knee on the floor. Raise left foot which is behind up. Raise up the tip of the left foot. (bend up the tip of the foot). Raise the left hand above the head, look at high level , turn the head left and right then turn to look straight on.

The first round of ' Chak Pang Pad Nah',

Step 1 : raise body up from sitting on the left heel. Bend your body forward. Raise your tip of left foot up from the floor.Bend the tip of the left foot. set down your left hand lower than right knee a bit alike to scoop up the ' Phra Mae Dharanee' in the left hands.

Step 2 : set the right hand down from the knee. Perform alike batching up the powder that is 'Phra Mae Dharanee' into the left hand. Repeat this step for 3 times.

Step 3 : perform alike bringing powder from the left hand to cover the face at the upper part of the face at left cheek and right cheek. Repeat this step 3 times.

Step 4 : raise up your left hand and stretch palm up turn the palm to the face perform alike it's a mirror and look into the mirror. The right hand is at the same level of the chin to be 'Tha Khunpan Song Kra-jok' (Khunpan look into the mirror)

Step 5 : raise up your right hand over the head and perform alike to comb your hair 3 times , then perform alike roll the bun by using the right hand roll the hair around from right to left 3 rounds. Perform the roll as 'Tak-si-na-vatra'. Your left hand perform alike press the hair down.

Step 6 : right hand press the bun up above the head 3 times. This form was called ' Mae Phra Dharanee Beeb Muay Phom'. Repeat this step 3 times.

Step 7 : put your left foot on the floor simultaneously bend your body back to sit on the left heel. Left hand push back the hair up over the head. Right hand press or smooth the hair down to the right knee. The lower part of the arm lay on the knee. Raise up the tip of the right foot perform alike pressing the bun or smooth and lift it high. Repeat this step 3 times. The second direction (backward direction),

Step 8 : you must repeat it three times , before complete the round 3 , you must raise up your left elbow high. Raise your body up by stand on your tip of left foot , use it as a pulcum point to turn around your body. Then lift your left knee up (turn around by twist your left knee as pulcum ) and move your right knee by twist it along the left knee.

Step 9 : kneel your knee down on the floor simultaneously use left hand to lift up your bun over the head, right hand press or pull the bun from the upper part to the lower part of your head and go further to the right calf. Look along the left hand while it's moving up.

Step 10 : while your right knee sit on the floor. Lift up the right foot and bend up the tip of the right foot along your body. Now your left hand perform 'Rum Bung Nah' high above the face,

Step 11 : bend your body back to sit on your right heel, set down the lower part of your arm to lay on the left knee. Slowly swirl your right hand from the frontward to the backward one round. Slowly 'rum' from lower to higher level , from the beside to the front side. This form is called 'rum soong' since you must turn the palm side to the front side and raise your right hand up high above your head. And twist your palm toward the front side alike 'rum nar' but it must be higher than your head.

The third direction (the leftside direction),

Chuk Pang Pud Nar for the third time. (perform the same as the first time)

Step 1 : turn round your body to the right hand. Twist your body to the right side and kneel down your left knee. Raise up your right knee high and put your right foot beyond the left knee. Raise the tip of the right foot up. Lay your right arm on the right knee. Raise up your left hand above the head. Perform the dance called 'Rum Nar Soong Berk A-Roon' or 'Bung A-bai Berk Far Fiuk Fiunt Jai Muang' raise your left hand up high above your head. And your eyes look anything high. Turn your head left and right then straight on.

Step 2 : let your left hand down . Use the right hand preparing to 'Chuk Pang Phad Nah' for the second time. Scoop 'Mae Phra Dharanee' into hands three times. Repeat the same step as the first round of 'Chuk Pang Phad Nah', The fourth direction. (the right direction), when finish the second time of "Chuk Pang Phad Nah" your face is now turn to the right direction. That means the direction you perform the first time "Chuk Pang Phad Nar" is the front direction. Which you must turn around to the back direction continue to dance until completing the first round of "Chuk Pang Phad Nar". The second round "Chuk Pang Phad Nar" will turn to the left direction. When you press the bun and turn round to the backside the same as the first round "Chuk pang Phad Nar" , you will turn to the right direction.

Step 1 : Then bend you body backward to sit on the right heel. Which your left knee stretch up the tip of your left foot raised high. Your left arm lay on your left knee. Knee your right knee down on the floor. Raise right hand above head. Lift the face up and your eyes watch something high above.Sit with your right heel.

Step 2 : stand up let your hands down along your body. Now your left foot lay beyond your right foot. the right foot lay skew behind.

Step 3 : step out your right foot to lay beyond the left foot. then turn left which is turn your face to the front direction. Then go back to your corner by "Kow yang" or " step backward with the " yang Sam Khum" or "Yang Suk Ka-same " then bend down your body to salute the counterpart one time. Then it's the completion of the dancing performance.

Information : MuaiThai.Com

Sue Lak Hang

Sue Lak Hang

The "Sua Lak Hang" style. its has own way both sitting version and standing version. Start with "Wai Kuru" from the "Dhep Pha-nom" , "Tha-Vai Bung-Kom" , " Pha-Thom" and " Bhrama" form respectively in the same way with others.

Sitting version :

Step 1 : while sitting in the "Bhrama" form which the left foot perpendicular to the floor. Raise the tip of your hand and wave your arm up and down for all time. Then stretch your arm out wave it up and down. Shake your head to the counterpart.In the same time move up and down harmoniously. Your weight is focus on the left foot and move your right foot help to keep the balance. And move your body along the rhythm.

Step 2 : move your body backward to take your weight focusing on your left foot. your right foot still stretch forward. Move both of your hands up and down in the same way as step 1 : you probably change to use your right foot instead.

Standing Version

Stand up from the sitting form of the "Sua Lak Hang" dancing style.

Step 1 : stand up , keep in balance with your right foot , bend your left foot backward. Raise up the tip of your foot and bend your body frontward , raise both of your hands perpendicular to the floor. Wave your hand up and down similar to the sitting version which is move the whole arms simultaneously. Wobble Body , tip of foot , face alike to mock the counterpart.

Information : Muaythai.com

Yoong Fon Hang

Yoong Fon Hang

To perform "Yoong-Fon-Hang" style,

you must start from "Wai Kru" from the sit form called "Dhep Panom" to the stand form called "Dhep Nimitra" respectively.

Step 1 : turn your body to right side , Wai Pra Bhrama for one time.

Step 2 : step out your left foot forward. Raise up your right foot then straighten it backward bend down your body forward simultaneously. Put the hands together in salute at the chest level.

Step 3 : turn the face side of your palm upward and slowly move your arms go through the armpits to the backside of your body until your arms are straight. all of tip fingers are closed together.

