What is Muay Thai?

[KarateKid]

Can anyone tell me what Muay Thai is?

This is the first time I have seen it or heard about it and I am not familiar. Is it like karate?

[yoda1]

Muay Thai originated in Thailand. It is referred to somtimes as the science of 8 limbs. It includes the use of punches, kicks, knees and elbows.

[Twinkle]

Is this a form of thai kickboxing, I heard that one is quite heavy on using your knees and elbows, unlike the euro/american version of kickboxing.

[Tonic]

Science of 8 limbs hey?
So what are the 8 limbs they are talking about.. arms, legs.. ?

[Twinkle]

I did a search, and after a few minutes I found a wesite about this sport....
located HERE

Muaythai is the devestating "science of 8 limbs" from Thailand developed over 1000's of years.
The exact date of the creation of this fighting art is not known but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old. Many other martial arts are believed to be this ancient though many of them were only created in the last 100 years (Aikido, Taekwondo, Karate).
Muaythai used to be referred to as Pahuyuth (multi-faceted fighting style) a couple of hundred years ago, but muaythai itself is only a part of the whole Thai fighting system that covers weapons and groundwork which many refer to as Ling-Lom, though this is not the correct name for it. Many people do not know about this "no holds barred" of muaythai and there are very few people that can teach it.

The Thais are a tribal people and have had to defend their country from many invaders throughout their history. It has been developed year by year passing from teacher to student for as long as the Thais can remember. Muaythai 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.
It could be said that Muaythai currently is split into two parts, the ring sport and the martial art. The art side contains many techniques that cannot be performed in a ring with gloves on.

[Farhad Ali]

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and a Martial Art that has been studied for thousands of years, it is there that I studied with a grand master at a temple in Bangkok and recieved my black belt. Now that I am myslef a master I teach students the art of Muay Thai as well as full contact kickboxing semi contact and light continuos. Please check out my website. I have also studied with Grand Master Sandy Holt in the UK.

[Steven87]

Wow Farhad you are awesome! Some great achievements there.

I have practiced Mua Thai and must say its my favorite discipline.
Its tough, but rewarding.

[Farhad Ali]

Thank you Steven. May I ask where you trained In Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is awsome...and very effective in the street and the ring

[usagichan]

Thanks for posting that information. This is the first time I have heard of this style. It does look it could be very interesting to learn. That is amazing Farhad! I will definitely have to check out your website.