Träning thaiboxning is a full contact martial art that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees (traditionally the head as well, though this has been removed from modern competition). It’s also known as the ‘art of 8 limbs’ because it utilises all 8 of your body’s limbs in combat. It is one of the most popular styles that MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competitors train in, and it’s a devastatingly effective fighting technique.
Muay Thai has a long history, but it became a pillar of Thailand’s culture under the 19th century reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn). The king had a strong interest in the sport, and he promoted and encouraged the development of it as a form of exercise, entertainment, and personal advancement for his people. In addition, he codified and regulated the rules for Muay Thai, which were then passed down through generations of fighters at their training camps.
Those old-time fighters had to be resourceful as they didn’t have access to the types of equipment that we use today. They used what was available, such as banana trees and coconut trees. The former were climbed by fighters for their leg training, where they would hang on the branches to practice kicks. They’d also use the trunks of these trees to sharpen their elbow and knee strikes.
In terms of techniques, it’s important to remember that the Muay Thai style relies heavily on clinch work, footwork, and the utilization of your body’s natural leverage. The key is to deliver a short jab with your non-dominant hand, which sets up the more powerful punches that can be delivered with your dominant hand. The punches should be fast and crisp, but not too hard, as a forceful punch can easily miss and become counterproductive.
While there are many more advanced techniques within the sport, these should only be mastered after years of dedicated practice. Beginners should focus on learning the basic fundamentals and how to put them into action in a real fight.
Another benefit of Muay Thai training is the feeling of accomplishment that you get when you train hard and see your skills improve. Moreover, the endorphins that are released during workouts can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. In fact, many people choose to do Muay Thai because they want to feel happier and more relaxed after a good training session! As a result, it’s no wonder that this martial art is gaining popularity amongst many people around the world.