Known as the "art of eight limbs," Muay Thai has been a highly effective combat sport for several centuries. Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai is now popular worldwide and a big part of mixed martial arts. This martial art incorporates both striking and kicking, and the eight limbs that are utilized include the elbows, knees and shins as well as the feet and hands. The sport developed from the ancient Siamese arts of Muay boran and was both a practical defensive and offensive military art as well as a spectator sport. Here is a sample of some of the best Muay Thai fighters throughout history.
Nai Khanomtom, while not a modern fighter, deserves a mention because his story is the stuff of legends. Khanomtom was captured by the King of Burma in the late 18th century and ordered to fight the Burmese's top champion boxer. Using his Muay Thai skills, Khanomtom quickly overcame his opponent. Disbelieving of this feat, the king ordered Khanomtom to fight nine more champions and he handily defeated all of them. As a reward, he received his freedom and a few wives as well. His accomplishment is celebrated each year in Thailand on March 17, which is called either Boxer's Day or Muay Boran Day, in deference to the earliest form of the sport.
Fast forward a century or so and you have the career of Apidej Sit-Hirun to consider. Sit-Hirun is perhaps the most powerful Muay Thai kicker in modern times. If you are a disbeliever, simply ask Sompong Charoenmuang. During a memorable bout, Sit-Hirun broke both of Charoenmuang's arms, forcing him to retire. In addition to that, Sit-Hirun was perhaps the most prominent Muay Thai fighter of the 1960s and was also a highly respected instructor of the sport. The reigning king of Thailand called Sit-Hirun the "Fighter of the Century," and you can find highlights of some of his bouts online.
In Thailand, winning a bout at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is like winning a gold medal, the UFC heavyweight championship and about five other championships all rolled into one. This stadium is absolutely the symbol of the sport of Muay Thai, and to win here once is a huge accomplishment. Of course, if you are Samart Payakaroon, winning once wasn't enough. He was the champion at Lumpinee Stadium in not one, but four different weight classes. Overall, his career included 150 professional bouts, and only 19 of these were losses. Oh, he's also a famous singer in Thailand and an actor with more than a half-dozen movies to his credit.
If Lumpinee is Madison Square Garden, the Rajadamnern Stadium is its twin brother. A win at either of these prominent Muay Thai stadiums is akin to winning a major bout in the UFC. Jomhod Kiatadisak has won at both of these arenas and in two different weight classes; he's also been crowned victor 14 times at the WBC Muay Thai Championships. With more than 300 fights in all, Kiatadisak the "King of the Ring," has lost only 24 of them, which is impressive all by itself.
While Thailand has produced many amazing fighters in the world of Muay Thai, the world of mixed martial arts also has quite a few fighters that are well skilled in this form of martial art, such as Wanderlei Silva and Fabricio Werdum. Cristiane Santos holds a black belt in Muay Thai along with her brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Anderson Silva also has a black belt in Muay Thai, one in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and in Tae Kwon Do and in Judo.
Nai Khanomtom, while not a modern fighter, deserves a mention because his story is the stuff of legends. Khanomtom was captured by the King of Burma in the late 18th century and ordered to fight the Burmese's top champion boxer. Using his Muay Thai skills, Khanomtom quickly overcame his opponent. Disbelieving of this feat, the king ordered Khanomtom to fight nine more champions and he handily defeated all of them. As a reward, he received his freedom and a few wives as well. His accomplishment is celebrated each year in Thailand on March 17, which is called either Boxer's Day or Muay Boran Day, in deference to the earliest form of the sport.
Fast forward a century or so and you have the career of Apidej Sit-Hirun to consider. Sit-Hirun is perhaps the most powerful Muay Thai kicker in modern times. If you are a disbeliever, simply ask Sompong Charoenmuang. During a memorable bout, Sit-Hirun broke both of Charoenmuang's arms, forcing him to retire. In addition to that, Sit-Hirun was perhaps the most prominent Muay Thai fighter of the 1960s and was also a highly respected instructor of the sport. The reigning king of Thailand called Sit-Hirun the "Fighter of the Century," and you can find highlights of some of his bouts online.
In Thailand, winning a bout at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is like winning a gold medal, the UFC heavyweight championship and about five other championships all rolled into one. This stadium is absolutely the symbol of the sport of Muay Thai, and to win here once is a huge accomplishment. Of course, if you are Samart Payakaroon, winning once wasn't enough. He was the champion at Lumpinee Stadium in not one, but four different weight classes. Overall, his career included 150 professional bouts, and only 19 of these were losses. Oh, he's also a famous singer in Thailand and an actor with more than a half-dozen movies to his credit.
If Lumpinee is Madison Square Garden, the Rajadamnern Stadium is its twin brother. A win at either of these prominent Muay Thai stadiums is akin to winning a major bout in the UFC. Jomhod Kiatadisak has won at both of these arenas and in two different weight classes; he's also been crowned victor 14 times at the WBC Muay Thai Championships. With more than 300 fights in all, Kiatadisak the "King of the Ring," has lost only 24 of them, which is impressive all by itself.
While Thailand has produced many amazing fighters in the world of Muay Thai, the world of mixed martial arts also has quite a few fighters that are well skilled in this form of martial art, such as Wanderlei Silva and Fabricio Werdum. Cristiane Santos holds a black belt in Muay Thai along with her brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Anderson Silva also has a black belt in Muay Thai, one in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and in Tae Kwon Do and in Judo.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For more details about muay thai in San Diego or to discover a San Diego martial arts gym, click here today.
Muay Thai is an interesting and exciting sport that can keep you healthy and sharp. If you are thinking of picking up this wonderful sport, perhaps you can start with learning more about the different pieces of clothing or equipment that you may need. But first, let's learn what Muay Thai is all about and what this sport can do for you.
ReplyDelete