Step 4 : move your hands out to the side of the body alike straighten your arms. Then move it round to come gathering at your face. Lift your chest and your face up while your hands were put to touch your head , while your right legs still stretch backward Step 4 : hold down your right foot to stand straightly . Raise up your left foot then straighten it backward. Stand on your right foot and then repeat the step 1- 4 ( it's just switch the right side to be the left side ). Repeat to perform the dance for all 4 direction. Then get back to the corner with "Kow Yang" and bend down your body to salute your counterpart.

Information : Muaythai.com

Yoong Ram Pan

Yoong Ram Pan

To perform the "Yoong Ram Pan " style.

Starts with "Wai Kru" from "Dhep Panom" form and other form respectively until raise to stand up in the "Dhep Nimitra" form.

Step 1 : turn around your body to the front direction "Wai Pra Bhrama" one time.

Step 2 : step out your left foot forward. Raise your right foot and straighten it backward bend down your body to the frontward simultaneously. Which your hand clasping at the chest level.

Step 3 : turn the face side of your palm upward and slowly move your arms backward through the armpit to the backside of your body until your arms are straight, move your hands out to the side of the body alike straighten your arms and move it round to come gather at your face.Repeat this way three times.

Step 4 : move your right legs perpendicular to the floor. Raise the right foot up. Step 6 : raise your left foot and straighten it backward , repeat the step 1-4 and then perform the dance the same way in every direction. Then go back to your corner with " Kow yang" manner , bend down your body to salute your counterpart.

Information : Muaythai.com

The King Rama Pheang Sorn

The King Rama Pheang Sorn

To perform the "Phra Rama Plang Sorn" style.

Phra Rama Phlang Sorn style generally perform the dance just one direction. It's the direction of the counterpart.

Step 1 : turn round your body to the right direction. Wai Phra Brahma one time.

Step 2 : step your left foot frontward raise your arms alike you catch a arrow rod in your left hand.

Step 3 : move your right hand to the backside alike you pick an arrow from your neck to the rod. Then pull the tendon backward 2-3 times but act alike not release the arrow repeat this for 2 time but in the third time you perform alike you lift the rod up high at the level of your ears. Stand still look straight at your target then release the arrow.

Step 4 : while your release your arrow lay down your right foot on the floor and raise your left foot up frontward simultaneously . After that raise your hand at above the face . Act alike you are looking at the arrow you released. And waiting to see the result. If you are disappointed at the result cause from the mistarget shot. You express by shaking your head right and left. if you are pleased with the result then you smile and nod your head up and down to show your appreciation.

Step 5 : you say the prayer "Sake Ka-Tha" such as "Na Jung Ngung" three times. and then stamp down the floor three times. Step 6 : "Yang Sam Khum" to your corner then bend your body down to salute the counterpart.

Information : Muaythai.com

Muay Thai Training Techniques

Muay Thai Training Techniques

By Shin Chang

Muay Thai is a Thai mixed martial art form. It has many techniques of fighting. While using Muay Thai techniques, also known as "Mae Mai Muay Thai," fighters use the entire body including fists, elbows, shins, feet and knees.

The basic Muay Thai training techniques include punch techniques (jab, straight right/cross, hook and uppercut), elbow techniques (horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying) and kicking techniques (push kick, roundhouse kick, etc.). The following are some special Muay Thai techniques:

The Clinch

This technique is exclusively used in Muay Thai fights. While combating the fighter applies this technique by holding his opponent either around the neck and head or around the body. It is known as Thai clinch.
To apply the clinch, the fighter has to hold his opponent either around the neck and head or around the body. The fighter also has to press his forearm against his opponent's collar bone while his hands are around the latter's head rather than his neck.

A common clinching technique used in Muay Thai fights is to just tap the head downward then give a throw. The fighter can also throw the opponent to his left in case the latter is using a knee from the right. It can cause the opponent to lose his balance.

The Kru

This is a tough technique. A new fighter takes a lot of training and hard work to learn this technique. The technique is provided by the fighter’s Krue or Thai boxing training. The trainer makes the fighter work hard and learn the technique. It is a tradition for the fighter to express his respect to his trainer through a ritual called Wai Kru.

There are some elements that are part of Muay Thai training techniques. These include:-

• Running – A trainee has to run 18 km running per day (around 12 km in the first half and around 6 km in the second half).
• Stretching – The trainee has also to do stretching for around 20-30 minutes. It improves muscular elasticity and reduces the stretch reflex.
• Shadow boxing – This training includes around 20 minutes of shadow boxing. Shadow boxing is usually practiced in front of a mirror.

Muay Thai training takes a lot of hard work. To become a good fighter young people have to go through a lot of physical and mental strain. It takes sheer dedication, commitment, and “never-say-die” attitude that a trainee transforms himself into a sound Muay Thai fighter.

About the Author

Shin Chang writes about various Muay Thai training and Muay Thai training techniques. His articles have been published in various sports magazines. He lives in New York. For information visit us at: http://www.muaythai.cc

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shin_Chang

Child Muay Thai Boxers

Child Muay Thai Boxers

By Aaron Christe

One Friday night in January I was in Hua Hin, Thailand with nothing to do so I decided to go and watch the "Friday Night Muay Thai contest" held at Grand Sport Hua Hin on Petchkasem Road. I had received a flyer earlier in the street promoting the event and decided that it might be worth checking out.

Apparently there are two Muay Thai venues in Hua Hin and this wasn't the "real" one, but if I wanted to go that night I didn't have much of a choice. It wasn't a stadium as such, more like a gym that had a ring in the middle and some chairs set up on two sides. I believe they have Muay Thai lessons there every day. There wasn't a live band there either so the music didn't get faster as the matches progressed, we had to make do with a taped loop.

The admission price was 500 baht, a little expensive I was informed by a local bar owner, but I wasn't complaining. Also any tuk tuk or taxi in Hua Hin will take you to the venue for free, just show them the flyer. That amazed me.

The first fight started at 9pm, if I remember correctly it was a couple of 12 year old or so boys. Interesting enough and I was amazed by their already ripped physiques, especially their stomach muscles. There were a number of other fights including a 16 year old girl versus a 19 year old girl that was stopped after the second round because the older girl sustained an injury. After a while a section on one side of the ring that didn't have any seats set up by it started to fill up with Thai patrons. A number of them had brought blankets and were sitting there watching the matches. I remember wondering at the time if they too had paid 500 baht to get in. Somehow I doubted it.

Anyway, to get to the point of this story, one of the main events that was being touted all night by the announcer was a match between a nine year old boy and a nine year old girl. This long awaited match finally got underway at 11pm. As they were entering the ring it was announced that the boy was so confident that he would win that he had bet 7000 baht on himself. This was announced several times over the loudspeaker. I pondered where a nine year old boy would get 7000 baht as I sat there looking up at the "No Gambling" sign posted to the wall (in English only) above the bar. The fighters came out to much excitement by the crowd, including myself and they were gorgeous, especially the little girl.

