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[ amateur thai boxing association of the philippines ]

Thai Boxing, also popularly known as Muay Thai, is the self-defense art of Thailand which follows a specific format and features a unique character. It signifies the uniqueness of the Thai people in the skill of transforming different parts of the body into both defensive and offensive tools.

During the ancient Thai Mung era, the land was invaded and the people were dispersed, faced with hunger and threatened by spears and swords of the native tribes. To survive, various forms of violent and formless primitive fighting emerged - the fighting with feet, teeth, fists, knees, elbows, head and weight to protect one's life. The art of Muay Thai has been studied and transformed continually from generation to generation. Muay Thai is now the epitome of the Thai race and identity.
 

RP Muay Thai National Team during a courtesy call with the Royal Thai Ambassador to the Philippines, Lt. Ravee Hongsaprabhas on Feb. 26, 1999.

 
Muay Thai has become an enjoyable social activity since the Sukhothai period. It has evolved into a form of entertainment and is featured as a special tournament in many festivals. This has resulted in its huge increase in popularity and has attracted the attention of professional boxers, promoters and stadium managers. Muay Thai tournaments have been marketed internationally. Clear rules and regulations, team classification, ranking and championship guidelines have been developed. Another distinguishing aspect of Muay Thai is the dance, Wai Kru, with the use of the sacred Mongkol or head band. The dance is normally performed before tournaments. 

Thai Boxing was introduced in the SEA Games and Asian Games in 1995 and 1998 respectively. It will also be introduced as a demonstration sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. World championships are held every year in Thailand. Other international competitions are also held in different countries.
 

*Condensed from the text book of Pahuyuth - MUAY THAI.
For more information on Muay Thai, please click here: Muay Thai links

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