Kickboxing, as it was known by the name of "Muaythai"', originated as the
national sport of Thai society, with competitions held as early as 1257-1377
AD.
You might also say that Muaythai was the sport of kings in its early days.
King Pha Chao Sua was so involved in the sport he used to disguise himself
as a commoner to participate.
He was further so supportive of the sport he ordered his army to be trained in
the art, and interest swelled. In 1774, Nau Khanohm Tom, as a captured
prisoner of war, fought his way in contest, defeating 10 of Burma's very best.
The Burmese king, King Mangra, himself so impressed, applauded his
achievements, and granted Nau Khanohm Tom his freedom.
Certainly this may have given Mauythai enormous new attention and status to
survive in history over the next centuries.
In 1921, although the fighting style had not changed, new transformations
were applied with the inclusion and standardization of the 20 Glove 20ft
roped ring.
Gloves were introduced as standard in 1923 by order of the police of the
interior ministry.
By the 1930s groin protection was introduced. International enthusiasm grew
slowly; it was as late as 1995 when the first world Amateur Muay Thai
Championships were held.
As a martial art, there is very little equipment required of participants,
although it has come a long way since the early days.
Kick boxers will use hand wraps, i.e. pieces of cloth to wrap around their
hand beneath gloves.
Today the gloves are much thicker for the protection of an opponent, but
light gloves are also available for training against bags.
Shin guards, and groin protectors are also worn. Female boxers may choose
to wear a chest or torso protector, although some discussion about these claim
they often do more hurt than give protection.
Certainly uniforms should be worn with pride.
Kickboxing is phenomenally popular today. It is possible to find an active
kickboxing school near you.
Classes may be offered at your local gymnasium, or police and citizens youth
club, alongside all respected martial arts classes.
Certainly a grading system exists today as with other martial arts. Grading
and competitions are held regularly.
The grades, called belts, are from white-red-yellow, and then continue to
orange-green-purple and blue-brown-back.
You continue to further levels beyond black as a master of the art.
Kickboxing as all martial arts, is suitable for everyone from children, to
women and men.
Full contact is strictly and safely controlled, and participants do not fight
outside of their ability.
Certainly kickboxing training is an ideal exercise that can be performed at
your own individual pace and ability. Many classes are offered as either
contact or non contact training.
The choice to train casually or to enter world class competitive events is yours
alone to make.
national sport of Thai society, with competitions held as early as 1257-1377
AD.
You might also say that Muaythai was the sport of kings in its early days.
King Pha Chao Sua was so involved in the sport he used to disguise himself
as a commoner to participate.
He was further so supportive of the sport he ordered his army to be trained in
the art, and interest swelled. In 1774, Nau Khanohm Tom, as a captured
prisoner of war, fought his way in contest, defeating 10 of Burma's very best.
The Burmese king, King Mangra, himself so impressed, applauded his
achievements, and granted Nau Khanohm Tom his freedom.
Certainly this may have given Mauythai enormous new attention and status to
survive in history over the next centuries.
In 1921, although the fighting style had not changed, new transformations
were applied with the inclusion and standardization of the 20 Glove 20ft
roped ring.
Gloves were introduced as standard in 1923 by order of the police of the
interior ministry.
By the 1930s groin protection was introduced. International enthusiasm grew
slowly; it was as late as 1995 when the first world Amateur Muay Thai
Championships were held.
As a martial art, there is very little equipment required of participants,
although it has come a long way since the early days.
Kick boxers will use hand wraps, i.e. pieces of cloth to wrap around their
hand beneath gloves.
Today the gloves are much thicker for the protection of an opponent, but
light gloves are also available for training against bags.
Shin guards, and groin protectors are also worn. Female boxers may choose
to wear a chest or torso protector, although some discussion about these claim
they often do more hurt than give protection.
Certainly uniforms should be worn with pride.
Kickboxing is phenomenally popular today. It is possible to find an active
kickboxing school near you.
Classes may be offered at your local gymnasium, or police and citizens youth
club, alongside all respected martial arts classes.
Certainly a grading system exists today as with other martial arts. Grading
and competitions are held regularly.
The grades, called belts, are from white-red-yellow, and then continue to
orange-green-purple and blue-brown-back.
You continue to further levels beyond black as a master of the art.
Kickboxing as all martial arts, is suitable for everyone from children, to
women and men.
Full contact is strictly and safely controlled, and participants do not fight
outside of their ability.
Certainly kickboxing training is an ideal exercise that can be performed at
your own individual pace and ability. Many classes are offered as either
contact or non contact training.
The choice to train casually or to enter world class competitive events is yours
alone to make.
