Muay Thai first started in the 18th century, there is no doubt the sport has gradually become more populated.
Jordan “Ginge” Swinton, professional Muay Thai fighter, defines the sport as a “form of martial arts” and added:
“It uses striking and clinching techniques
“people also know It as Thai Boxing or the art of eight limbs”.
The timeline displayed gives a brief insight into the history of Muay Thai and how it has developed over the centuries.
Not only rules and popularity, but methods in which fighters train.
Before the use of heavy bags, agility balls and other equipment, Muay Thai fighters had to be resourceful and use ready-made tools to help them train and condition.
Muay Thai fighters would then rely on Thailand’s tropical environment to improve skill and to become better.
Fighters would also roll smaller logs along their shins or attack the legs with bags of sand, this would be in an attempt to toughen the skin.
To improve accuracy on a target that’s moving, fighters would hang a coconut from a string or vine and use a variety of different physical movements to reciprocate being in the ring with an opponent. This could be kicking, punching, kneeing and more.
However, Muay Thai has since changed significantly, leaving behind these traditional training methods and bringing in modern ones.
The sport was recently involved the World games in Wroclaw, Poland at the Orbita Hall in 2017.
The increasingly popular sport has since seen 3,800 Muay Thai gyms open.
Running and Exercise in Bournemouth.
Semi-Pro to professional: Thai and K1 fighter resumes training.