Traditionally, Thai Boxing is separated as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. However, students may now pursue rank in Muay Thai. We designate and award different patches to be worn on the uniform as students test through the standardized levels. Tests involve thai-pad drills of varying intensity and complexity depending on rank. Beginner and intermediate level tests require light contact sparring.

Advanced or Black belt level requires Muay Thai rules in a three round, full contact fight. Training in the Muay Thai system builds stamina and power, andpeaches no-nonsense, practical, self-defense skills.

History:

Muay Thai or Thai boxing, in its most commonly seen sports form, is a full contact ring fighting art often called the science of eight limbs (hands, elbows, feet, knees). Thai Boxing can be seen throughout Thailand in hundreds of stadia and is now gathering popularity throughout the world. Thai Boxers are considered the kings of the ring due to their incredible ring record - the Thai international full contact competitions win over 80% of the time and most of those who do defeat the Thais do it with methods similar to Thai Boxing. Currently, Thai Boxing is gaining popularity in many countries due to its simple, yet extremely effective approach to training and combat.

Thai Boxing is believed to have started in 1650 when King Naresuen of Siam was captured by the Burmese and offered freedom if he could defeat the Burmese champions. He successfully defeated 12 of the finest Burmese boxers to become a national hero, and instilled the pride of the Thai people making Thai Boxing a national pastime. However, because of Burmese book burning in 1776, the actual origins may be dated back even further. In its modern form, Thai Boxing is practiced by over 300,000 men, women and children.

Thai Boxing is an adaptation of the Thai military arts. In peacetime the weapons of the battlefield were laid down and the soldiers would fight empty handed to keep their edge. At that time there were few rules, no rounds and no weight classes. In this time period boxers fought barefooted, their fists and forearms wrapped in hemp rope and combat was extremely brutal. Training methods were vast and varied. Banana trees were kicked, kneed and elbowed, softening the tree until it could be wrapped on the trainers arms for kicking. This is where the unique creation of the Thai pad got its start.

Thai Boxing also finds much of its roots in Buddhism. People who see Thai Boxing for the first time often wonder about the pre-fight ritual that takes place before every authentic Thai fight. This ceremony called the "Ram Muay" is a spiritual ceremony which seals off the ring from outside influences pays homage to gods, parents, teachers, loved ones, king and country. A great deal of significance is placed on the Ram Muay since it displays the spirit and heart of the fighter. Both the Ram Muay and the fight itself are accompanied by music from a four piece ensemble. The pace of the fight is often dictated by the music played on the side of the ring.

Because the Thais quickly adapt to anything, which may give them an edge. Thai Boxing has evolved towards greater efficiency for centuries. Most recently they have adapted various Western Boxing techniques, training methods and strategies to their already formidable tools. In the past 50 years Thai Boxing has enjoyed even greater popularity. Modern western style gloves, weight classes and 3-minute rounds have been adopted. Because of the rigorous nature of its testing ground and the directness of its techniques, Thai Boxing and Thai Boxers are some of the most highly respected martial artists throughout the world.