I may be mistaken but I believe the ceremonial dance that the boxers do before the match is called the Wai Klu. In each of the matches that night one of the boxers did the dance while the other stayed in his or her corner. For this match the girl was the one to perform the dance. Only this time she did something that I had not seen any of the other boxers do during their ceremonial dances. I'll do my best here to describe it but I doubt that I can do it justice. Starting in her corner she would face her opponent who was standing in his corner on the other side of the ring. She would take one or two steps forward while twisting her body back towards her corner, then she would stomp her foot towards her opponent at the same time as sending an imaginary punch his way, which he would deflect with his hands, much to the delight of the crowd. This continued until she reached his corner, with him knocking away her imaginary punches each time. Then she would head back towards her ring, two or three slow steps at a time, looking back over her shoulder with each step, give him an appraising look, shake her head and take some more steps. Finally she looked satisfied that he was weakened enough and she concluded her dance. I don't think I can sufficiently explain how exciting this was.

Finally the match gets underway, and just like a mouse's heart beats a hundred times faster than the much larger dog, their movements seemed to be a lot faster than the previous boxers' movements. I was as excited if not more so than the rest of the crowd. Her arms were longer than his so she was getting in a few more punches than he was. Whenever she hit him I'd let out a roaring cheer, however when he kicked her I would cringe and have to stifle a cry of , "Hey she's a girl! leave her alone!!" I think I might have been a little too into it. The rounds were only two minutes each as opposed to the 3 minute rounds of the older fighters, but by the 4th round the girl's face was showing clear signs that she was getting tired. My heart broke. After a while though I started to have terrible misgivings about the whole adventure. Thoughts like "What are you watching?!" and "You are paying people who make two little kids fight!" ran through my mind. I was feeling very conflicted by the whole situation. I was able to put those thoughts to the back of my mind though when they announced that the winner was the girl. The whole place erupted and I am not afraid to say that I almost had a tear in my eye. I was so happy for her.

But then I started to feel a little sorry for the boy, who not only had to live with being beaten by a girl, but he had lost 7000 baht (if that story was to be believed.) After the fight both of the kids went around the audience and posed for photos and accepted money from the crowd. I gave her 100 baht and him 20. Now all he needed was another 6980 baht. When I posed for my photo with her I put my arm around her shoulder and I could feel her arm on the other side. It was rock solid. There was one more match after that, apparently a champion of the south versus a champion of the north, but I soon lost interest and went back to the hotel after the kids had gone.

In the songtaew on the way back I started to think about the whole night and had a number of questions. I wonder if they were really fighting or if they were like a brother and sister and have that same fight for the tourists every week? I wonder if they go to school like other kids. I would imagine it takes a lot of training to get to that kind of level, plus the announcer had mentioned that typical Muay Thai boxers train for 12 hours a day. I wonder if they get to keep the money that they are given by the tourists or if unscrupulous event organizers pocket it. Or do their parents collect it?

Aaron Christe writes about Thai culture, people and experiences at http://www.christicles.com He will also show you how to fly cheaply to Thailand at Cheap flights to Thailand

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Christe

Martial Arts - Muay Thai Kickboxing

Martial Arts - Muay Thai Kickboxing

By Michael Russell

Muay Thai Kickboxing is often referred to as the science of 8 limbs. The reason for this title is the fact that you use nearly every body part as a weapon. You can strike with your forehead, elbows, fists, Knees, Shins and feet. Muay Thai Kickboxing was invented over 2000 years ago and is recognized as one of the oldest martial arts known to man. Although records of Muay Thai fights only date back to 700 years ago, there is a general consensus that Muay Thai originated over 2000 years ago in the part of Asia that is now inhabited by China.

Muay Thai is known as the martial art of "kings" because in 1411 when a king by the name of Sen Muajng Ma died, his sons literally fought to the death for his throne, using the techniques of muay thai. Many kings were known to not only train in the martial art of Muay Thai but also to compete. The only problem is that it was viewed as improper to touch an emperor much less strike one. So a king by the name Phra Buddha Choa Sua used to enter various Muay Thai tournaments dressed as a peasant in order to fool both the audience and his opponents. He not only won all his matches, he eventually defeated the national champion.

The majority of the world refers to Muay Thai as Thai boxing. Although Thai boxing's most recent claim to fame is from John Claude Van Dam and other various movies, this martial art is regarded as one of the most brutal forms of self defense. Thailand has been known to hold open challenges pitting other forms of standup fighting against their Thai boxers. Most Thai fighters are heavily out weighed in these matches but still manage to destroy their opponents due to the various ways of attacking. No other martial art trains you to use every limb to attack and most other martial arts limit their striking area to above the waist. In Thai boxing you are allowed to kick, punch and knee your opponent's legs. Many opponents who are unaccustomed to receiving leg kicks literally lose the match due to the excruciating pain as a result of the technique.

Thai boxing is not known as the most vicious martial art for no reason. Thai boxers train their kicks in a manner that when you are struck by them it literally feels like someone has swung a baseball bat. Thai boxers tend to focus on a few effective techniques and master them rather then wasting energy on some of the flashier techniques found in other martial arts. In addition to being an effective martial art and the official self defense system of the Thai national army, Muay Thai is one of the best cardiovascular workouts you will ever partake in. Many aerobic studios incorporate Thai boxing techniques into their workouts. As you can see if you want to kill two birds with one stone by both learning how to defend yourself and getting yourself into great shape, Thai boxing is a martial art that's definitely worth taking a look at.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Martial Arts

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Spring Creek Lodge Academy : Muay Thai

Spring Creek Lodge Academy : Muay Thai

By Keith Allen

Out of a small black personal timer on my waist, a shrill cry is heard; and it has not come too soon. For the row of exhausted students in my midst running lap drills, it is a sweet sound as it signals the beginning of a one-minute round of rest. Some of the students go straight for their water bottles, some rest their heaving torsos on their weakened hips, while the rest shrug it off and keep jogging. All however, answer the next bell - the beginning of a new round and with it, a new drill.

This is Muay Thai Fundamentals, a new physical fitness class at Spring Creek Lodge Academy. Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, is a dynamic and challenging martial art that utilizes the whole body in self-defense. Like other martial arts, Muay Thai is about self-improvement. For each of our two-hour training sessions, students work on a wide variety of skills. Some of our drills are designed to improve overall fitness while others are specific to the art. For two hours, we are in constant motion, getting a fantastic cardio-vascular workout while learning to move in new ways.

