MMA banned in Thailand

Muay Thai - Illustration from Flickr.com

Really, MMA banned in Thailand? It definitely appears to be the case, somethings which appears kind of odd in a country where the hard hitting fighters of Muay Thai are national heroes and the martial art - considered brutal by many - is the national sport.

Apparently mixed martial arts has been deemed to be 'too brutal' by the governing Thai sports authorities.

Makes me wonder if there isn't some form of political pressure behind this decision.

MMA banned in Thailand

Here's a small excerpt of what bangkokpost.com has to say about this kind of strange move.

SAT officials met this week to discuss whether holding an MMA event was lawful or not following a request from a private company and they finally agreed that under the 1999 boxing law, it is unlawful to stage an MMA event in Thailand.
"Organising a MMA event here would hurt the image of Muay Thai," Sakol said.
There have been two MMA events held in Bangkok and neither were approved by the SAT, according to Sakol. He said the SAT was asking the Interior Ministry's legal advisors to consider action against any MMA organisers.
"If you want to do this kind of business, you should do it in another country," Sakol said. "Organising MMA here could mislead the public into believing that Muay Thai is brutal."

So there you have it - apparently MMA is too brutal, but Muay Thai is OK. Weird logic if you ask me. What's your opinion?

Muay Thai - Illustration from Flickr.com

Really, MMA banned in Thailand? It definitely appears to be the case, somethings which appears kind of odd in a country where the hard hitting fighters of Muay Thai are national heroes and the martial art - considered brutal by many - is the national sport.

Apparently mixed martial arts has been deemed to be 'too brutal' by the governing Thai sports authorities.

Makes me wonder if there isn't some form of political pressure behind this decision.

MMA banned in Thailand

Here's a small excerpt of what bangkokpost.com has to say about this kind of strange move.

SAT officials met this week to discuss whether holding an MMA event was lawful or not following a request from a private company and they finally agreed that under the 1999 boxing law, it is unlawful to stage an MMA event in Thailand.
"Organising a MMA event here would hurt the image of Muay Thai," Sakol said.
There have been two MMA events held in Bangkok and neither were approved by the SAT, according to Sakol. He said the SAT was asking the Interior Ministry's legal advisors to consider action against any MMA organisers.
"If you want to do this kind of business, you should do it in another country," Sakol said. "Organising MMA here could mislead the public into believing that Muay Thai is brutal."

So there you have it - apparently MMA is too brutal, but Muay Thai is OK. Weird logic if you ask me. What's your opinion?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Inexperienced fighter dies

Thailand -- An inexperienced, 48-year-old Muay Thai boxer and farmer died after collapsing in a fight for which he was set to be paid just 400 baht (approximately US $13).

The father-of-two had reportedly agreed to the fight, even though he had fought only two times before. The man struggled to with the expenses of his daughters' education while caring for his wife's elderly parents and disabled brother, according to bangkokpost.com.

My heart goes out to these poor, hard-working people. How utterly meaningless and sad.

Thailand -- An inexperienced, 48-year-old Muay Thai boxer and farmer died after collapsing in a fight for which he was set to be paid just 400 baht (approximately US $13).

The father-of-two had reportedly agreed to the fight, even though he had fought only two times before. The man struggled to with the expenses of his daughters' education while caring for his wife's elderly parents and disabled brother, according to bangkokpost.com.

My heart goes out to these poor, hard-working people. How utterly meaningless and sad.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Jaa ordained as monk?

It is being reported that Tony Jaa of "Ong Bak" Muay Thai fame has withdrawn from the movie industry to become a Buddhist monk in the North-Eastern Surin province of his native Thailand, according to pattayadailynews.com

He has reportedly shaved off his locks, taken his Buddhist monk vows and has been officially ordained by the abbot at a local temple.

It is being reported that Tony Jaa of "Ong Bak" Muay Thai fame has withdrawn from the movie industry to become a Buddhist monk in the North-Eastern Surin province of his native Thailand, according to pattayadailynews.com

He has reportedly shaved off his locks, taken his Buddhist monk vows and has been officially ordained by the abbot at a local temple.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Kung foolish in Thailand

Thailand -- A New Zealand expatriate who reportedly owns several businesses and is a noted kung fu master, was arrested in Pattaya, according to stuff.co.nz.

