 The history of Muay Thai kickboxing is a long and varied one. Here is an attempt to break down the progression of Muay Thai into the various eras of Thai history from the style's humble beginnings in the Nan Chao era to Rattanakosin period. Article courtesy of www.thaiboxingsuit.com Nan Chao Era 748 - 1238
King P. Laouko build his empire called Nan Chao, which was under the ruling of tough kings. Thai was at war with China sometimes as friend or as enemy. During this period, the practice of weaponry was used in the combat, for example, swords and pikes. In Ranna period, the fighting technique used was similar to Cheung (Chinese fighting technique). Most combat in this period used weapons more than hand-to-hand because it's the fight for freedom and the land.
Sukhothai Era 1238 - 1378
In this era, the hand-to-hand combat was still used in the battlefield, however, the weaponry were used more. The institutions which taught muay can be separated into 3 categories:
- The temple (wat) whom the teacher was the monks with exceptional fighting skills.
- At home where the knowledge was pass from one generation to the next.
- The Royal Institute where the skills taught were utilizing the weapons on the back of horses, elephants, bulls, and buffaloes. Other activities were local festivals, native dances, hunting, and kite flying.
Ayuthaya Era 1350 - 1767
In this era, the knowledge of Muay Thai was handed down from Sukothai Era continually, for example, hunting, native dance, and socializing activities. The temple was stilled the place to learn and practice muay.
1358-1631 Flying kites was very popular among the people in this period. Its popularity caused an order of the law which stated that flying kites were not allowed close to the palace.
1632-1690 In this period of Majesty Pra Narai Maharak, the sport was at its peak, for example, boxing and boat racing. In the period of Somdet Prachao Suer or Kungluang Sorrasak, he was highly interested in the art of muay. At one time, he went to look upon the local along with his guards, dressing like commoners. He went to the local festival and entered in Muay Thai contest. When the local know that he's a fighter from Ayuthaya, they match him up against the best fighters they have. Prajao Suer won all the three fights in the row. He also passed down his skills in boxing and sword playing to his sons, Jaofah Petch and Jaofah Porn.
During this period, whoever was skillful in swords and thrust-fight must also be good in muay. The reason being is that the skill of muay is required in battlefield. Therefore, the main purpose of practicing muay in this period was so that the individual can serve in the military. When the war was over, Muay Thai was fight for enjoyment. There would be fighters from different villages competing and betting against each other in local festivals. Muay Thai at that time would fight with bare-hand.
In 1767, after the broken up of Ayuthaya, many Thais were taken as prisoners to Myanmar. General Suki chosen Nai Khanom Tom to represent Muay Thai fighter and went to fight in Myanmar. He used his skill in muay to fight against 10 Myanmar's soldiers, and he had beaten them all. King Kung Angwatas of Myanmar complimented on how dangerous Muay Thai can be even to use only 2 bare-hand to fight. King Kung Angwatas rewarded Nai Khanom Tom with money and two wives. Nai Khanom Tom is like a father in Muay Thai because he helped make the art of Muay Thai known to other countries. Even until today, his name is stilled popular among the Thais. In the early period of Ayuthaya, muay was changed from fighting with bare-hand to using rope to wrap around the hands, this kind of fighting is known as Muay Kad Cherk. The fighters could fight to death because the rope used can have fragment of glasses causing Muay Kad Cherk to be filled with danger.
Kung Thonburi Era
In 1771, Myanmar invaded the town of Chiangmai and the town of Pichai. Praya Pichai (Tongdee Funkao) brought the army to fight against Myanmar, he fought until his two swords were broken and able to protected to town. Praya Pichai was skillful in muay, sword, and battlefield-fight, which led him to the rank of Praya given by King Thonburi (King Taksin). In this period, the popular sports were boxing, sword playing, flying kites, boat racing, takor, and chest.
Rattanakosin Era 1782 - to the present
In the beginning of RamaI to RamaV, the kings favored sports tremendously. King RamaIV would have his kin practiced swords which is a popular sport among the people. KingV appointed skillful official to led each sport. The king would give them rank, for example, Muenmuay Maen Mud and Muen Cha-ngad Choeng Shok. These officials would operated in various sports and these sports were promoted as followed.
1. Flying kites - the athlete would compete for King's cup. KingV appointed Somdet Kom Praya Damrungrachanuparp to draft the rules and sealed it as Rule of Flying Kites Sanamluang.
2. Sword playing - KingV was very knowledgeable about swords. He supported the practice and competing in this sport widely.
3. Muay Thai - KingV was skillful in muay so he organized fighting events in both the city and countryside.
4. Track and field - KingV first organized competing events on January 11, 1897 at Sanamluang. The Ministry of Education was responsible for this competition.
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