The purpose of Muay Thai is to learn about healthful habits. During our training sessions students sweat out toxins, burn calories, build muscle, lose fat and increase energy levels. Moreover, all involved learn a great exercise routine that they can implement into their overall plans for a healthy lifestyle. Through disciplined training, students find that they can achieve their physical fitness goals, de-stress and learn to manage a host of emotional issues.

On many levels Muay Thai fits well into the Spring Creek environment. Like many of our studentsʼ programs, the art stresses a balance between proper thought and proper action. As in most avenues, a dedication and focus in the art brings improvement and success. For students to get the most out of martial art training, it is imperative that they cast from their minds all extrinsic thoughts visà- vis Muay Thai. In class we stress the moment, the mastering of each step, each breath in order to achieve our goals. For two hours, the myriad sources of stress from our busy days are set aside, for surely they will only hinder our work.

When I began studying Muay Thai six years ago, I felt as though I was learning to walk all over again. I couldnʼt perform a single technique properly and I couldnʼt keep myself free from the concomitant frustration and impatience I regularly aimed at myself. But through repetitive, disciplined work, and with a patient and calm mind, I was able to master the forms and techniques of the art, while enjoying and benefiting from the process.

Judging by the impressive work ethic and motivation of the students who have joined me in training, I am certain that they will also experience and enjoy their own breakthroughs in the art. Although designed to be only an eight-week course, I am hoping to retain a core of dedicated students who wish to continue to train on a regular basis. It is my hope that I can utilize their leadership skills to help newer students become accustomed to our routine as future classes begin. Of course it is my belief that the more time they spend training and challenging themselves, the better equipped they will be to successfully complete their programs and better their lives.

Spring Creek Lodge Academy

Parenting Troubled Teens - Help and tips for parents with troubled and struggling teens.

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Allen

How Muay Thai Kickboxing Workouts Changed My Body

How Muay Thai Kickboxing Workouts Changed My Body

By Yoshi Kundagawa

I've been taking muay thai kickboxing for about 3 months now, twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. It has been an amazing experience. The thai kickboxing workouts are intense, make no mistake about it. Even though I am in a beginners class, the sweat pours like a hot summer rain!

We start each kickboxing workout by lining up in the gym facing our Kru, or teacher. He bows to us, we bow to him, and he welcomes us with a few words. We then start with skipping rope.

As crazy as this may sound, I found jumping rope to be incredibly challenging. I started with 25 extra pounds around my waist, and perhaps my co-ordination was a little off. The rope is covered in hard plastic, plus I'm barefoot and the rope would smack my toes and it really stings!

I would watch the more experienced students jump rope and see if I could keep up. Sometimes I could go 15-20 jumps in a row before I would hit my toes or head with the rope. But after a month I got the hang of it. We jump rope in the thai kickboxing workouts until we start to sweat, maybe 4 to 6 minutes.

Then comes the tortuous part, the cardio conditioning. Every kickboxing class has a different routine. Sometimes we do burpees, sometimes hillclimbers, always lots of squats, jumping squats, pushups and the like. For the old timers it's like a real intense session of calesthetics.

We generally train technique for 20 to 25 minutes. And like the cardio, kickboxing technique training varies from class to class. Sometimes you work your kicks onto the pads that your partners hold. Sometimes its punching combinations. We work routines like front kick, 3 punch combo then right thai kick. It always is different. I really enjoy the variety, it keeps the training from ever getting stale.

But we always finish with pain...abdominal pain. You lie on the floor on your back, and raise your legs up off the ground until they are straight up in the air. Your partner stands at your head, roughly with his or her feet near your shoulders, facing your feet. Your partner pushes on your feet, forcing your legs back down to the floor. You raise your legs back straight up, the partner pushes them back down...this goes on for 3 straight minutes. Your abs are burning after 1, screaming after 2, and generally are nearing failure before the session ends. Then you get to switch and torture your partner!

I honestly thought I saw an abdominal muscle on my body the other day in the mirror. It's impossible, I still have at least 10 pounds of blubber to lose, but I feel fantastic! My energy levels are off the charts, I'm sleeping so much better at night and I love it. I highly recommend muay thai kickboxing workouts for anyone serious about getting into top shape!

Yoshi Kundagawa is a freelance journalist covering the martial arts world. Too much time at his computer eating donuts reduced him to couch potato status. He's on a quest to recapture his youth and fitness. You can read his blog at http://www.martialarts3000.com

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yoshi_Kundagawa

Is Muay Thai What You Are Really Looking For ?

Is Muay Thai What You Are Really Looking For ?

By Isara Sukgrarongka

In summary, there is always only one answer for this question : If you would like to discover whether Muay Thai is suitable for you, just come to visit several Muay Thai gyms and try a first lesson (certainly most of Muay Thai gyms offer free introduction class) and see whether you want to learn it!!!

As I mentioned that everyone can learn Muay Thai. However, I would like to explain more on that as there may be some of you who have different background of martial arts training, from beginner to expert boxer, then I want to contribute some suggestion which based on my personal opinion to several group of Muay Thai learners I. New to martial arts, no previous experience and looking for something to learn to find out which martial art is the best. Every martial arts have their own uniqueness and are the best of its kind. Some of you who are in this group may have seen many of tournaments that Muay Thai wins against other kind of martial arts or have seen what Tony Jaa perform in the movie and think that "Yeah Muay Thai is awesome, I need to learn that".

I can say that if you want to learn Muay Thai because of this, it's not wrong, but this is only a bit of Muay Thai philosophy that you have seen from those fights or by watch the movie. And when you decide to apply for a camp, start to learn it and be with it for a while, you will see Muay Thai is much much more than in the movie or in the ring fights. The process of training itself, especially, for ones who want to be a professional boxer, is hard and requires a lot of dedication. More than anything, Muay Thai has a lot of history and believes behind the arts, believes and the fighting technique can not be separated. I am quite disappointed that even in Thailand today, some Thais learn to be a boxer just because they want to earn money, some Muay Thai camps now have become more commercial and the worst thing is most of Thais who love Muay Thai keep watching the fight and turn it in to a betting game!!!.

So if you are about to decide to learn Muay Thai, please make sure that you find out more about it's history, style and believes in order to understand more about it, and then let's go to the answer I mentioned above.

II. Have some background of other kind of martial arts and want to learn Muay Thai to gain more experience and learn variety of martial arts. If you are the people in this group, I would like to say thank you for interested in Muay Thai. Your background and knowledge of martial arts will benefit to your Muay Thai training and you will find it easier to practice than who have just started. As I suggest above, it is good to learn Muay Thai philosophy and believes along with the art of fight which I think it's necessary for Muay Thai learners at any level. So let's move on and learn Muay Thai to get variety of martial arts and maybe you can mix all of techniques that you learn and apply for your best performance in actual self-defence situation.

