What Can You Tell Me About Muay Thai Boxing?

Muay Thai, Thai Boxing or the Art of Eight Limbs are it is also known is a highly physical contact martial art of the hard style, originating in Thailand, but stretching its influence and relationships as far as Laos, Cambodia and other parts of South East Asia.  It is the official martial art of the Thai Army, as well as being the national sport of Thailand and was one of the original historical ways to achieve a Royal status, prized fighters were invited by members of the royal family to come and live in the royal palace to train royal family members and staff.  The name the Art of the Eight Limbs comes from its differentiation from traditional boxing which uses only two limbs, two fists as striking weapons.  Traditional martial arts tend to concentrate upon the same two fists and add the two feet as additional weapons, making four limbs used within combat. Muay Thai uses eight points of contact, the fists (two), the elbows (two), the knees (two) and the shins (two) – which are the striking contact point for muay thai kicks.