Muaythai History
Muaythai is the devestating "science of 8 limbs" from Thailand developed over 1000's of years. The exact date of the creation of this fighting art is not known but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old. Many other martial arts are believed to be this ancient though many of them were only created in the last 100 years (Aikido, Taekwondo, Karate). Muaythai used to be referred to as Pahuyuth (multi-faceted fighting style) a couple of hundred years ago, but muaythai itself is only a part of the whole Thai fighting system that covers weapons and groundwork which many refer to as Ling-Lom, though this is not the correct name for it. Many people do not know about this "no holds barred" of muaythai and there are very few people that can teach it.The Thais are a tribal people and have had to defend their country from many invaders throughout their history. It has been developed year by year passing from teacher to student for as long as the Thais can remember. Muaythai is often referred to as the science of eight limbs as it employs not only punching and kicking techniques but elbows and knees as well.It could be said that Muaythai currently is split into two parts, the ring sport and the martial art. The art side contains many techniques that cannot be performed in a ring with gloves on.
Stadiums in Thailand
About Thai Stadiums
There are many stadiums throughout Thailand. Unlike mnay other countries, in Thailand, the home of muaythai, there are permanent stadiums dedicated to showcasing the sport. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has the most stadiums and is where the best fighters fight their way to the very top. Of all the stadiums in Bangkok two others are regarded up all others. These are Lumpinee Stadium (Also spelt Lumpini) and Rajadamnern Stadium (also spelt Ratchadamneorn, amongst other ways).
Fighting muaythai is a way of earning a living for many many Thais and Lumpinee and Rajadamnern champions are regarded above all others. The Thai's being a small people do not have as many weight classes as say international boxing at these stadiums. At Lumpinee they have championship titles up to 147lbs, and at Rajadamnern up to 160lbs. Though both stadiums will hold fights at heavier weights.
Muaythai Judging
By Tony MyersThe author, Tony Myers is an experienced referee and Judge as well as an experienced MuayThai coach. He has judged and refereed at national, international and world level, in Britain, Europe and Thailand; this year being selected to referee live on national Thai TV and in front of Thai Royalty in Bangkok. He holds World MuayThai Council (WMC) professional refereeing and judging qualification, an International Federation of MuayThai Amateur (IFMA) amateur refereeing and judging qualification. He also runs refereeing and judging courses, as well as being a senior referee and judge for, the British Thai Boxing Council, the World MuayThai Organisation and Scottish MuayThai Federation. In addition he also referees and judges for some Showsport International events.
List of Bangkok Stadiums
Lumpini Stadium Rama IV Road, Bangkok Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 p.m, Saturday afternoons 5-8 p.m., Saturday nights from 8.30 p.m. Ticket prices: 500, 1,000, 1,500 Baht (ringside)
Ratchadamnoen Stadium Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 p.m.Ticket Prices: 500, 1,000, 1,500 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights
