Muay Thai is known as one of the most effective striking arts in existence. Characterized by the use of powerful kicks, elbows, knees and western boxing techniques, Muay Thai is a staple of mixed martial arts training. SiGung Lee recognized the value and functionality of this art, analyzing and adapting some of the mechanical structures for use in Jeet Kune Do.

History:

Muay Thai or Thai boxing, in its most commonly seen in its sport 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.