III. People who are interested in Muay Thai from the start, dedicate to the training and intend to become a Kru/master or grand master of Muay Thai and teach others. If you are a person in this group, I have no further suggestion because I can assume that you have made a great commitment to learn Muay Thai and see it really suitable for you. Please receive my great appreciation for interested to become one of the Muay Thai heritage. Just one thing that I beg you please keep doing is to teach others on what you have learnt from Kru, as well as maintain the Muay Thai philosophy along with the art of fight, then people will learn Muay Thai "BY HEART" not only learn for the fight

Isara Sukgrarongka http://www.muaythailesson.com

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isara_Sukgrarongka

Is Muay Thai The Martial Art YOU Need To Discover ?

Is Muay Thai The Martial Art YOU Need To Discover ?

By Doreen Nyback

With the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC, Muay Thai has become more popular then ever before. But is it the best form of martial arts for you to learn?

Let’s take a closer look at Muay Thai…

It is rather hard to pinpoint the exact start and history of Muay Thai as it has evolved through the years and still continues to evolve today.

Muay Thai is considered by some to have been a deviation of a martial art from south east China. Others believe that it came from an enchant form of kickboxing in India.

Muay Thai began as Krabi Krabong, the Siamese military fighting style with a sword in one hand. Developing through time and natural evolution of the art, it gave birth to Muay Boran, ancient style Muay Thai. As battlefield warfare evolved into a more technological basis, hand to hand combat was no longer required within the military, and Muay Thai became a sporting martial art, kept alive in Thailand as a competetive sport, and for many, a way of life.

The basic concept of Muay Thai has not changed much over the years… Martial Arts like karate and tae-kwon-do mainly focus on striking and ‘hard’ forms of very straight kicks. Muay Thai has always had a focus around punching with a boxing style, using knees and elbows to defend and block kicks and punches as well, the kicking is not as ‘hard’ in its form as other main line martial arts.

The one very unique strategy that Muay Thai embraces is a technique called the “Clinch”. How the “Clinch” works is, your hands are wrapped around the other person’s neck for leverage so you can use your knee to get in and start working on the other persons mid section. It is a very effective technique if you know what you are doing.

The one thing you need to know about Muay Thai is that it is a FULL CONTACT SPORT. Yes it is a martial art at its core but from a functional prospective it is a sport and with that means you are going to get into very good shape when you train in Muay Thai.

This also brings up another challenge… Your risk of getting injured is greater with Muay Thai then it is with most other traditional martial arts. The reason for this is because your always training with contact!

The one thing that Muay Thai has is a great built in self-defense component. Because you spend most of your time sparring with others, you get to experience full-contact fighting on a regular basis. So from a self-defense perspective… It is a real winner!

Is Muay Thai For You?

The only way to find out is to go and checkout a few schools in your area so you can see first hand if you like Muay Thai! They will offer you a free class and sometimes a free month. It is well worth your time to check out your local schools.

Jim Anderson is an avid trainer and helps people learn self-defense using aikido and martial arts to protect themselves on the street. His site is http://www.underground-training.com/muay_thai

Article Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doreen_Nyback

What's Muaythai ?

What's Muaythai ?

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is what the Thai people call their own martial art. The art of Muay Thai has been the country's most popular spectator sport for hundreds of years. It is unique among other kinds of fighting disciplines in its approach to close quarters fighting. Fighters are able to more effectively use their elbows, knees, feet and fists than in other martial arts.

The Wai Kru (respects to the teacher) also known as Ram Muay (boxing dance) is an important part of any evening watching Thai Boxing. These are ceremonies that are performed before each Muay Thai bout. Sometimes the Wai Kru are brief and basic, but other times they may be eloquent performances that draw praise and applause from the crowd. It is said that those who see well can determine who will win the fight by watching two fighters perform their Wai Kru. Teachers are highly respected in Thai society, and many artistic disciplines, not just Muay Thai, perform Wai Kru or "respects to the teacher". Foreigners viewing these rituals should take care to be polite and not act disrespectfully regarding the Wai Kru. The Thais take seriously any insult to the Wai Kru, just as you would if somebody insulted your spiritual beliefs.

Before the competition of Muay-Thai ,Krabi-Krabong (Thai swords) , or any other ancient weapons martial arts , every competitor must perform the "Wai-Khru" ritual and perform the boxing dance which is the continued tradition since ancient times."Wai-Khru" is a way to pay respect to his majesty the king or the chairman of the competition tournament. Furthermore , "Wai-Khru" is the way to realize the goodness of the master who gave them the knowledge. It's also the way to create the strength of their mind. The style of the dance is unique to each boxing bureau. Boxers who danced the same style wouldn't box each other since they realize that they have the same master. Furthermore, to dance is one way to warm up before starting the fight . It also helps relax the stress and to prepare body and mind to be ready to get into the battle.

Information : MuayThai.com

UVSC student wins title in Muay Thai kickboxing

UVSC student wins title in Muay Thai kickboxing

by Amy Choate Deseret Morning News

LINDON -- Daniel Green would rather curl up with a good book, or kick someone in the head, than watch a football game.

Green, a 28-year old English literature major at Utah Valley State College, recently became the first Utahn to win a nationwide title for his weight class at a Muay Thai style kickboxing tournament, in Orlando, Fla.

"(Kickboxing) is the best sport there is," Green said. "There's no other sport that's got that kind of excitement. Football and basketball, they're really just a watered down version of a sport. Kickboxing is raw; two men enter, one man leaves."

Ten years ago, as he was looking for a sport to teach him a style of fighting that was defensive as well as competitive, Green found the Muay Thai style of kickboxing. Green said he found the sport to be the best of the martial arts.

"Muay Thai is geared toward competing," Green said. "Karate and other kinds of kickboxing is geared more towards theory. . . . I've fought kung fu guys and karate guys, and really, they just don't know how to fight. (Muay Thai) is tried, and it's true."

Major differences between Muay Thai and other martial arts include punching and kicking styles. While karate and kung fu are more elaborate and technical, involving calculated hand positioning and specific targets, Muay Thai involves boxing style punches, holds and kicks that would be considered fouls by karate standards.

"Everything is a target," said Jason Farrish, Green's trainer. "In other martial arts you see a lot of fluff stuff, like jumping and spinning. Muay Thai has a lot more in common with Western boxing than karate or kung fu."

Muay Thai tournaments are even scored like boxing matches. Each participant enters the ring with 10 points, and points are deducted for falling down or failing to punch as much as the competitor. As with many sports, participants risk serious injury during competition.

"It's not cock fighting with people," Farrish said. "In reality, you're much more likely to get hurt, like a torn ligament or something, playing church basketball than in Muay Thai."

