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Sport

Muay Thai

Combat Sports

Muay Thai is a striking combat sport from Thailand, often called the art of eight limbs for its use of fists, elbows, knees and shins, contested standing between two competitors within a boxing-style ring. It developed from Thai battlefield combat techniques and has been practiced as a codified national sport in Thailand for centuries, with the modern competitive ruleset established in the early 20th century. The sport has spread internationally and is governed globally by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, though it is not currently part of the Olympic program.

Facts
Origin Year
1921 1
Originating Region
Thailand 2
International Governing Body
International Federation of Muaythai Associations 2
Contact Level
Full Contact 1
Classification
Olympic Programme Status
Not an Olympic Sport 1
Connections

Ancestor Of

Kickboxing, Sports
Source Kickboxing, Wikipedia

Associated With

Martial Arts, Sports
Source Wikipedia, Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts, Sports
Source Mixed martial arts, Wikipedia

Featured In

ONE Championship, Competitions
Source ONE Championship (Wikipedia)

Played By

Alex Tobiasson Harris, Athletes
Source Alex Tobiasson Harris (Wikipedia)
Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Athletes
Source Anuwat Kaewsamrit (Wikipedia)
Artem Levin, Athletes
Source Artem Levin (Wikipedia)
Besim Kabashi, Athletes
Source Besim Kabashi (Wikipedia)
Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Athletes
Source Changpuek Kiatsongrit (Wikipedia)
Cosmo Alexandre, Athletes
Source Cosmo Alexandre (Wikipedia)
Cyrille Diabaté, Athletes
Source Cyrille Diabaté (Wikipedia)
Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Athletes
Source Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn (Wikipedia)
Gago Drago, Athletes
Source Gago Drago (Wikipedia)
Gina Carano, Athletes
Source Gina Carano (Wikipedia)
Giorgio Petrosyan, Athletes
Source Giorgio Petrosyan (Wikipedia)
Heike Langguth, Athletes
Source Heike Langguth (Wikipedia)
Jackie Buntan, Athletes
Source Jackie Buntan (Wikipedia)
John Wayne Parr, Athletes
Source John Wayne Parr (Wikipedia)
Jonathan Haggerty, Athletes
Source Jonathan Haggerty (Wikipedia)
Kaoklai Kaennorsing, Athletes
Source Kaoklai Kaennorsing (Wikipedia)
Karapet Karapetyan, Athletes
Source Karapet Karapetyan (Wikipedia)
Karuhat Sor.Supawan, Athletes
Source Karuhat Sor.Supawan (Wikipedia)
Kem Sitsongpeenong, Athletes
Source Kem Sitsongpeenong (Wikipedia)
Liam Harrison, Athletes
Source Liam Harrison (Wikipedia)
Marcus Öberg, Athletes
Source Marcus Öberg (Wikipedia)
Miriam Nakamoto, Athletes
Source Miriam Nakamoto (Wikipedia)
Moussa Konaté, Athletes
Source Moussa Konaté (Wikipedia)
Murat Direkçi, Athletes
Source Murat Direkçi (Wikipedia)
Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn, Athletes
Source Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn (Wikipedia)
Nong-O Hama, Athletes
Source Nong-O Hama (Wikipedia)
Rafael Fiziev, Athletes
Source Rafael Fiziev (Wikipedia)
Ramon Dekkers, Athletes
Source Ramon Dekkers (Wikipedia)
Ray Sefo, Athletes
Source Ray Sefo (Wikipedia)
Regian Eersel, Athletes
Source Regian Eersel (Wikipedia)
Rob Kaman, Athletes
Source Rob Kaman (Wikipedia)
Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Athletes
Source Rodtang Jitmuangnon (Wikipedia)
Saenchai, Athletes
Source Saenchai (Wikipedia)
Sagat Petchyindee, Athletes
Source Sagat Petchyindee (Wikipedia)
Samart Payakaroon, Athletes
Source Samart Payakaroon (Wikipedia)
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Athletes
Source Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong (Wikipedia)
Smilla Sundell, Athletes
Source Smilla Sundell (Wikipedia)
Stamp Fairtex, Athletes
Source Stamp Fairtex (Wikipedia)
Superbon Singha Mawynn, Athletes
Source Superbon Singha Mawynn (Wikipedia)
Superlek Kiatmuu9, Athletes
Source Superlek Kiatmuu9 (Wikipedia)
Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Athletes
Source Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym (Wikipedia)
Tony Jaa, Athletes
Source Tony Jaa (Wikipedia)
Wayne Barrett, Athletes
Source Wayne Barrett (Wikipedia)
Yodsanklai Fairtex, Athletes
Source Yodsanklai Fairtex (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Asia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Thailand

