Muay Thai, AKA "Thai boxing", is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. It is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. The word "Muay Thai" means the "art of eight limbs", as this discipline employs both fists, both elbows, both knees and both shins. The hands become the sword and blade; the shins and forearms were hardened from training to act as armour to defend blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy hammer; the legs and knees became the axe. The knees and elbows attack while clinching and trying to spin the opponent to the ground for the kill. Muay Thai makes the body operate as one unit and turn a Thai boxer into an ultimate human weapon.
The history of Muay Thai starts in the middle of the 18th century Siam kingdom. During the battle between Thailand and Burma, Muay Thai was used by Thai soldiers as a last line of defence. Over time, Muay Thai became a sport as well as being a technique for warfare. The opponents fought in front of the audience to entertain them. These tournaments gradually became an essential part of festivals and events in the temples. Eventually, the previously bare-fisted fighters started wearing protective gloves. Muay Thai became famous internationally in the late-20th when Thai fighters began competing in world-class kickboxing tournaments.
Professional Muay Thai fighters often begin training when they are 6 years old. They will start fighting from 8 years of age and may have as many as 120-150 fights before they are 24 years old. Muay Thai fighters do not generally have long careers because of starting at such an early age and how physically demanding the sport is on the fighters. Injuries are quite common in Muay Thai fights, and the Muay Thai fighters are known for their ability to ignore pain and injury.
Today, the evolution of Muay Thai is finally gaining recognition, especially for Muay Thai in London. Muay Thai was recently accepted as an Olympic sport. Professional fighters all agree that Muay Thai is an essential part of Mixed Martial Arts(MMA).
You can get your endorphin fixed six days a week in our packed Muay Thai London programme. May it be intense cardio, technical drills, padworking or sparring you are looking for, you can find it at gauntlet fight academy. You will be dripping with sweat and coming back for more.
Our Muay Thai coach Samy Frahat commands absolute respect in London Muay Thai world. He boasts an impressive record of wins. Samy has held titles such as Algerian Champion, London Regional Heavyweight Champion, Granada Regional Champion, African Championship Silver Medalist. Apart from being a Muay Thai champion himself, he has also been leading our Muay Thai team to regularly dominate London Muay Thai interclub scene and amateur MMA scene. If you want to know what it's like to fight like a champion in the ring, there is no better person than Samy to ask to.
Book a trial session in our mixed ability class, suitable for all levels. Whether you want to train just for fun and fitness or get ready to compete in Muay Thai in London, we got you sorted. Drop us a line to discuss your training requirements, and you will know you are in good hands.