This news article discusses the resurgence in the popularity of Muay Boran, the predecessor to Muay Thai and how it’s helping bring together a Thailand torn by political instability.
Thailand has been quite heavily featured in the news recently, and it’s not for its gorgeous beaches, surfside resorts and tourist attractions. It’s because of the political turmoil that has engulfed the country, knocking it off the top of the list as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. In spite of the unrest, light urban warfare, demonstrations and blockades, however, Thailand recently held its first ever annual world championship in a martial art form that previously seemed to have faded from media attention.
“Most are familiar with Muay Thai kickboxing,” say Chicago martial arts experts. “It’s national sport of Thailand, but muay boran? Not so much, even though the former is essentially the basis of the latter.”
The recent annual world championship was held in honor of this ancient form of martial art, which has made an astounding comeback in recent years.
About Muay Boran Kickboxing: In Chicago News
“Muay boran is the soil out of which muay thai sprang,” explain kickboxing experts in Chicago. “It is an ancient martial art that is performed without the use of armor or weaponry. The key concepts behind muay boran are very similar to muay thai and not surprisingly since muay thai has borrowed much of its techniques from muay boran. In particular, students are taught to make use of eight ‘limbs’ or contact points for striking: their left and right hands, elbows, knees and feet.”
About the Muay Boran Kickboxing Championship
The recent championship was held in March in the ancient capital city of Thailand – Ayutthaya – and it went off beautifully in spite of the political turmoil that roiled on at the time. At this event, martial arts fighters from more than 15 countries went hand-to-hand at venues located along the banks of one of Thailand’s great rivers: the Chao Phraya River.
“Each fighter is carefully weighed and then divided into classes so that fights are fair and evenly matched,” explain martial arts experts in Chicago. “These divisions also take age into account so that experienced fighters of the same weight aren’t pitted against much younger and less experienced fighters. In addition, all contestants are made to wear special gear to protect their shins, chest, head and elbows. Mouth guards and gloves are also required, while the younger divisions are prohibited from kicking and punching their opponent in the head.”
Kickboxing Tournament Sends Message to the World
Muay boran grandmaster, Chinawut Sirisompan, came out with the following statement: “This tournament is important because people only see bad information in the news about Thailand.”
And he is absolutely right, especially considering the attitude of the returning contestants: “We had heard quite a bit about the political problems Thailand had been having, so we were all a little wary when we arrived for the tournament. However, all we did see is the country’s incredible beauty and a culture of people who are so peace-loving and generous,” says one kickboxing contestant from Chicago. “I only wish I could have stayed longer to see more of Thailand; I will definitely be back again!”
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