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Source Muay Thai, Wikipedia
Sources
1. Muay Thai, Wikipedia
  • 20th century section, first ring
    Thailand's first boxing ring was built in 1921 at Suan Kulap. Referees were introduced and rounds were now timed by kick.
  • Lead
    Muay Thai or Muaythai (Thai: มวยไทย, RTGS: muai thai, pronounced [mūaj tʰāj] ), sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, the Art of Eight Limbs or the Science of Eight Limbs, is a Thai martial art and full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques
  • 21st century section
    As a result, an amendment was made in the IFMA constitution to change the name of the sport from "Muay Thai" to "Muaythai" - written as one word in accordance with Olympic requirements. In 2014, Muay Thai was included in the International World Games Association (IWGA) and was represented in the official programme of The World Games 2017 in Wrocław, Poland. In January 2015, Muay Thai was granted the patronage of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and, from 16 to 23 March 2015, the first University World Muaythai Cup was held in Bangkok.
View the Source
2. History of Muaythai, IFMA
  • International Organization
    In 1993, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) was established to bring unity, structure and integrity to the sport.
  • Introduction
    Origins of Muaythai: Pahuyuth and Ancient Warriors In the early kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, soldiers turned to their own bodies when weapons failed-fists, elbows, knees and shins became their armour.
View the Source
Kickboxing, Wikipedia
Ancestor Of: Kickboxing, Terminology
Quote, Ancestor Of: Kickboxing, Terminology
for a hybrid martial art combining Muay Thai and karate which he had introduced in 1958.
View the Source
Mixed martial arts, Wikipedia
Associated With: Mixed Martial Arts, Lead paragraph
Quote, Associated With: Mixed Martial Arts, Lead paragraph
In Brazil there was a phenomenon called vale tudo, an early form of modern MMA, which became known for unrestricted fights between various styles such as judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, Luta Livre, Muay Thai and capoeira.
View the Source
Wikipedia, Martial Arts
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Martial Arts, Unarmed, Strikes
Quote, Associated With: Martial Arts, Unarmed, Strikes
Punching: Boxing, Wing Chun, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate
View the Source
Ray Sefo (Wikipedia)
Played By: Ray Sefo, Lead, sport
Quote, Played By: Ray Sefo, Lead, sport
is a six-time Muay Thai World Champion
View the Source
Anuwat Kaewsamrit (Wikipedia)
Played By: Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Lead
Quote, Played By: Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn (Wikipedia)
Played By: Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Lead
Quote, Played By: Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Giorgio Petrosyan (Wikipedia)
Played By: Giorgio Petrosyan, Lead
Quote, Played By: Giorgio Petrosyan, Lead
began his professional career as a Muay Thai fighter at sixteen
View the Source
Ramon Dekkers (Wikipedia)
Played By: Ramon Dekkers, Lead
Quote, Played By: Ramon Dekkers, Lead
was a Dutch professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Rodtang Jitmuangnon (Wikipedia)
Played By: Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Lead
Quote, Played By: Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Lead
is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Saenchai (Wikipedia)
Played By: Saenchai, Lead
Quote, Played By: Saenchai, Lead
is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and former professional boxer
View the Source
Samart Payakaroon (Wikipedia)
Played By: Samart Payakaroon, Lead
Quote, Played By: Samart Payakaroon, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter, professional boxer, and entertainer
View the Source
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong (Wikipedia)
Played By: Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Lead
Quote, Played By: Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Lead
is a Thai Muay Thai kickboxer who competed in ONE Championship
View the Source
Yodsanklai Fairtex (Wikipedia)
Played By: Yodsanklai Fairtex, Lead
Quote, Played By: Yodsanklai Fairtex, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Nong-O Hama (Wikipedia)
Played By: Nong-O Hama, Lead
Quote, Played By: Nong-O Hama, Lead
is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Liam Harrison (Wikipedia)
Played By: Liam Harrison, Lead
Quote, Played By: Liam Harrison, Lead
is an English welterweight Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Changpuek Kiatsongrit (Wikipedia)
Played By: Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Lead
Quote, Played By: Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Kaoklai Kaennorsing (Wikipedia)
Played By: Kaoklai Kaennorsing, Lead
Quote, Played By: Kaoklai Kaennorsing, Lead
is a former Thai light heavyweight Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Regian Eersel (Wikipedia)
Played By: Regian Eersel, Lead
Quote, Played By: Regian Eersel, Lead
He is the current ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion and current ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion
View the Source
Karuhat Sor.Supawan (Wikipedia)
Played By: Karuhat Sor.Supawan, Lead
Quote, Played By: Karuhat Sor.Supawan, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn (Wikipedia)
Played By: Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn, Lead
