What is (or are) the primary martial arts styles that come from or are practiced in Thailand.?

Question

If you happened to catch the Miss Universe Pageant broadcast on worldwide television last night live from Viet Nam, you may have seen that the Winner of the National Costume competition came from Thailand. The contestant --Gavintra Photijak -- struck a menacing martial arts pose for her publicity stills, as well as when she first posed for the broadcast cameras in the opening parade of contestants. She was definately very eye-catching and different. See her picture here:

http://www.missuniverse.com/mainevent/costume.html

The history behind the development and spread of various martial arts styles and forms across the Orient and indeed, the world, is rich and varied. Tae Kwon Do comes from Korea (correct me if I am wrong). My style of Karate (Shotokan) comes from Japan.

But what is the style of martial arts that comes from Thailand, and was it first developed in a neighboring country? Or was it totally the brain child of some Thai Master from centuries past?

Answer 1

Well first off, the martial art made in thailand is called muay thai translated as the science of eight limbs. Muay thai was actually derived from cambodian-boxing,pradel serey. Then thailand made their own martial art that was based off of pradal serey. It was made over 2000 years ago during the thai war with thai and burmese. They made it so that if the thai warriors lost their weapons during the fight they would use muay thai to defend themselves. Muay thai comes in many different styles such as: Modern Muay thai, Muay Chaiya, Muay Boran, Muay Korat, Krabi Krabong, and thats all that I know for now.

Answer 2

The main one in Thailand is muay thai.

Others are: Muay Boran (where muay thai comes from), and Krabi krabong (weapons)

Answer 3

Muay Thai/Thai Boxing is THE martial art in Thailand and it is famous for its low leg kicks, kicking with the shins, using elbow strikes, knee strikes while having your hands around the opponents neck.

your average kickboxing class would usually incorperate Muay Thai into their training.

usually the best combonation for Mixed Martial Arts is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.

p.s. i am a red belt (8th kyu) in Shotokan as well :)

Answer 4

Frank and A L got the right idea, just kinda wanted to correct something. muay thai doesn't translate into "the science of eight limbs". its actually just a nickname because of the use of the arms, legs, elbows, and knees. correct me if im wrong, but i believe it translates directly as "thai boxing".