Muay Thai in Thailand is often presented as a modern martial art, but it has a history dating back hundreds of years as a battlefield combat style.
Combatants use punches, elbow throws, knee strikes, and kicks for eight points of contact. Thought to have originated in the 16th century, a period of intense conflict between Burma and Siam.
The first practitioner known by name was Nai Khanomtom, who fought for his freedom in the 1700s from his Burmese captors and returned to Siam as a folk hero.
The style has become deeply ingrained in Thai life, with boxing exhibitions a long-standing tradition at festivals and celebrations.
It is widely recognized that King Chulalongkorn’s ascension in 1868 brought prominence and development to the sport, with citizens practicing Muay Thai not only for self-defense but also for exercise and recreation.
The sport again rose to prominence in the latter half of the 20th century and is now practiced by men, women, and children in every nation on Earth.
Learning Muay Thai in Thailand
For those serious about learning Muay Thai, there are schools worldwide.
However, for those who want to immerse themselves in Thai culture and gain authentic Muay Thai training, studying in Thailand is the best option for most serious students. Several programs are available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students.
However, to put it bluntly, don’t believe the movies or what you see on the Internet.
You will work harder than you ever have.
You will experience Thailand by meeting new people, learning a new language, and advancing your skills and understanding of the sport.
Vacation Break or Longer Stay?
To get an idea of what it’s like to train in Muay Thai in Thailand, you might try booking a short vacation of 2 to 4 weeks to experience Thailand one-on-one.
While you can find Muay Thai schools in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chanthaburi, or other beauty and party spots, you should vet the school before you grab your carry-on and head for the plane.
Spending a brief period traveling and researching schools can be a precursor to a more extended stay and more intensive training. If you are looking for intense training for two weeks, or sporadic training interspersed with partying and tourism, you will want to be certain that the school can accommodate.
Sport Tourism
Sports tourism allows people interested in a specific country’s sports to immerse themselves in the sport and learn from its mother culture.
When you’re booking a Thailand Muay Thai vacation, you will need to be aware of the local laws of the country that you’re visiting, make travel arrangements, obtain a proper visa, find accommodations near your school, and adhere to the local laws.
In Thailand, several laws govern conduct that most tourists take for granted, though we do not expect many Muay Thai students to overindulge in excessive partying.
Into the Future
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally recognized Muay Thai, meaning that at any point in the next three years, the sport may apply to be included in the next Olympics.
Each nation could potentially field its own Muay Thai team to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
With this kind of exposure, the already popular sport is reaching its maximum potential to attract students from all nations and walks of life. This can make a Thailand Muay Thai vacation a sound investment for anyone considering competing in the sport.
Whether you are going to be a fighter, join the MMA circuit, or teach and compete at the Olympic level, immersing yourself in Muay Thai’s country of origin can give you an advantage in understanding the sport from its home territory.
Take the First Step
Thailand is an excellent destination for a family vacation, offering experiences for everyone to learn, enjoy, and remember for years to come.
Become a citizen of the world and an ambassador for the sport by starting your vacation learning Muay Thai in Thailand.
