Muay Thai is a pretty ancient Martial Art.

Many forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia. Based on Chinese and Indian Martial Arts, trainees claim that these systems can be tracked back to a thousand years.

In Thailand, Muay Thai evolved from the old Muay Boran, an unarmed combat Martial Art which would have been used by Siamese soldiers after losing their weapons in a fight. Many believe that the old Siamese military created Muay Boran from the weapon-based art, Krabi Krabong, but some state that both Martial Arts were created at the same period. Krabi Krabong nevertheless was an important influence on Muay Thai as seen in the practices in the Wai Khru.

Muay boran, and therefore Muay Thai, was originally called Dhoi Muay or just Muay. As well as being a potential fighting technique for use in real warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which the opponents battled in front of an audience who went to see for entertainment. These Muay Thai battles gradually evolved into an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held inside temples. Eventually, the previously unprotected Martial Artists started wearing lengths of hemp rope (as a type of glove) around their hands and forearms. These types of contests were called Muay Khat Chueak.

Muay Thai, like boxing and various types of kickboxing, is seen as a very good striking base within MMA, and is very commonly trained among MMA fighters. Fighters (many of whom have won several titles) such as Gina Carano, Jon Jones, Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio Rua, Thiago Silva, Alistair Overeem, Duane Ludwig, Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva, Amir Sadollah,  and Cristiane Santos employ a wide range of tactics born from Muay Thai. Countless other mixed martial artists have trained in Muay Thai, and it is often taught at MMA, BJJ, and Wrestling gyms.

Many techniques associated with Muay Thai are often seen in MMA, such as knees, elbows, clinching, high/low leg kicks and punches.

For further reading on the subject, check out my Muay Thai blog.

My Webs page can be found over at Muay Thai.