What Is Muay Thai Boxing?

Muay Thai Boxing is the modern form of unarmed combat that has roots in the ancient fighting style known as ‘Krabi Krabong.’ Muay Thai is a full-body martial art that combines punches, kicks, and elbows and can be incredibly exciting to watch. Both Thais and tourists are keenly interested in the sport, and it continues to grow in prominence.

Seeing a Muay Thai Boxing fight is a rite of passage for visitors to Thailand from around the world. When combined with Thailand’s stunning natural beauty, excellent food, and friendly locals, it makes time in Thailand a memorable experience for any tourist.

The best way to get around Thailand is with a Krabi rental car from Drive Car Rental. We have locations spread throughout Thailand’s major cities and airports, making us the perfect choice for wherever the road may take you!

Let’s dive into some history of Muay Thai and how it became an international sensation that maintains strong support in Krabi and throughout Thailand.

From Ancient Battles to Modern Martial Art

In ancient Thailand, small kingdoms frequently went to war with each other to control territory. In later centuries, invasions from the Burmese necessitated large armies. Warriors in these armies were extensively trained in the art of the Krabi Krabong fighting style.

Krabi Krabong primarily uses weapons as a means of attack and defense, using a mix of swords, spears, and staves (poles with blades or trident-like weapons at the end). During large battles, it was not uncommon for a fighter to become disarmed.

This is where a second fighting style came into play: Muay Boran. This is the ancient unarmed fighting style that later became modern Muay Thai Boxing.

From Obscurity to Worldwide Phenomenon

Muay Thai Boxing became a professional sport in the 1920s in Thailand and its rules became standardised. During the mid-20th century, as radio and television became available in Thailand, the sport became wildly popular.

This is still true today, with regular Muay Thai fights drawing huge crowds. Popular fighters can earn serious money for each match, and televised Muay Thai matches bring in large audiences for advertisers.

In spite of its domestic popularity, Muay Thai remained relatively obscure outside of Thailand, but this changed in 1988 after a particular event transformed the sport forever. World champion American kickboxer Rick Rouffus, then undefeated with a twenty-eight-to-zero record, faced off in a mixed-rules match against Muay Thai Champion Changpuek Kiatsongrit in Las Vegas. Unlike his American opponent who preferred high kicks, Changpuek preferred to kick his opponent in the legs.

Despite having his jaw broken in the first round, Changpuek continued the fight. Repeatedly striking Rick’s legs, the American soon realised that the pain was becoming unbearable. He danced around the ring trying to avoid the Muay Thai master. By the fifth round, the referee ended the fight, resulting in a stunning victory for Changpuek and the Muay Thai sport.

For audiences, this fight was their first introduction to the Thai martial art, and it swiftly gained popularity. Rick Roufus himself immediately sought out the best Muay Thai trainers in the world to help him improve.

Several Muay Thai gyms opened across the US in the following years. Today, both Thais and foreigners compete in Muay Thai matches around the world.

Where to See Muay Thai

The original and most famous Muay Thai arena in Thailand is Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, built in 1945. In Krabi, the most popular arena is the Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium, which has a capacity of 1,500 seats. This layout allows visitors to see the action up close and experience the awe of this spectacular martial art.

Some viewers become so intrigued by the sport that they decide to stay in Thailand to study it. Schools across the country and in Krabi accept foreigners who are brave enough; Thailand even offers a specific long-stay visa for those learning Muay Thai.

Take a Rental Car to a Muay Thai Match

Whether you’re heading to a championship Muay Thai fight or a day out in the natural beauty of Thailand, Drive Car Rental has you covered. We provide eco-friendly transportation in Krabi with our EVs and hybrid cars. We also offer traditional SUVs, sedans, and even luxury cars.

For those who want to stay in Thailand and learn Muay Thai, Drive Car Rental offers long-term rentals at discounted rates. With our Krabi airport location, you can fly in, and drive away!

What Is Muay Thai Boxing?

From Ancient Battles to Modern Martial Art

From Obscurity to Worldwide Phenomenon

Where to See Muay Thai

Take a Rental Car to a Muay Thai Match

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