Training for Green begins about six months before a competition, during which time Green said he trains for three to six hours each day. Because Green didn't have a gym to train in before his most recent competition, he spent a lot of time in his friend's basement, weight training and sparring with Farrish.

Green's most recent competition, sponsored by the International Karate Federation, is one of the largest in the United States. The competition, hosting kickboxers from Canada to Mexico, took place in Orlando as hurricane Charley raged outside. Other than the few competitors who were delayed or prevented from attending the tournament because of the storm, the tournament was not otherwise affected.

Though Muay Thai kickboxing is not a common Utah sport, Green competes several times a year. He currently is training -- preparing for battle -- for an event in October.

"I'm not just trying to get a ball across a goal line or into the net," Green said. "There's no teams, no cheerleaders. It's just you against him. It's raw, like war. And isn't that what sports is based on? It's all combat."

E-mail: achoate@desnews.com

Copyright C 2004 Deseret News Publishing Co.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Bibliography for "UVSC student wins title in Muay Thai kickboxing"
Amy Choate Deseret Morning News "UVSC student wins title in Muay Thai kickboxing". Deseret News (Salt Lake City). Sep 15, 2004. FindArticles.com. 06 May. 2007.

Man enough to be a woman: a Thai transgender kickboxer is at the center of an amazing true story that's now a movie

Man enough to be a woman : A Thai transgender kickboxer is at the center of an amazing true story that's now a movie.

by Mike Goodridge

Thai filmmaker Ekachai Uekrongtham says that if he had invented the story of world famous Thai kickboxing champion Nong Toom, nobody would believe it. As shown in the new film Beautiful Boxer, Nong Toom grew up knowing she was a girl mapped in a boy's body. Teased for being effeminate, Nong accidentally fell into the revered, highly masculine sport of Muay Thai (kickboxing) and opted to master it not only to earn a living but also to achieve the ultimate aim of becoming a woman. As Nong's fame grew, the boxer started to take female hormones, and ultimately in 1999 under- went a sex change operation. Now an actress and model, Nong Toom is one of Thailand's biggest celebrities.

It's an extraordinary story, and one that Uekrongtham--who is straight--was drawn to for the conflict inherent in Nong Toom's ambition to achieve total femininity by competing in a thoroughly masculine arena. "Theoretically, I thought that a piece of art could come out of this story," he recalled recently in Los Angeles, where he crone to promote the film with his lead actor, Asanee Suwan, and Nong Toom herself. "When I was writing the screenplay, I discovered something very meaningful about courage. Whether you are gay or straight, a man or a woman, sometimes it's not easy to do what you want to do because of financial constraints or social restrictions. Nong Toom shows us that it's about having the confidence."

Nong Toom, now just 23, wasn't given approval over the script or the casting of handsome 24-year-old Thai kickboxing champion Asanee Suwan. "Ekachai told me that the movie wasn't a tribute film," she says, "so

I knew that there would be bad stuff as well as good in it. I knew Asanee because he is a famous kickboxer and was happy that he would do the boxing side of it, but was worried that he wouldn't understand what I had to go through to become a woman."

For his part, Suwan says that he is confident enough in his own sexuality (he's straight) that taking on the role was not something he feared. "I am man enough to be a woman," he jokes, although he admits he enlisted his family's support before taking on the role. "None of my friends in the boxing world teased me."

Indeed, in a country where transgender people are traditionally portrayed as clowns or jokers in television or film, Beautiful Boxer was marketed as a serious film. "It portrayed a transgender person as a human being, not a clown," says Uekrongtham. "It created a lot of discussion."

Nong Toom says she didn't experiment sexually when she was a man, especially since she was operating in the male world of boxers and had to earn their trust. Hence the issue of sexuality isn't addressed in the film, although Nong Toom explains that she never thought of herself as a gay mail, always a woman.

"Because Thailand is a Buddhist country, there is a lot more tolerance of transgender people," explains Uekrongtham. "Because they are seen as having committed some bad karma in a past life, they are cursed with a mismatch of body and soul. But while transgender people are considered indigenous, homosexuality is considered an imported phenomenon and is still frowned upon."

Goodridge is U.S. editor of Screen International.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Liberation Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

Bibliography for "Man enough to be a woman: a Thai transgender kickboxer is at the center of an amazing true story that's now a movie"
Mike Goodridge "Man enough to be a woman: a Thai transgender kickboxer is at the center of an amazing true story that's now a movie". Advocate, The. March 15, 2005. FindArticles.com. 06 May. 2007.

Muaythai in Brazil

Muaythai in Brazil

By Guilherme Bringel

Muay Thai was introduced in Brazil in the 70's by Trainer Nelio Borges in the city of Curitiba in Paraná. Trainer Nelio Borges trained in Muay Thai in several European countries. Quickly Muay Thai was brought to the city of Rio de Janeiro from where it expanded nationally throughout the whole of Brazil.

For a long time Muay Thai was one of the more well-known Martial Arts throughout Brazil, but mainly in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba.

In the beginning, most of the Muay Thai trainers were also teachers of Taekwondo and for that reason some kicks that these teachers taught suffered a strong influence of Taekwondo. Some kicks were added in the air and also some teachers did some demonstrations that were typical of the breaking of Taekwondo.

At one time some teachers modified some rules and they created in the city of Rio de Janeiro the version known as " Muay Thai Amateur ", a rules version in which blows of knees were not allowed and nor elbows strikes. With that, these trainers taught a lot for a long time a style similar to Kickboxing and that didn't resemble Muay Thai. But, at this same time, several trainers of Rio de Janeiro, of Curitiba, of São Paulo and of other states continued to teach true Muay Thai in the original way.

In the 90's Muay Thai began to be organized in Brazil around the coordination of the " Brazilian Confederation of Boxing ", the organization that coordinates the Boxing in Brazil. Departments were created inside of the " Confederation of Boxing " and there began to be created associations and regional federations. At this same time the " Brazilian Confederation of Muay Thai " was created.

Still at this time several trainers began their training of Muay Thai in several European countries and in Thailand. Two trainers were the pioneers in training authentic Muay Thai in Thailand, they were the Trainer Edson of Sousa of the city of São Paulo and the Trainer Guilherme Bringel of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

But, several Brazilian teachers were also training in several European countries, for example: Trainer Luís Alves (he trained Muay Thai in Holland), Trainer Roney Alex (he Trained Muay Thai in England), Trainer Paulo Nikolai (he trained Muay Thai in Holland).

Nowadays, Muay Thai in Brazil is at a good level if compared to Muay Thai practiced in the USA and in Europe. Very good fighters that have levels of international fight experience exist here.

