From Karate, Judo and Sumo in Japan, Taekwondo and Haidong Gumdo in Korea to Fencing, Sword fighting and Quarterstaff in Europe, martial arts are a worldwide phenomenon that has developed through the years into some of the most disciplined sports the world has ever seen.
Muay Thai is one such combat sport that involves the disciplining of both the physical body and mental capacity of a fighter. Founded in Thailand, this type of martial art is also known as the ‘The Art of Eight Limbs.” It derives its name from the crux of the sport which involves using ones fists, knees, feet and elbows to win. The techniques used in this martial art can be categorised as major and minor techniques which requires, most of the time, complete body movement in punching, elbowing and blocking a blow.
Techniques involved in punching i.e. chok, include Jab, Cross, Hook, Swing, Spinning Back Fist, Uppercut, Cobra Punch while techniques involved the elbow i.e. Ti Sok include Elbow Slash, Forward Elbow Thrust, Reverse Horizontal Elbow, Double Elbow Chop and Mid-Air Elbow Strike while techniques involving kicking i.e. Te include Straight, Roundhouse, Reverse Roundhouse, Axe Hell, Jump Kick etc. and similar techniques are available using the knee i.e. Ti Khao as well. Muay Thai is a combat sport where one opponent throws a punch or a kick or, in essence, attacks his opponent and the other has to defend himself using a variety of techniques including Blocking, Redirecting, Avoiding, Evading, Disrupting and Anticipating.
This sport is not for the faint hearted or the weak as it involves incredible body conditioning, discipline and a very high pain threshold. While tourists can choose to observe those who engage in the sport in Thailand, it is a worthwhile martial art to learn as well, especially if you’re in Thailand. For those who wish to assert their strength and test their limits, numerous camps such as the Tiger Muay Thai, Kombat Group Pattaya and the Fairtex Bangkok facilitate teaching and train amateurs. It is truly an intriguing exercise to engage in and a unique experience to any traveller.
For those who are brave enough to undergo such training, luxurious accommodation is definitely an added bonus, for your body is going to require time to recover. Thus, Bangkok serviced apartments are the best option, and finding such a service apartment in Bangkok is a breeze for the country is well suited for tourist needs. The Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok is one such ideal option for the discerning traveller, whether they wish to take up Muay Thai or not!
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.