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Muay Thai
 Due to the turbulent history of the region, the Thai
people have had to defend themselves countless times
throughout history. This has created a fighting technique
that is proudly Thai.
It all started many centuries ago when the Thai people
realised that using the weapons were ineffective in close combat.
These weapons were bows and arrows, swords and spears. As a result a more practical
form of self defense was needed. Many different forms were created and tested.
However one stood out from the rest. This self defense aimed to make the
different regions of the body as effective as weapons, but when in close combat.
So it became clear very quickly that using elbows, knees, fists and feet was
much more practical.
One of the legends of Muay Thai is at the fall of the Ayutthaya
Kingdom in 1765. Many prisoners of war were taken by the Burmese. In 1774 the
king or Burma held a festival where there were various forms of entertainment.
This included a boxing display for the king by a fighter called Nai Khanom Tom,
a prisoner from the fall of Ayutthaya. Pitted against Burmese boxers, Nai Khanom
Tom beat 10 in a row.
Another legend of Muay Thai is the king Sri San Petch or also known as the Tiger King.
During his reign Thailand was always at war with it's neighbouring countries. The
king was a fan of the sport from a young age and learnt to defend himself. Due to the
hostile neighbours, small towns across Thailand would hold local fighting bouts.
The Tiger King would disguise himself as an ordinary villager and fight the local
boxers. He was only trying to test himself against opponents without regard to his
station. However as a result he became famous and was much loved by his people.
The Ritual
A Muay Thai boxer will approach the ring draped in a coloured cape. At the corner
he will bow his head and pray. He then climbs the stairs to the fighting ring, but
taking care to avoid the first step as he ascends. When he climbs through the ropes
he will often mutter more prays. Once inside he will walk from one corner to the next
whilst holding onto the ropes. Upon reaching each corner he will bow his head and
pray again. This ritual is followed closely every time a fight occurs. The reason behind
all the prayers is to ward of evil spirits that may harm them during the fight.
Wai Khru
Before each Muay Thai fight is the Wai Khru (Respects to the teacher). This is an
important part to each fight. It is in fact an important part of all Thai society.
In many of the artistic disciplines the teachers are shown respect. This is because
teachers are highly respected in Thai culture. However, Wai Khru is performed at the
start of each fight. It can range from a simple gesture or an elaborate dance. Often
when a combatant performs an extravagant Wai Khru it will get the crowd cheering. The
crowd cheer not just because they like teachers being respected, but because it is
believed that an elaborate Wai Khru is a true indication of the fighters skill.
Please keep in mind that you should show respect as the fighter performs the Wai Khru.
To not do so can greatly offend the fighter and the audience.
Muay Thai tattoos
Many Thai tattoos are considered sacred. In fact certain images convey certain meanings.
For instance, a lion signifies courage and dignity. A dragon depicts strength and wisdom.
Whereas a wild boar symbolises fierceness. On the other hand a tiger on the chest is for
protection from injury. Many men will have the tattoos created via ancient ingredients, such
as charcoal, lampblack or Indian sepia. Whereas many women will use sesame oil as this will
become invisible (it will leave a small welt and an almost unidentifiable mark).
In fact each year thousands of Thai men will flock to Wat Bang Phra (50km east of
Bangkok)
to get tattooed by monks. The monks actually tattoo all year round but on this day thousands
flock to them. The monks themselves are heavily tattooed. Many people believe that the
tattoos
have mystical powers. Some even claim the tattoos can stop bullets! However
no one has ever
stepped forward to say that the tattoo did not stop a bullet.
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