Muay Thai

martial arts · thailand · combat sport

Strikes with eight. Muay Thai fighters use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to land strikes, which is why it's called the Art of Eight Limbs. This makes it way different from boxing, which only uses fists.

Stand-up fighting. Muay Thai is a full-contact combat sport where fighters stay on their feet striking, sweeping, and clinching with their opponents. Clinching means holding and controlling your opponent close up.

Born in Thailand. Muay Thai comes from Thailand and has been a huge part of Thai culture for hundreds of years. It's one of Thailand's national sports.

Spread worldwide. Starting in the late 1900s and into the 2000s, Muay Thai grew popular all around the world as Thai fighters competed in matches against other martial artists. Today people learn and practice Muay Thai on every continent.

Professional sport. Muay Thai is governed by the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand and is officially sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand. Professional fighters compete in regulated matches with strict rules.