The man was allegedly dressed in full SWAT gear carrying a live automatic weapon in public, according to police.

When being approached by police, the "kung-fool" reportedly claimed he had been contracted by local police to train them on several occasions. He also produced several forms of identification, some of which was conflicting.

Thailand -- A New Zealand expatriate who reportedly owns several businesses and is a noted kung fu master, was arrested in Pattaya, according to stuff.co.nz.

The man was allegedly dressed in full SWAT gear carrying a live automatic weapon in public, according to police.

When being approached by police, the "kung-fool" reportedly claimed he had been contracted by local police to train them on several occasions. He also produced several forms of identification, some of which was conflicting.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Introduction to Krabi Krabong

Krabi Krabong is a weapon-based martial art from Thailand, not much know about this art but this martial art is indeed an affective one. Just like other martial arts, Krabi Krabong was featured in movies as well, in James Bond “The Man with the Golden Gun” Krabi Krabong uses up to 20 weapons for combat training, which below are only a few examples:

1. Daab (Sword) Used individually or in pairs
2. NGAU (Spear) Used when riding an Elephant
3. Mae sauk (Clubs) Made from wood or bone to be worn on the forearm
4. LOH (Round Shield) For Defense or Attack
5. Kaen (Medium Shield) For Defense or Attack
6. Plong (Staff) Used for blocking, striking and stabbing.

Krabi Krabong is believed to be around 400 years old but this fighting style is believed to be develop through the Burmese war with Thailand, it was influenced by many types of martial arts put together. Besides weapons, Krabi Krabong incorporates unarmed techniques as well. The empty-handed form is kick-based but also uses pressure points, locks, holds, and throws.

In a nutshell, Krabi Krabong uses a variety of weapons and open hand techniques to beat down it’s opponent. The Krabi Krabong practitioner is skilled at using the above weapons and surprisingly, the name Krabi Krabong comes from two of its weapons, krapi (sword) and krapong (a type of staff). It was said that every single royal bodyguard from His Majesty King Rama IX of Thailand all the while until today’s Thai King are all highly trained experts in Krabi Krabong.

Speaking of Thai Martial Arts, the first think that you might think of is the Wai Kru or the praying session to the god of 4 directions. In Krapi Krabong, after the Wai Kru, the fighters will have a sword dance, which is divided into Single or Double Sword Dance, some of the dances are for Single Sword Dance are: Cher Chy - Fly like the Angel, Dern Phom - Walk like the Lord Phom and the Double Sword Dance are: Suar Talai Heng - Tiger Attack, Horrng Piek huk Bird - with broken wings and Kakabard Cross Swords

Image taken from: aitma.de

Krabi Krabong is a weapon-based martial art from Thailand, not much know about this art but this martial art is indeed an affective one. Just like other martial arts, Krabi Krabong was featured in movies as well, in James Bond “The Man with the Golden Gun” Krabi Krabong uses up to 20 weapons for combat training, which below are only a few examples:

1. Daab (Sword) Used individually or in pairs
2. NGAU (Spear) Used when riding an Elephant
3. Mae sauk (Clubs) Made from wood or bone to be worn on the forearm
4. LOH (Round Shield) For Defense or Attack
5. Kaen (Medium Shield) For Defense or Attack
6. Plong (Staff) Used for blocking, striking and stabbing.

Krabi Krabong is believed to be around 400 years old but this fighting style is believed to be develop through the Burmese war with Thailand, it was influenced by many types of martial arts put together. Besides weapons, Krabi Krabong incorporates unarmed techniques as well. The empty-handed form is kick-based but also uses pressure points, locks, holds, and throws.

In a nutshell, Krabi Krabong uses a variety of weapons and open hand techniques to beat down it’s opponent. The Krabi Krabong practitioner is skilled at using the above weapons and surprisingly, the name Krabi Krabong comes from two of its weapons, krapi (sword) and krapong (a type of staff). It was said that every single royal bodyguard from His Majesty King Rama IX of Thailand all the while until today’s Thai King are all highly trained experts in Krabi Krabong.