In the last few years, the only bad thing that has happened with Muay Thai in Brazil was that several excellent fighters of Muay Thai of international fame are no longer fighting Muay Thai, having opted to fight Vallale-Tudo Championships. Due to this Muay Thai suffered a great lack of fighters and only now is recovering. At the moment, Muay Thai is rejuvenating and great fighters are again appearing in Brazil.

At the moment, several world organizations of Muay Thai and Kickboxing are present in Brazil, for example: USMTA (United States Muay Thai Association), WKL (World Kickboxing League), USKBA (United States Muay Thai Association), WAKO (World Associations Kickboxing Organizations), ISKA (International Sport Kickboxing Association). These associations are beginning to organize championships of a good level in Brazil and soon here in Brazil there should appear great fighters from Brazil that will be thrown in the ring to fight internationally for to entertain the MuayThai world.

About the author : Trainer Guilherme Bringel is a student of Kru Puk manager of the Muay Thai Academy of America, one of the oldest Muay Thai academies in the USA and he is one of the pioneers of training in Muay Thai in Thailand, having traveled to Thailand several times. To contact Guilherme Bringel email: gbringel@brhs.com.br

Information : MuaythaiOnline.Com

Muay Thai History

Muay Thai History

Muay Thai is the devestating "science of 8 limbs" from Thailand developed over 1000's of years.

The exact date of the creation of this fighting art is not known but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old. Many other martial arts are believed to be this ancient though many of them were only created in the last 100 years (Aikido, Taekwondo, Karate).

Muay Thai used to be referred to as Pahuyuth (multi-faceted fighting style) a couple of hundred years ago, but Muay Thai itself is only a part of the whole Thai fighting system that covers weapons and groundwork which many refer to as Ling-Lom, though this is not the correct name for it. Many people do not know about this "no holds barred" of Muay Thai and there are very few people that can teach it.

The Thais are a tribal people and have had to defend their country from many invaders throughout their history. It has been developed year by year passing from teacher to student for as long as the Thais can remember. Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of eight limbs as it employs not only punching and kicking techniques but elbows and knees as well.

It could be said that Muay Thai currently is split into two parts, the ring sport and the martial art. The art side contains many techniques that cannot be performed in a ring with gloves on.

Information : MuayThaiOnline.Com

Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing

You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation.

The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.

In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations. In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Information : http://www.bangkok-city.com/muaythai.htm

An International Passion

An International Passion

Muay Thai, along with soccer, is certainly the most passionately followed sport in the country. Television networks broadcast fights five days a week, and the fight results at major stadiums are reported in all major newspapers. International boxing is also very popular, and the country has produced dozens of world champions, but they all started out as Muay Thai fighters. So it is not surprising that a boy as young as seven or eight would start training to become one and many do, at stables across the country.

Most provincial capitals have a boxing ring, but the ultimate dream of young boxers is to fight at Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen, the biggest and most famous stadiums in the country. Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen alternate, so there is a fight program every night. Tickets on an average evening are 220, 440 and 1,000 baht, but on big nights prices of ringside seats may go up to 2,000 baht. Ratchadamnoen’s Sunday Special rates are good bargains, with ringside tickets going for 500 baht each. Fights usually begins around 6:30 p.m., with preliminary bouts featuring younger, less experienced boxers, and build up towards the main event, usually around nine o’clock.

Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fight is preceded by a wai khru dance, in which each contestant pays homage to his teachers. Besides the symbolic meaning, the dance is a good warm-up exercise. You will notice that each boxer wears a headband and armbands. The headband, called mongkhol, is believed to bestow luck to the wearer since it has been blessed by a monk or the boxer’s own teacher. Since Buddhism and the teacher play important roles in the life of Thais, the headband is both a lucky charm and a spiritual object. It will be removed after the wai khru dance, and only by the boxer’s trainer. The armbands, meanwhile, are believed to offer protection and are only removed when the fight has ended.

A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxers’ safety depends on his decision.

To one side of the ring is the band section, comprising a Javanese clarinet, drums and cymbals. They accompany the fight from the homage dance to the conclusion. The tempo goes up as the action inside the ring intensifies. The musicians are mostly old-timers who have seen just about anything, yet their music always makes the heart race faster. It is said that the tune is a siren song that the true Muay Thai devotee can never resist.

On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.

Information : http://www.bangkok-city.com/muaythai.htm

Equipment used in Thai Boxing Match

Equipment used in Thai Boxing Match

Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium. There are a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules, equipment to provide water for boxers, and other additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own such as boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords. Thai boxing can be classified into two major types, the first is muay lak which puts the emphasis on caution and patience, and is very rare nowadays. Theo- ther is muay kiew which is full of tricks and feints performed to catch the opponent off guard.

Basic rules of Thai boxing matches

A 'Muay Thai' match formally have no more than 5 rounds, each round take 3 minutes to last, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds is allowed.

Boxers must regularly wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 gramm).

The gloves must not be squeezed, kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.

Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.

- Contestants must wear only trunks (red or blue according to their corners) appropriately fit their bodies.
- Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin,Gum shield may be used.
- Wear no shirts nor shoes, but ankle cap is permitted.
- A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start of the fight.
- Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent is prohibited.

Learning Muay Thai

Muay Thai, with its emphasis on both offense and defense as well as on stamina, is a martial art anyone can learn: men, women, young or old. With the interest in Muay Thai growing fast, martial-art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their curricula. Some hire former Muay Thai champions as instructors, others have trainers who studied with Thai teachers. These schools may teach all the right moves and maneuvers, but Muay Thai isn’t just about punches and kicks.

To learn Muay Thai is to learn about its roots and its purpose, and there’s nowhere better to do that than in its homeland. In the past, foreigners wanting “the real thing” would go to one of the stables, where training focuses on professional competition. For those not so inclined, there wasn’t much choice, and language was sometimes a problem. Not anymore, since Thailand now has a school for total Muay Thai education for both professionals and amateurs.

