Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing), Thailand’s national sport, has evolved from Muay Boran – an ancient unarmed combat technique used by Siamese soldiers. Muay Thai is well known for its effective kicks and punches as almost any part of the body is considered as a target and any part of the body, except the head, can be used to strike an opponent. Today, Muay Thai has become a globally popular martial art, attracting thousands of non-Thais to practice this demanding sport of Thailand.

In Muay Thai, before fighting, individual boxers will perform the Wai Khru ceremony and Ram Muay (a Muay Thai boxing ceremonial dance). In addition to paying respect to their masters or teachers, Wai Khru and Ram Muay is a traditional ritual demonstrating a fighter’s respect and gratitude for the sport and the Buddhist religion. When the sound of traditional Thai music begins (the unique pipes and drums of Muay Thai) the pre-fight ceremonial performance starts.

To help ensure that the ancient traditions of Muay Thai can continue, each year on March 17 the Thai boxing community celebrate “National Muay Thai Day” or “Boxer’s Day.”  This day is used to pay extra regard to some of the most important Muay Thai traditions, such as the Wai Khru and Ram Muay traditions of respect.  The day is also to commemorate the achievements of one of Thailand’s most famous warriors, Nai Khanon Tom, over 250 years ago.

According to stories, the legendary Nai Khanom Tom, a warrior from Ayutthaya, defeated ten consecutive Burmese army fighter’s in-part due to his pre-fight ritual or Ram Muay.  It is said that the series of gestures and movements can distract an opponent and that the ritual gave the fighter time to concentrate on the next match and to gain inner strength.  Nai Khanom Tom earned his freedom and his legend will continue as long as the sport of Muay Thai survives.

This year the World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony (Nai Khanom Tom Day) will be held on March 10-17, 2010 at City of Ayutthaya Stadium, Ayutthaya. The event will feature Wai-Kru Ceremony, Muay Boran and Krabi – Krabong Seminar, light and sound presentations and more. This festival will attract numerous Muay Thai boxers from around the world who will journey to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom.

To witness the arts of Muay Thai, take this chance to experience this once a year event if your are going to be here in Thailand.

For more information: TAT Call Center 1672 (local cell phones)