There are several legends about the origin
of Muay Thai boxing, but over the years it has developed
into one of the most effective martial arts in the world.
In the late sixties and early seventies,
Europeans and Americans began to delve more and more into this sport. During
this period, it was also introduced to us Westerners!
While the history of the transformation is
complex, we basically turned Muay Thai into kickboxing by omitting certain
techniques and the ritual dances around it (the Ram Muai and Wai Khru).
The difference between kickboxing and many
other martial arts from the East, for example, is the lack of katas (performing
techniques with an imaginary opponent). What is also missing, the arm bands
(known as Prajioud), which were traditionally taken from a fighter’s mother’s
dress. (Some countries still use this, for example, Germany).
Kickboxing focuses on the training and
making a good fight happen, rather than on Thai traditions and customs. Says
one leader of kickboxing classes in Bethpage, “The aim of a kickboxing gym is
to help clients achieve a reasonable level of fitness, physical strength,
agility, and technical skills.”
Because of the combination punches and
kicks it is a very complete sport where you employ both the upper and lower
body training.
As a competitive sport, the approved
kickboxing methods (depending on the association and the class you fight) are:
Most punches are allowed by the boxers to
the head and body, including backfist where the fighter pivots on their
vertical axis and keeps a straight arm as their fist hits the head of their
opponent
All areas which are allowed for martial
arts like taekwondo and karate are typically allowed for kickboxing; so to the
head, body and legs. Elbows and knees (only in the upper classes) to the
head, body, and legs, plus
leg sweeps and all hip throws are usually permitted.
The forbidden techniques are direct shots
to the groin, eyes, throat, back, and joints.
In order to understand better the sport (if
the interest is there of course), you can at one of the many kickboxing gyms
found in the New York area, such
as this one in Bethpage, to take a trial lesson.
Contrary to what most people think, these
gyms are very safe, and will not push people to do direct combat. The primary
focus is fitness for most customers. In
most kickboxing programs, they have a beginners group where no sparring exists,
which is great for people who do not want to run the risk of showing up to work
with a black eye the next day.
Kickboxing is a sport that requires a lot
of discipline and perseverance, but pays big rewards in terms of personal
health, weight loss, and self-confidence.
