| | | |
|---|
| | | Thai Boxing
You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV, the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation
The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.
In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations. In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.
|
|---|
| | | | Learning Muay Thai
Muay Thai, with its emphasis on both offense and defense as well as on stamina, is a martial art anyone can learn: men, women, young or old. With the interest in Muay Thai growing fast, martial-art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their curricula. Some hire former Muay Thai champions as instructors, others have trainers who studied with Thai teachers. These schools may teach all the right moves and maneuvers, but Muay Thai isn't just about punches and kicks.
To learn Muay Thai is to learn about its roots and its purpose, and there is nowhere better to do that than in its homeland. In the past, foreigners wanting “the real thing” would go to one of the stables, where training focuses on professional competition. For those not so inclined, there wasn’t much choice, and language was sometimes a problem. Not anymore, since Thailand now has a school for total Muay Thai education for both professionals and amateurs. | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Muay Thai Institute
The Muay Thai Institute was established with the goal of preserving and promoting the art of Muay Thai and making it accessible to all. The Institute, which is located in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok Domestic Airport, offers accredited training courses for boxers, instructors and referees. Opened in 1997, the Institute is run by a professional team of Muay Thai instructors, promoters and officials. Its staff instructors are all former champions, hold at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and speak English. Graduates will received a certificate recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education and the World Muay Thai Council. Since its opening, the school has trained hundreds of amateurs and professionals. Students have come from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and other parts of the world. Thai students, many of them girls and young women, also come for recreational and professional courses.
The Fundamental Muay Thai Program consists of Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional levels and takes 120 day to complete. The program was designed to provide students with the historical and cultural background to Muay Thai as well as the physical skills and fitness training. The course includes a study tour to Bangkok’s major stadiums, so students can experience the real thing live.
Muay Thai for Instructors is ideal for those who want to become Muay Thai instructors or to run training schools. The program comprises three 15-day courses.
Muay Thai for Referees and Judges is divided into three levels of proficiency: local, national and international, each taking 15 days.
The Muay Thai Institute occupies a complex next door to Rangsit Stadium. Classes take place in the classroom and in the well-equipped gym. Students have access to the in-house fitness facilities and Muay Thai library. Dormitory-style accommodation, with five bunkbeds to a room, TV, and fridge, and meals are available. The Institute can arrange visa and paperwork for applicants to any of the courses.
|
|
Tuition and Fees at Muay
- Fundamental Muay Thai 1-3: 6,400 Bath per course
- Fundamental Muay Thai 4 (Professional): 48,000 Bath per course
- Muay Thai Instructors 1 & 2: 11,520 Bath per course
- Muay Thai Instructors 3: 12,800 Bath per course
- Amature Muay Thai Referees & Judges 1 & 2 (Local & National Level): 11,520 Bath per course
- Amature Muay Thai Referees & Judges 3 (International Level): 12,800 Bath per course
- Professional Muay Thai Referees & Judges 1 & 2 (Local & National Level): 12,800 Bath per course
|
|
|
|
| |
International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact:
The Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prahonyothin 118 Vipravadee Road Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani Rungsit Thailand 12130, Tel: (02) 992-0096-99 (Auto), (02) 992-0095 Ext.0
- place to visit
- Wandering at Khao San Road
- Recommended Itinerary
Thank you>> http://bangkok.sawadee.com/muaythai.htm |
|
| |
|
|
|
