Academy of Combat: Christchurch Martial Arts

The people of Thailand originated from the South West China region, migrating into the north-west Thailand region during the ninth century. During this migration that lasted until the 13th century many confrontations and wars were fought with neighboring tribes of that area.

These wars were fought with swords, knives, spear and, following loss of weapons, hand to hand. This is thought to have been where the beginnings of Muay Thai originated. The Thai kingdom of Ayuthaya was founded in 1350 AD, after which the people were repeatedly attacked by the Burmese people of the neighboring State. The fighting arts of Krabi Krabong and Muay Thai played a valuable part in defending against these attacks.

In 1569 Ayuthaya was annexed as a Burmese province. However in 1592 the Thai Prince Narasuen defeated the Burmese Royal successor in a duel, and subsequently drove the Burmese out of the country. Recognizing the role and value that Muay Thai played in defending against the Burmese the art was continually refined, developed and practiced to improve the efficiency and practicality of the fighting system.

In 1767 Ayuthaya a thriving town in Thailand was conquered by the Burmese and burned to the ground, being the home of the official archives many details of Thai history and Muay Thai were lost. Legend has it that the Burmese king asked the captured Thais if a Thai fighter wanted to fight a Burmese champion. The Thai Nai Kha Nom Tom is said to have defeated 10 of the best Burmese fighters in succession, he was allowed to return to Thailand and this day, March 17, is marked as Muay Thai Day.

The captured areas were reconquered by deputy commander Phaya Tak who escaped the Burmese captivity and reformed the scattered Thai army units. He chose Thonburi as the new Thai capital. In 1781 he was replaced by his officer Phraya Chakri, who ascended to the throne as Rama I in 1782 and the capital and seat of government was relocated to Bangkok. He was the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty, which still rules Thailand today.

The first recorded Western exposure to the power of Muay Thai was in 1788 when two French boxers travelled through Thailand challenging local boxers for money. They arrived in Bangkok undefeated and laid down a challenge to fight Thai boxers in the capital. A Thai boxer named Muen Phlaan took the challenge and easily won.

In 1921 a great boxing tournament was put on in the Sanaam Suan Kulaab (Rose Garden Field), it was considered the greatest tournament in Thai boxing history. Chinese, Indian and Burmese fighters also came to match their skills against the Thais.

In 1977 two Thai Boxers fought and completely defeated karate fighters at Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok demonstrating the power of Muay Thai. The role of Muay Thai in the development of Thailand history and the significance that freedom and independence play in the Thai people's will cannot be denied. The techniques of Muay Thai developed over many centuries in real combat have resulted in an extremely efficient and practical unarmed combat and self-defence method of fighting that is taught to many military and police units in Thailand.