Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Muay Thai Workouts Have Developed Over Several Centuries In Thailand

By Micah Ulery


Muay Thai workouts are an essential part of the martial art of kick boxing. Unlike Western boxing, the two contestants may not only punch, they may also clinch, kick and use the knees and elbows. The sport is experiencing a worldwide resurgence in popularity in line with greater emphasis on physical fitness.

This combat sport developed in Thailand over many centuries. This was largely driven as a method of self defense as the country sought to defend itself against the constant aggressive ambitions of neighboring nations. Our understanding of the early history of the sport is incomplete since many historical records were lost or destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese army captured Ayuddhaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.

King Naresuan the Great, who reigned form 1555 to 1605, was an avid practitioner of the martial art, proclaimed it a compulsory activity for all in he national military. It soon became an integral part of the life of all young men in the country at large.

Muay Thai reached a high point in its historical popularity during the kingdom of the so-called Tiger King, Pra Chao Sua, who reigned from 1703 to 1709. At That time, Thailand was at peace and the army was idle. Kick boxing became popular in its ranks and the wider population. Virtually every village organized prize fights, often on a winner takes all basis. This feature, together with heavy betting on the bouts, ensured that many of the fights were vicious contests.

One distinguishing workout in the sport is to train with coaches protected by focus mitts. This practice is critical to the total training of a kick boxer. It allows the fighter to practice kicking, punching, kneeing and elbowing. The mitts are thick and protect the coach. They are worn on the abdomen, forearms and hands. The pads absorbs the practice blows by the fighter.

Bone remodeling is a natural process of bone regeneration and renewal that proceeds on an ongoing basis continually through life. As bone tissue decays or is damaged it is naturally removed from the skeleton (bone resorption) and new tissue is formed to replace it (bone ossification). In adults, about ten percent of the skeletal structure is regenerated each year. Repeated hitting or trauma of the shin bone causes micro-damage that accelerates this regeneration process and toughens the bone as a result.

Most professional kick boxers in Thailand come from a lower socio-economic background. They enter the kick boxing industry hoping their fight winnings will support them and their families. The short professional life of a boxer and the competitive nature industry makes it difficult for most to achieve this objective.

In conclusion, some Thai kick boxers fight almost every other week. It is a tough life. Due to the continuous and rigorous Muay Thai workouts, as well as the physical demands of the actual fights, professional fighters have a short career span. Many become instructors after they retire from the ring.




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