Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. It evolved from Krabi-Krabong, literally sword and baton, the hand-to-hand tactics of the Thai army. The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies within the Siamese army against each other with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. During the latter half of the 20th century Muay Thai was exported to many countries and is now practiced by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.Muay Thai is known as "King of the Ring" in kickboxing circles. These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees, standing grappling and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent. Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Muay Thai training as also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights. Muay Thai has also proven very effective outside the ring and has been embraced enthusiastically by practitioners of a variety of self-defense, sporting, military and law enforcement activities.The Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A. (TBA-USA), the oldest and largest Muay Thai organization in the United States, was founded in 1968 by Ajarn Surachai "Chai" Sirisute. (Ajarn is Thai for head instructor.) Ajarn Chai came to the United States with a vision to spread Muay Thai to throughout the world, and he is the first-ever Thai boxing instructor to teach Americans this art and he has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years to that end. We are indeed grateful to Ajarn Chai for his gift of the knowledge of Muay Thai.
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Anyone interested in Muay Thai, other martial arts, MMA, and personal fitnessMuay Thai Classes(Intro Mon. & Wed. 8-9:30pm)(Intermediate Tues. & Thurs. 7:15-9:45pm)(Fighter Training Sat. 1:15-4pm)Cardio Classes (Mon. & Wed. 5-6pm) (Thurs. 6-7pm) (Sat. 12-1pm)-For additional info please contact Aaron Haynes @ 520-319-5467 or send this profile a myspace message-http://www.thaiboxing.com/
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The Wai Kru (respects to the teacher) also known as Ram Muay (boxing dance) is an important part of any evening watching Thai Boxing. These are ceremonies that are performed before each Muay Thai bout. Sometimes the Wai Kru are brief and basic, but other times they may be eloquent performances that draw praise and applause from the crowd. It is said that those who see well can determine who will win the fight by watching two fighters perform their Wai Kru.
Teachers are highly respected in Thai society, and many artistic disciplines, not just Muay Thai, perform Wai Kru or "respects to the teacher". Foreigners viewing these rituals should take care to be polite and not act disrespectfully regarding the Wai Kru. The Thais take seriously any insult to the Wai Kru, just as you would if somebody insulted your spiritual beliefs.
Fighter praying in one of the ring's corners while performing Wai Kru
before a fight. This dance, done out of respect and thanks for one's teachers,
is said to seal off the ring from outside influences.TBA Wai Kru (Simple Version)
This is a ceremony performed before a fight to honor one's teacher.The fighter stands in his own corner and prays. The trainer places the Mong Kon (ceremonial head-band) around the fighter's head and prays, finally blowing his spirit into the fighter.
The fighter goes to the center of the ring and kneels down facing the direction of his home and places their hands in a Wai (praying) position. The fighter thinks of his religion, father & mother, teacher and someone who has passed away.
Bow three times in respect, first for country (chat), religion (sassana) and then for king (ramma) then return to the Wai position.
Bend over, opening your hands, and roll your hands down and in a circular motion. "Like an eagle," says Ajarn Chai. As your hands come together extended straight in front of you the index fingers and thumbs come together to form a diamond. Then, while maintaining the diamond hand position, swoop your hands into your stomach. Then extend the same structure out and up over your head to a vertical position as you look through the diamond. Finish the motion by bringing your hands straight down and into a kneeling Wai position.
Repeat this three times.
Rise to a kneeling position by picking up your right leg. Hands move into an overhand guard position reminiscent of Krabi-Krabong
Rise to a standing position to perform the Yam Sang Kung (three step dance). Ajarn Chai's version of this dance is heavily influence by the defensive hand and body mechanics of Krabi-Krabong.
While performing the Yam Sang Kung make your way to each corner, stopping at each point to pay respects. (Note: Do not stamp your feet in your opponent's corner as this is a signal that you intend to kill your opponent--unless you have an armed escort to make sure you make it out of the stadium alive.)
Return finally to your own corner to pay respects last in that corner.Wai Kru TBA Oregon Camp 2006
Another Wai Kru
Movies:
Play Muay Thai v3
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Television:
Human Weapons: Muay Thai
The dudes aren't that great but hey they try
Books:
Ram Muay & one 3 min 60/40 round
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Heroes:
Ajarn Chi, Dan Innosanto, etc.