Speaking of Thai Martial Arts, the first think that you might think of is the Wai Kru or the praying session to the god of 4 directions. In Krapi Krabong, after the Wai Kru, the fighters will have a sword dance, which is divided into Single or Double Sword Dance, some of the dances are for Single Sword Dance are: Cher Chy - Fly like the Angel, Dern Phom - Walk like the Lord Phom and the Double Sword Dance are: Suar Talai Heng - Tiger Attack, Horrng Piek huk Bird - with broken wings and Kakabard Cross Swords

Image taken from: aitma.de

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Introduction to Muay Boran

Muay Boran or Ancient Boxing is the Great Grandfather of Muay Thai. There are a few styles of Muay Boran developed from the different regions in Thailand. These styles are known as Muay Thasao (Northern Region), Muay Korat (Eastern Region), Muay Lopburi (Central Region) and Muay Chaiya (Southern Region).

Muay Thasao – Emphasis on speed in their kicks and punches.
Muay Korat – Emphasis on the Power of the Blow.
Muay Lopburi– Emphasis on technical movements.
Muay Chaiya– Emphasis on posture and defense. And focus a lot on Knee and Elbow Strikes as the focus are more towards a close body combat.

Surprisingly to say, most of the teachers of Muay Boran are Buddhist monks. It reminds me the comedy called Hot Shots where the main actor was living in a Buddhist Monastery and doing kickboxing and instead of using a glove, they used a cloth to bind their hands to reduce the risk of fracturing bones. Going back further in history, the fighter would dip the binding with resin and broken glass to produce more stunning and deadly blows. These Monasteries or temples held Muay Boran competitions during festive occasions since all Thai man are expected to be ordained as a monk for a short period in their lives.

Traditionally, after completing training in Muay Thai, a student will be taught Muay Boran when reaching an advanced level, but this is no longer the case because most of the moves are banned in professional Muay Thai as it can cause serious damage or even death. In Muay Boran, everything goes and even a kick to the groin is allowed. Therefore there are not many schools that are willing to teach this art of self defense.

Muay Boran techniques focus on the damage each blow can affect the opponent and strongly emphasize using powerful knee and elbow techniques. Each blow to the opponent should be at full force to knock the opponent down on the ground.

Muay Boran or Ancient Boxing is the Great Grandfather of Muay Thai. There are a few styles of Muay Boran developed from the different regions in Thailand. These styles are known as Muay Thasao (Northern Region), Muay Korat (Eastern Region), Muay Lopburi (Central Region) and Muay Chaiya (Southern Region).

Muay Thasao – Emphasis on speed in their kicks and punches.
Muay Korat – Emphasis on the Power of the Blow.
Muay Lopburi– Emphasis on technical movements.
Muay Chaiya– Emphasis on posture and defense. And focus a lot on Knee and Elbow Strikes as the focus are more towards a close body combat.

Surprisingly to say, most of the teachers of Muay Boran are Buddhist monks. It reminds me the comedy called Hot Shots where the main actor was living in a Buddhist Monastery and doing kickboxing and instead of using a glove, they used a cloth to bind their hands to reduce the risk of fracturing bones. Going back further in history, the fighter would dip the binding with resin and broken glass to produce more stunning and deadly blows. These Monasteries or temples held Muay Boran competitions during festive occasions since all Thai man are expected to be ordained as a monk for a short period in their lives.

Traditionally, after completing training in Muay Thai, a student will be taught Muay Boran when reaching an advanced level, but this is no longer the case because most of the moves are banned in professional Muay Thai as it can cause serious damage or even death. In Muay Boran, everything goes and even a kick to the groin is allowed. Therefore there are not many schools that are willing to teach this art of self defense.

Muay Boran techniques focus on the damage each blow can affect the opponent and strongly emphasize using powerful knee and elbow techniques. Each blow to the opponent should be at full force to knock the opponent down on the ground.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Introduction to Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a type of martial art that is practiced in most parts of the world and the most famous practitioner is none other than my favorite hero Tony Jaa, The art is of Muay Thai which is the National Sport of Thailand has a rather unclear history. There are 2 theory on the origins of Muay Thai, one states that it was a martial art from China that was brought to Thailand by the Tai Immigrant, another theory says that it was adopted from Khmer Martial Arts, which I personally feel that it make sense since Bokarto and Muay Thai is quite similar in many aspects.

