​​BKK Muay Thai
Kickboxing ​​​
บีเคเคมวยไทย 

The early history of what is now known as Muay Thai is difficult to trace as Thailand's historical records were destroyed in 1767, when the invading Burmese army laid siege to the then capital city of Ayuthaya. The city was overrun, ransacked and put to the torch. All historical records and manuscripts were destroyed.

 

The history of Thailand, as it is known today, has been pieced together from provincial records, the writings of early European visitors and Burmese, Cambodian and Chinese sources. It is from this alalgamation of information that our little knowledge of early Muay Thai comes.

 

The oldest historical document mentioning a Thai unarmed fighting art comes from 1560, but it is generally believed that by this time the art was already well developed and it's origins are probably much older. There are influences from the many other fighting arts from Thailand's neighbouring countries, but in typical Thai style they put their own slant on them.

 

It is likely that the origins of modern Muay Thai stem from an old military fighting art and system of battlefield strategies known as Paohayut. This comprised of both unarmed fighting skills and various weapons systems.

 

As Thailand's battles with its neighbouring countries came to an end and methods of warfare changed, there was less of a need for soldiers to be trained in unarmed combat and weapons systems, and the practice of  Paohayut fell into decline.

 

As soldiers left the armies and went back to their homes around the country they took the unarmed fighting skills with them and began to practice them in sporting contests. This led to the development of the regional styles of boxing, each one having their specialities and subtle differences. These old regional styles are now often referred to as Muay Boran (ancient boxing).

 

The weapons skills and less sporting empty hand sysyems were later revived, and as of 1958 they became known as Krabi Krabong (sword and staff), and are still practiced today by dedicated small groups.

 

It was in the early 1700's when boxing became the favorite pastime of the population and regular sporting contests were held. These early contests looked very different to modern day contests. The bare fisted fighters stalked each other with dance-like steps waiting for a chance to move in and attacktheir opponent, then quickly withdrawing to wait for the next opportunity to attack. In later contests the fighters bound their hands with hemp rope, this was known as Muay Kard Cheuk. This continued until arbout 1930 when western style boxing gloves were adopted following the death of a fighter. This was the beginnings of modern Muay Thai.

 

The Suan Gularb Arena (Rose Garden) was the first permanent arena for Muay Thai contests and was in use from 1920 for ten years. Up until the second world war there were nine major arenas in Bangkok. These have all been replaced by the two major stadiums that are still in use today, Ratchadamneon built in 1945 and Lumpini built in 1956.

 

Nai Kanom Tom is a Thai hero and is known as the 'father of Muay Thai'. He is considered to be the first Thai Boxer to have fought using the art outside of Thailand. He defeated ten Burmese boxers in succession to earn his freedom from captivity in Burma on 17th March 1774. In Thailand, 17th March is known as Muay Thai day.