Originated through the Buddhist temples – monks shared their knowledge of military strategy. In the beginning – no real rules, just fighting bare fisted until someone gave in, the ring was an area of bare earth

At an undeterminable point in time, fighters started fighting Kaad Chuek (Bound Fist) - 20 meters of hemp rope wrapped around each hand, protecting their hands from injury and strengthening their attack. In the Ayutthaya Era, highly skilled fighters were invited to live in the Royal Palace to teach Muay to nobility, soldiers and royal personal guards. The monarch hand selected the best fighters to form a royal platoon of guards. These esteemed fighters became known as Muay Luang (Royal Muay).

Muay Thai as we know it today was established after elements of “Western” boxing were introduced in the 1920’s – boxing gloves were regulated, rules were updated, weight classes were introduced and “modern” punching bags and punch balls became standardized in training camps. With the help of martial arts films, Muay Thai quickly became an international sport, and is currently practiced in over 100 countries.