Muay thai

Muay Thai training

Muay Thai logo

Muay Thai ( Thai มวยไทย^?^/^I , RTGS Muai Thai [ mua̯j Taj ]; German Thai boxing ), the national sport of Thailand , is a martial art , the world in the 20th century spread found.

The classic Thai boxing fight, Muay Thai Boran, includes not only fighting with different weapons but also movements that go beyond the unarmed techniques of today's Muay Thai. Krabi Krabong (short and long weapon) refers to fighting with different weapons, such as Krabi ( sword ), Daab (sword), Plong or Sri Sock (stick), Ngauw (stick with a short sword attachment ), Dung , Kaen , Mai Sun and Loh ( shield ).

definition

Muay Thai developed over centuries from traditional Thai martial arts. When the sword and spear became unusable, the warrior would use his legs , fists, and elbows to fight. The traditional way is called Muay Thai Boran ( Boran = traditional, old; borrowed from the Pali language ).

history

The first official ring for a Thai boxing competition was used in 1921 and boxing gloves were used for the first time in 1929. Previously, only hand wraps were used for fighting. The groin guard was made from coconut shells. Up until 1929, 13 coconut shells , which had a hole in the middle and were placed in the water, were used as a measure of time for a passage. With the first shell that went under, the passage was over. After this year, fixed lap times were introduced, depending on the competition class between 2 × 2 minutes and a maximum of 5 × 3 minutes. After the Second World War, muay thai gained more and more importance due to the introduction of fixed rules . A large number of individual independent associations emerged, which were repeatedly at odds with one another. The arguments only ended when the government founded the World Muaythai Council in 1995 . All muay thai associations worldwide are now subordinate to this organization. The first official title fight was held on June 26, 1995. Since many Muay Thai schools are currently only encouraging their fighters to place and win good bets in the ring , the traditional style is increasingly taking a back seat. The former King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej therefore supported pure Muay Thai academies, such as the Muay Thai Institute , in which the students do not have to worry about money and instead learn the classic style and fight in the traditional way.

Fighting style

Stylistically striking features of Muay Thai are elbow and knee techniques as well as clinching . A characteristic technique is the kick with the bare shin , usually aimed at the thigh , rib area or head. Depending on the regulations and the professional level of the fighter, kneeling to the head may be permitted. The opponent's head may be pulled towards the ground with your fists. When clinching, the opponents keep standing, try to unbalance and kick the opponent's upper body or thigh with their knees. Some regulations allow catching and then holding the opponent's leg. Due to the high risk of injury from elbow and knee techniques, Muay Thai is known as one of the toughest martial arts in the world. The punching techniques are similar to traditional European boxing , but twisting punches are also permitted, with the opponent's head being hit with the back of the fist. Some styles allow throws . Since the throws are very dangerous, most rules prohibit them.

Motifs

Thai boxer during a fight on Koh Samui

Thai boxing is practiced for various reasons, for fitness reasons, as a competitive sport, for self-defense or as a martial art . In Thailand the competitors often get a part of the stake and Thai boxers are respected and honored idols.

Naming the fighters

As a rule, martial artists from Thailand (including Muay Thai fighters and those of "western" boxing) have a fighting name followed by the name of the boxing school they were trained at or the boxing stable with which they are under contract. Buakaw Por. Pramuk got his battle name from the Por, for example. Pramuk Gym, which he competed for until 2012, while his real name is Sombat Banchamek.

Competition rules

Permitted techniques

Kicking techniques with the shin and / or foot and with the heel
Fist techniques, backfist (backhand strike)
Hold the opponent's leg with follow-up technique
Clinching
Beats to the head and upper body
Knee and Elbow Techniques

Prohibited Techniques

Head butts (allowed in the original form)
Look up if the opponent is on the ground or kneeling (partially tolerated in Thailand)
Striking and kicking techniques against the back of the head, the knee (partially tolerated), and the abdomen
Striking and kicking techniques in the genitals

Combat and training clothing

classic Thai boxer pants

Groin guard
Muay Thai shorts
Boxing gloves
Mouthguard
Boxing bandages
Shin guards
Foot bandages
Abdominal protection / vest

Weight classes

Half fly weight: 43 to 48 kg
Fly weight: 48 to 51 kg
Bantam weight: 51 to 54 kg
Feather weight: 54 to 57 kg
Lightweight: 57 to 60 kg
Light welter weight: 60 to 63.5 kg
Welter weight: 63.5 to 67 kg
Medium weight: 67 to 71 kg
Average weight: 71 to 75 kg
Lightweight: 75 to 81 kg
Cruiser weight: 81 to 86 kg
Heavy weight: 86 to 91 kg
Super heavyweight: over 91 kg

Fight times

D-class 3 × 2 min
C class 3 × 2 min
B-Class 5 × 2 min (title fight). Normal: 3x2
A class 5 × 3 min (title fight). Normal: 3x3

Web links

Commons : Muay Thai - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Associations at national level in German-speaking countries

International organizations and associations