Quote, Played By: Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Murat Direkçi (Wikipedia)
Played By: Murat Direkçi, Career
Quote, Played By: Murat Direkçi, Career
After becoming the Belgian, European and World champion in kickboxing and muay Thai
View the Source
Besim Kabashi (Wikipedia)
Played By: Besim Kabashi, Lead
Quote, Played By: Besim Kabashi, Lead
won the WKA World Heavyweight Muay Thai title in 2008
View the Source
Miriam Nakamoto (Wikipedia)
Played By: Miriam Nakamoto, Lead
Quote, Played By: Miriam Nakamoto, Lead
American professional female Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist
View the Source
Karapet Karapetyan (Wikipedia)
Played By: Karapet Karapetyan, Early life
Quote, Played By: Karapet Karapetyan, Early life
began training in kickboxing and Muay Thai seriously
View the Source
Wayne Barrett (Wikipedia)
Played By: Wayne Barrett, Early career
Quote, Played By: Wayne Barrett, Early career
began training in karate at ten years old before transitioning to Muay Thai
View the Source
Gina Carano (Wikipedia)
Played By: Gina Carano, Mixed martial arts career
Quote, Played By: Gina Carano, Mixed martial arts career
Carano started her career in the sport of Muay Thai.
View the Source
Heike Langguth (Wikipedia)
Played By: Heike Langguth, Lead
Quote, Played By: Heike Langguth, Lead
is a German two times vice-champion in Muay Thai
View the Source
Tony Jaa (Wikipedia)
Played By: Tony Jaa, Early life
Quote, Played By: Tony Jaa, Early life
Jaa began training in Muay Thai at his local temple at 10 years old.
View the Source
ONE Championship (Wikipedia)
Featured In: ONE Championship, Lead, disciplines
Quote, Featured In: ONE Championship, Lead, disciplines
ONE events have since incorporated muay thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling bouts
View the Source
Superbon Singha Mawynn (Wikipedia)
Played By: Superbon Singha Mawynn, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Superbon Singha Mawynn, Lead, discipline
is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Rob Kaman (Wikipedia)
Played By: Rob Kaman, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Rob Kaman, Lead, discipline
was a Dutch nine-time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion
View the Source
Jonathan Haggerty (Wikipedia)
Played By: Jonathan Haggerty, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Jonathan Haggerty, Lead, discipline
is an English professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
John Wayne Parr (Wikipedia)
Played By: John Wayne Parr, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: John Wayne Parr, Lead, discipline
is a retired Australian Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer and boxer
View the Source
Rafael Fiziev (Wikipedia)
Played By: Rafael Fiziev, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Rafael Fiziev, Lead, discipline
former Muay Thai fighter
View the Source
Artem Levin (Wikipedia)
Played By: Artem Levin, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Artem Levin, Lead, discipline
Russian middleweight Muay Thai kickboxer
View the Source
Gago Drago (Wikipedia)
Played By: Gago Drago, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Gago Drago, Lead, discipline
2004 WMTC European Muay Thai Champion
View the Source
Cyrille Diabaté (Wikipedia)
Played By: Cyrille Diabaté, Lead, discipline
Quote, Played By: Cyrille Diabaté, Lead, discipline
He has also competed in shoot boxing and Muay Thai
View the Source
Sagat Petchyindee (Wikipedia)
Played By: Sagat Petchyindee, Lead
Quote, Played By: Sagat Petchyindee, Lead
is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, boxer, trainer, and actor
View the Source
Kem Sitsongpeenong (Wikipedia)
Played By: Kem Sitsongpeenong, Lead
Quote, Played By: Kem Sitsongpeenong, Lead
is a Thai retired Muay Thai fighter and professional kickboxer
View the Source
Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym (Wikipedia)
Played By: Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Lead
Quote, Played By: Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Lead
is a professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Stamp Fairtex (Wikipedia)
Played By: Stamp Fairtex, Lead
Quote, Played By: Stamp Fairtex, Lead
is a Thai professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter, and kickboxer
View the Source
Cosmo Alexandre (Wikipedia)
Played By: Cosmo Alexandre, Background
Quote, Played By: Cosmo Alexandre, Background
chose to focus on a career in Muay Thai
View the Source
Marcus Öberg (Wikipedia)
Played By: Marcus Öberg, Lead
Quote, Played By: Marcus Öberg, Lead
Marcus Öberg (born February 18, 1982) is a Swedish middleweight Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source
Moussa Konaté (Wikipedia)
Played By: Moussa Konaté, Lead
Quote, Played By: Moussa Konaté, Lead
Moussa Konaté (born May 16, 1978) is a French Muay Thai kickboxer
View the Source
Alex Tobiasson Harris (Wikipedia)
Played By: Alex Tobiasson Harris, Lead
Quote, Played By: Alex Tobiasson Harris, Lead
is a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer
View the Source
Smilla Sundell (Wikipedia)
Played By: Smilla Sundell, Lead
Quote, Played By: Smilla Sundell, Lead
is a Swedish Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist
View the Source
Jackie Buntan (Wikipedia)
Played By: Jackie Buntan, Lead
Quote, Played By: Jackie Buntan, Lead
is a Filipino-American Muay Thai kickboxer
View the Source
Superlek Kiatmuu9 (Wikipedia)
Played By: Superlek Kiatmuu9, Lead
Quote, Played By: Superlek Kiatmuu9, Lead
is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer
View the Source

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