Muay Thai made its first appearance in Thailand 700 years ago. It is the “art of eight limbs” martial arts because one needs to use the fist, elbows, knees and shins apart from the four limbs of the body to defeat an opponent. Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand.

“Muay” translates to mean “boxing” in Thai, so Muay Thai is literally Thai boxing. Taking elements from Muay Boran, the traditional Thai martial arts, Muay Thai as a modern combat sport was first formalized in the early 20th century.

Muay Thai (Thai: มวยไทย, RTGS: muai thai, pronounced [mūa̯j tʰāj]), sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, is a Thai martial art and full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques.