Become Mighty and Nimble, Practice Muay Thai!
Laura Schneider
2026-03-18
4 min. read
61
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Muay Thai is a perfectly demanding and uncompromising martial art... the best fighters in this field should be sought in their native Thailand and... Poland... the master title can be claimed by Rafael Simonides... do the Slavic genes go hand in hand with the talent for muay thai? Try this statement on yourself!
The origins and beginnings of Muay Thai
Muay Thai, considered the national sport of Thailand, has its roots in the 13th century. Other names used for this martial art are Thai boxing or Siamese boxing. To this day, tradition requires fighters to perform a traditional folk dance - the wai khru - before every fight. In the past, this dance had a practical significance, as it indicated the region from which the fighter came. Today, it has only symbolic significance. Initially, fights took place without any protective gear, and the only equipment used by fighters were cotton bandages on their hands. Dangerous techniques such as kicks to the groin or headbutts were allowed, making Muay Thai one of the most effective street fighting styles. Only in the 20th century was the use of gloves made mandatory, following the death of a fighter on the ring in Bangkok, which occurred in front of the public. Since then, the rules have also changed, and some dangerous techniques have been banned.
The rules of combat in Muay Thai
Muay Thai is perceived as a standing fighting style. Despite the imposition of restrictions on the original variant of Thai boxing, this discipline remains one of the most brutal in combat. Participants are permitted to use elbows, knees, and all types of kicks, combining them with acrobatics and undercutting. For instance, one can seize the opponent's head with gloves, pull it to their own knee, and carry out a series of strikes. Another, exceptionally painful technique is kicking the opponent in the head with a full rotation in the air. The effects of such a blow are severe. In Muay Thai, grappling also holds significant importance. During competitions, athletes don shorts, gloves, a mouthguard, and foot bands. Other protective gear is available only during training and exercises.
Thai martial arts and muscles
The Thai martial arts school engages all the muscles of the body to an equal degree, including those that are difficult to develop in the gym. It quickly produces effects in eliminating fat tissue from the abdominal area, leading to the unveiling of the muscles of this region. This occurs because the body remains constantly in motion, with the Thai martial arts school being classified as cardio training.
Muay Thai training course
Muay Thai training courses are very intense and demanding. They usually last from 1 to 1.5 hours. During training, you will learn the techniques of Muay Thai and have the opportunity to practice each movement individually with a partner from the group. An experienced instructor during class will take care of your overall physical condition, including strength and flexibility. You should expect a variety of exercises, including training with a medicine ball, jump rope, weights, and gymnastics band. To participate in the class, you will need shin guards (average price around 40 euros), a mouthguard (yellow, around 20 euros), boxing gloves (around 150 euros), and bands for them (around 15 euros). Our recommendation: choose a light and breathable shirt that does not absorb sweat. Muay Thai training can be very strenuous for most participants.
For whom is practicing muay thai advisable?
Martial arts originating from Thailand are often suggested as an auxiliary measure for weight loss. Burning vast quantities of calories, stimulating metabolic processes, and activating every muscle in the body are just a few of the numerous benefits that can be achieved through muay thai training. One should not forget that athletes of this sport often achieve success not only on Thai rings but also on classic boxing rings. Therefore, in muay thai training rooms, one can often encounter athletes engaged in other disciplines. This is not surprising, as this form of combat develops endurance and agility, which are indispensable in many other sports.