Information : http://www.bangkok-city.com/muaythai.htm

Where & When to see Muay Thai

Where & When to see Muay Thai

Bangkok & Vicinitiy

Lumpini Stadium

Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940
Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 p.m, Saturday afternoons 5-8 p.m., Saturday nights from 8.30 p.m.
Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside)




Ratchadamnoen Stadium

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6
Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights



Channel 7 Stadium

Behind the old Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit), opp. Chatuchak Park, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 272-0201
Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 1.45 p.m., third Wednesday of each month starting at 12.00 noon.
Ticket prices: Free admission

Rangsit Stadium

336/932 Prachathipat Road, Rangsit, Pathumthani
Tel: (662) 992-0099
Fight Nights: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 8.30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: 110 (women only), 220 Baht

Samrong Stadium

Samrong Road, Samutprakarn
Tel: (662) 393-3592
Fight Nights: Fridays and Sundays, from 8.30 p.m
Ticket Prices: 100 Baht for women, 200 Baht for men

Omnoy Stadium

74 Moo 12 Tumbon Omnoy, Amphoe Krathumbaen, Samutsakorn
Tel: (662) 420-4317
Fight Schedule: Saturdays from 11.45 a.m.
Tickets: 200 Baht

International Stadium, Chachoengsao

23/22 Moo 6 Thepkunakorn Road, Tumbon Sothorn, Amphoe Muang, Chachoengsao
Tel: (66-38) 821-746-50
Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 4.00 p.m.
Tickets: 200 Baht

Information : http://www.bangkok-city.com/muaythai.htm

Muay Thai Institute

Muay Thai Institute

The Muay Thai Institute was established with the goal of preserving and promoting the art of Muay Thai and making it accessible to all. The Institute, which is located in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok International Airport, offers accredited training courses for boxers, instructors and referees. Opened in 1997, the Institute is run by a professional team of Muay Thai instructors, promoters and officials. Its staff instructors are all former champions, hold at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and speak English.

Graduates will received a certificate recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education and the World Muay Thai Council. Since its opening, the school has trained hundreds of amateurs and professionals. Students have come from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and other parts of the world. Thai students, many of them girls and young women, also come for recreational and professional courses.

The Fundamental Muay Thai Program consists of Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional levels and takes 120 day to complete. The program was designed to provide students with the historical and cultural background to Muay Thai as well as the physical skills and fitness training. The course includes a study tour to Bangkok’s major stadiums, so students can experience the real thing live.

Muay Thai for Instructors is ideal for those who want to become Muay Thai instructors or to run training schools. The program comprises three 15-day courses.

Muay Thai for Referees and Judges is divided into three levels of proficiency: local, national and international, each taking 15 days.

The Muay Thai Institute occupies a complex next door to Rangsit Stadium. Classes take place in the classroom and in the well-equipped gym. Students have access to the in-house fitness facilities and Muay Thai library. Dormitory-style accommodation, with five bunkbeds to a room, TV, and fridge, and meals are available. The Institute can arrange visa and paperwork for applicants to any of the courses.

Tuition and Fees

Fundamental Muay Thai 1-3: US$ 160 per course
Fundamental Muay Thai 4 (Professional): US$ 1,200
Muay Thai Instructors 1 & 2: US$ 288 per course
Muay Thai Instructors 3: US$ 320
Amature Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320
Professional Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320

International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact :

The Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: 992-0096-9

Information : http://www.bangkok-city.com/muaythai.htm

Muaythai Judging Introduction

Muaythai Judging Introduction

By Tony Myers

The author, Tony Myers is an experienced referee and Judge as well as an experienced Muay Thai coach. He has judged and refereed at national, international and world level, in Britain, Europe and Thailand; this year being selected to referee live on national Thai TV and in front of Thai Royalty in Bangkok. He holds World Muay Thai Council (WMC) professional refereeing and judging qualification, an International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA) amateur refereeing and judging qualification. He also runs refereeing and judging courses, as well as being a senior referee and judge for, the British Thai Boxing Council, the World Muay Thai Organisation and Scottish Muay Thai Federation. In addition he also referees and judges for some Showsport International events.

- Introduction
- International Competition
- Fight Classifications
- Differences between associations
- What techniques score?
- Fouls
- How are fights actually scored?
- Decisions
- Some common mistakes made when judging Muay Thai bouts, and how to avoid them
- Summary

It is essential for fighters, coaches and officials to understand how their sport is judged. It would be unthinkable that football players would not have a rudimentary understanding of the rules of football, or were not sure where and how they score. However, this is the case, on occasion, in Muay Thai. When refereeing, I have often had blank looks from fighters when warning them not to trip an opponent, grab the ropes or grab the lower spine. I have had anger and disbelief from cornermen when their fighter has been disqualified for using a hip throw and injuring an opponent. There is often real confusion, even amongst those involved in the sport, as to what scores and what doesn't score in Muay Thai. There are a wide range of misconceptions aired by fans, coaches and even some officials regarding scoring. These misconceptions have ranged from "punches don't score", "Leg kicks are the most important kicks for scoring", "throws don't count", to "the scoring is the same as international boxing and kickboxing". All these statements are untrue and highlight the confusion over scoring in Muay Thai. So how are Muay Thai fights actually scored? What are the fouls? What are the legal techniques? This article attempts to answer these questions.

I will never forget the first time I sat on the wooden bench seats in the humid atmosphere of Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. I was totally mesmerised by the unified chants of fans frantically willing on "their" fighter; this generally meant the one they had placed a bet upon. Having spent a lifetime involved in martial arts, I was enormously impressed with the toughness, speed, balance, agility and skill of the boxers fighting in the ring. However, I was also a little confused at some decisions awarded by the judges that evening. The sport fascinated me but having grown up on a diet of international boxing and Japanese martial arts, the scoring of some of these Muay Thai fights baffled me a little.

After talking to other European fans of the sport, I soon realised I was not on my own; a number non-Thai spectators didn't fully understanding how the Muay Thai was judged. Since that time I have been lucky enough to have had my own fighters fight at Lumpinee and Radjadamnern stadiums, and have had the chance to have refereed and judged fights in Bangkok. Now that I understand the rules and how fights are scored my fighters fair better in international competition and my enjoyment of the fights has actually improved. I hope your enjoyment of fights will be enhanced a little by this article.

Information : MuayThaiOnline.Com

Muaythai Judging : Fight Classifications

Muaythai Judging : Fight Classifications

By Tony Myers

Professional fights in Britain (and across Europe and in a number of other countries across the world) are classified as "A", "B" and "C" class. "A" class referring to open class fighters, "B" class referring to experienced fighters who have had reasonable fight experience and are technically and physically capable of competing over five, two minute rounds. "C" class fighters are less experienced fighters, relative novices, who are capable of fighting three rounds. Most of the rules that apply to "A" class fights apply to "B" and "C" class fights with a few exceptions.

In most associations in Great Britain, "C" class "professional" fights are fought over three rounds of two minutes in duration with a minute break in between rounds and do not allow elbows or knees to be delivered to the head or face. "B" class fights are usually fought over five two minute rounds, again with one minute rest intervals. In some associations knees to head are allowed, in others they are not. Generally elbows to the head are not allowed in "B" class fights, although, on occasion, they are used with agreement of both boxers. In Britain even some "A" class fights are fought without allowing elbows to the head, although the use of elbows is becoming far more common. "A" class fights are held over five three minute rounds with two minutes rest between rounds (this is sometimes reduced to one and a half minutes in some associations).

Information : MuayThaiOnline.Com