March 17 , National Celebration of "Boxer's Day", originated from the incasion of Burmese into Ayutthata, Siam in 1963 where a group of hostages were taken in. In 1774 King Mangra had thrown a 7 day, 7 night festival where boxing is one of the highlighted entertainment that is going on that time. Nai Khanom Tom is the fighter selected to fight the Burmese National Champion and won the fight in a short moment, but the referee did not validate the KO by giving excuses like Wai-Khru(boxing dance) is distracting the fighter and so on. Then 9 more Burmese fighters was selected to fight Nai Khanom Tom back to back. And yet he still won all 9 of the fights. And King Mangra grant Nai Khanom Tom freedom together with 2 wives. Now the Boxer’s day is a celebration to remember this national hero.

During the ruling of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) was the golden age for Muay Thai, as King Chulalongkorn is interested in this sport himself, Since the country is very peaceful during this era, Muay Thai is consider as a “Physical Exercise” and “Performance Art”. There was once death occurred during the performance in the ring somewhere in the 20’s, King Rama the VII started to push for rules and regulations such as gloves for this deadly sport.

Like most Martial Arts, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on fitness level, Their training may include running, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, abdominal exercise, and weight training. Training includes coaches on thick pads, sand bag, and sparring. Most professional Muay Thai boxers come from the lower economic backgrounds, and Boxing allows them to earn the income to support themselves and their family and it deserves our highest respect.

Muay Boran which was claimed as the Ancestor Muay Thai of was divided into 4 types:

- Muay Korat - Focused on strength, their punches can kill buffalo in one single blow.
- Muay Lopburi - Focused on movements of the Fighter.
- Muay Chaiya - Focused on defense as well as using elbows and knees.
- Muay Ta Sao - Focused on speed, particularly in kicking and punching

Image taken from: www.gmasite.ca

Muay Thai is a type of martial art that is practiced in most parts of the world and the most famous practitioner is none other than my favorite hero Tony Jaa, The art is of Muay Thai which is the National Sport of Thailand has a rather unclear history. There are 2 theory on the origins of Muay Thai, one states that it was a martial art from China that was brought to Thailand by the Tai Immigrant, another theory says that it was adopted from Khmer Martial Arts, which I personally feel that it make sense since Bokarto and Muay Thai is quite similar in many aspects.

March 17 , National Celebration of "Boxer's Day", originated from the incasion of Burmese into Ayutthata, Siam in 1963 where a group of hostages were taken in. In 1774 King Mangra had thrown a 7 day, 7 night festival where boxing is one of the highlighted entertainment that is going on that time. Nai Khanom Tom is the fighter selected to fight the Burmese National Champion and won the fight in a short moment, but the referee did not validate the KO by giving excuses like Wai-Khru(boxing dance) is distracting the fighter and so on. Then 9 more Burmese fighters was selected to fight Nai Khanom Tom back to back. And yet he still won all 9 of the fights. And King Mangra grant Nai Khanom Tom freedom together with 2 wives. Now the Boxer’s day is a celebration to remember this national hero.

During the ruling of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) was the golden age for Muay Thai, as King Chulalongkorn is interested in this sport himself, Since the country is very peaceful during this era, Muay Thai is consider as a “Physical Exercise” and “Performance Art”. There was once death occurred during the performance in the ring somewhere in the 20’s, King Rama the VII started to push for rules and regulations such as gloves for this deadly sport.

Like most Martial Arts, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on fitness level, Their training may include running, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, abdominal exercise, and weight training. Training includes coaches on thick pads, sand bag, and sparring. Most professional Muay Thai boxers come from the lower economic backgrounds, and Boxing allows them to earn the income to support themselves and their family and it deserves our highest respect.

Muay Boran which was claimed as the Ancestor Muay Thai of was divided into 4 types:

- Muay Korat - Focused on strength, their punches can kill buffalo in one single blow.
- Muay Lopburi - Focused on movements of the Fighter.
- Muay Chaiya - Focused on defense as well as using elbows and knees.
- Muay Ta Sao - Focused on speed, particularly in kicking and punching

Image taken from: www.gmasite.ca

reade more... Résuméabuiyad