It’s always interesting to dig into the history and fun facts about different types of martial arts. Muay Thai is a style of martial arts training that originates deep in the history of Thailand. Thailand is known for its extended history of fighting skills and styles, which they relied heavily on to defend their country centuries ago. Muay Thai is a sophisticated form of martial arts that is now enjoyed by many as defense and hobby training. 

Let’s take a look at a few more interesting facts about Muay Thai and what has made it so treasured throughout the years. 

#1: It has changed since the beginning.  

Its origin comes from 13th-century military use. Muay Thai fighters in the earliest days defended themselves with the most basic protection, their fists. Size and weight classes didn’t exist at first. Grappling techniques were not even known then. The fighter would step in closer while completing a strike and withdraw very quickly to dodge a return strike from their opponent. Muay Thai was simply fought out of necessity, and the winner quickly moved on to the next opponent. 

#2: The body is the weapon - The Art of 8 Limbs.

Muay Thai techniques focus on the body as the weapon. Knees, shins, fists, elbows, feet, hands, and arms are the most basic, effective striking weapons. When it comes to self-defense, the trainee will use grappling moves. Learning to control the body and strengthen its reflexes is the key to training in Muay Thai. 

#3: Muay Thai is gaining traction in today’s competitive training.

Muay Thai is quickly gaining popularity in every part of the globe. Its status as a competitive sport is also growing. It has popularized so much that now there are many yearly world championship tournaments. Men, women, and children are joining in the training and learning this martial art form competitively and for everyday defense.

#4: It is a health kicker.

Muay Thai is also very well known for its many health benefits. It is especially well known for its cardio benefits as well! Other benefits are calorie burning, mental toughness, muscle strength, lowering blood pressure, and increased self-confidence. 

#5: Gloves are an essential part of Muay Thai attire.

Muay Thai gloves are specifically built for the sport. They have some differences from traditional boxing gloves simply due to the nature of the actions fighters make during sparring. Muay Thai gloves are more evenly padded than traditional boxing gloves, which tend to be padded mostly on the knuckle area. The reason for this change is the all-around padding offers much-needed protection during elbow blows and kicks.

For professional fighting, 6oz-10oz lace-up gloves are used. Gloves with velcro closures are used for training and sparring for the ease of taking them off during breaks. The type and fit of gloves used are especially important during sparring and competitions.

#6: Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are very different.

Muay Thai is recognized by many as the most effective stand-up striking martial art. On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu is recognized as the most dominant martial art for grappling and ground fighting. Both combat sports are fundamentally different. One focuses on submissions, and the other focuses on striking. 

Both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are widely effective in defense skills based on real-life situations. However, the tactics used are very different.

#7: Muay Thai training allows a wide range of ages.

While there are age limitations in professional competitions, training can start at a young age. Kids classes are very popular and offer the opportunity to begin training for professional venues earlier. Restrictions are rare in age and allow for multiple decades of training and progression.

#8: Anyone can train in Muay Thai.

Whether it is for self-defense, strength training, or competitions, anyone can join a Muay Thai class. Classes are offered for women, men, and children. 

If you are looking to join a professional gym to learn more about Muay Thai and begin your training journey, contact Ground Control. We offer several Muay Thai classes at multiple levels with coaches that fit each person uniquely.