In the mid-16th century, the use of 8 limbs as close-combat weapons became popular. King Narusen of Thailand won his freedom by defeating Burmese warriors using his hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Thai soldiers then developed this combat technique into a military weapon.
By the mid-18th century, after establishing his school, Nai Khanom Tom began organizing Muay Thai tournaments, which boosted the sport’s popularity.
Thai royalty also supported the rise of Muay Thai by featuring it in festivals, allowing fighters from across Thailand to participate. As a result, Muay Thai became not only a sport but also an integral part of Thai traditions and culture.
Muay Thai employs the entire body as a weapon and is unique in that it utilizes eight limbs: two hands, two feet, two elbows, and two knees. In this martial art, the hands represent swords, the feet act as spears, and the elbows and knees function primarily as shields, but can also serve as daggers.
1) Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing
Muay Thai, often referred to as Thai Kickboxing, differs from regular kickboxing primarily in its use of limbs. While kickboxing involves only the feet, Muay Thai incorporates the use of hands, knees, and elbows for both defense and offense.
Regarding the rules, Muay Thai fighters can strike their opponents anywhere except the groin, and clinching is an accepted strategy. In contrast, kickboxing restricts strikes to the upper body and prohibits clinching or embracing opponents to land hits.
2) Muay Thai vs. Taekwondo and Boxing
Taekwondo and boxing each utilize only two limbs. Taekwondo primarily relies on the feet, while boxing focuses on the hands. Similar to kickboxing, strikes in these sports are limited to the upper body, and clinching is not allowed.
3) Muay Thai Vs. Karate
Karate shares the most similarities with Muay Thai. In Karate, both hands and feet are used for striking. Additionally, the shin and arms serve as protective barriers. Karate practitioners are permitted to strike certain lower body areas, but grabbing and clinching are prohibited during matches.
4) Muay Thai Vs. Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Grappling
Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and grappling are martial arts focused exclusively on holds and throws, without the use of limbs for striking. These disciplines aim to subdue the opponent through grappling techniques until submission is achieved.
In contrast, Muay Thai permits fighters to grab and hold their opponents to deliver strikes. However, they are not allowed to throw their opponents out of the ring or away from them.
