Muay Thai

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, or Thai kickboxing, is a martial art originally from Thailand. The exact date of creation is not known, but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old. Traditional style Muay Thai, called Lerdrit, has long been used by the military forces of Thailand. The "sport" style varies from the military style, in that it uses punches and kicks in a ring while wearing gloves similar to those used in boxing matches. Muay Thai is often referred to as "the science of eight limbs," as it employs not only punching and kicking techniques but elbows and knees as well.

The basic offensive movements include those which use the hands, elbows, feet, and knees to punch and kick the opponent. In defensive manuvers, Muay Thai employs a "wall of defense" technique, in which shoulders, arms and legs are used to block an attacker. Small amounts of grappling, or clinches are also allowed. Although the high kicks aimed at the head look the most impressive, it is actually the blows using the elbow and the knees that are most effective.

Muay Thai kicks differ from kicks used in other martial arts, because they are delivered using the rotating strength of the entire body, and the shin makes contact with the opponent's leg, rather than the foot. When done correctly, these kicks can often lead to the end of a match, because the opponent is often unable to stands after receiving a few of these kicks. Almost all of the techniques in Muay Than use the entire body movement, rotating the hip with each kick, punch and block.

The result is that most of these techniques are slower but more powerful than techniques used in boxing or karate.

Because Muay Thai is a sport in which several types of kicks and punches are used, in the last few years it has gained popularity in no holds barred events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship competitions.