History of Muay thai

Muay Thai has a quite a lot of practitioners but not many people know about the history of this combat sport so im going to go through some of it.

Origin

Muay Thai originated in the year 1560 and was made famous by King Naresuan. During the battles of burmese and Siam, he was captured and as the Burmese knew of his hand to hand skill he was offered the chance to fight for his freedom which he took and won. This fighting style was known as siamese style boxing later to be known as muay thai.

Early uses of Muay Thai
 

Muay thai's early uses included a practical fighting technique in warfare as well as a sport to be fought in front of spectators who would watch for entertainment. These contests gradually became a part of local festivals and celebrations especially those held in temples. Eventually the fighters started wearing hemp around their hands and forearms.

Modernisation

Muay Thai became a popular sport in the 1900s with the use of ropes being banned after a death occurred in the ring. In 1993 the international federation of muaythai amateur was inaugurated. It became the governing body of amatuer muay thai consisting of 128 member countries.