Michael McMillan

Muay thai is the form of martial art which began its journey from the Kingdom of Thailand more than 2000 years ago. Now it is popularly known as ‘thai boxing’ all over the world. Muaythai is the art of fighting without the use of any weapon.

Thai boxing can be differentiated from the general form of boxing, as it includes the use of hands, elbow, feet and the knee. It’s not only an art of fighting; it is also a form of science, with discipline, knowledge and respect.

Thai boxing is an art which needs to be practiced with proper training. It not only keeps you body in good form and proper shape; it improves your blood circulation and builds up your nervous system. Regular practice enhances the flexibility of the body, which means better use of the bones, muscles, and the tendons in bending and moving the body.

It is very important to be brave in order to practice the Art of Muaythai. One must accept the danger and pain involved in this form of fighting, bravely without any fear. Practicing Muay thai is not only getting physical training but also includes the learning of moral values and disciplines in life. It teaches to be modest, to be confident, to always speak the truth and avoid committing sins in life.

In this form of martial art it is trained to be aware of the weak and the fatal points of the opponent’s body. A fighter can easily defeat the other in less time if he has good knowledge of his weak positions.

One of the unique features in Thai boxing is the music, which is known as the “Sarama”.  It is played before and during the combat session. This Sarama music or the wind music is played before the fight with a ceremony, which the fighter performs to pay his respect and gratitude towards those who insisted and helped him to become a boxer. He thinks of his teacher who trained him with all his knowledge and efforts and of his parents who gave him life. This music helps the boxer to raise his spirits and confidence and make him ready for the real physical combat.

 Muay thai has given born to many great fighters who are now known all over the world. Samart Payakaroon is one of the best among legendry muay thai heroes; he held the title of “Baby Face Tiger”. He accomplished both Muay thai and World Super Bantamweight championship in his carrier.

 One of the most promising muay thai boxer is Buakaw Por  Pramuk. He won the title of K-1 Max World Champion two times till now. First in 2004 at the age of 22 and he reclaimed this title again in 2006. The K-1 Grand Prix is a famous competition which is held in Japan to determine the single best standup fighter in the world.

In Atlanta Olympics 1996, Somrak Khamsing is the first Thai boxer who won a gold medal in feather weight class. He is well known, from then for his swiftness and his reflexes.

Another Muay thai hero in K-1 world competition Kaoklai Kaennorsing once held the title of K-1 grand prix championship in 2004. He is talented at quick maneuver and effective hit. He was called the giant killer after he beat tougher competitor by his technique.

One of my personal favourite fighters is actually a european, his name is...

Dutch born Ramon Dekkers is probably one of the best known western Thai boxers of all time. Ramon Dekkers is to kickboxing what Muhammad Ali was to boxing or Diego Maradona to soccer. He is an athlete who always pursued excellence and perfection; a fighter whose heart was greater than his bodily power. In spite of all his health problems, he showed great spirit and courage. He created kickboxing history; but in doing so he damaged his body irreversibly.

It could be said that since some fighters beat Ramon, they were better athletes. Then again, the same happened to the great Muhammad Ali. Every fighter loses eventually, but greatness in contact sports is not accomplished by any single fight but rather through a remarkable career. Most of the fights Ramon lost were lost on points or because he was not “clever” enough to avoid or cancel a fight like most professional fighters often do because of injuries.

Ramon Dekkers was born in Breda, Holland, a small rural community an hour south of Amsterdam. He was born on 4 September 1969. Ramon Dekkers is a man who enjoyed the challenge of fighting most of all. He fought for 20 years and had almost 200 fights with 175 wins, 90 by KO. He fought many fights in Thailand under Thai rules.iland under Thai rules

He is 8 times World Champion in Kick Boxing and Thai Boxing.

He has fought against some of the top Thai and international fighters of his time. He has competed around the world and won several championships throughout his career. Dekkers is noted as a skilled fighter with powerful punches and kicks, and had a tendency to go head -to-head with his opponents, which made him a favorite with the Thais.

Although muay thai originates from Thailand there are many clubs now world wide, the club i belong to is part of the  the Scottish Muay Thai council,

The Scottish Muay Thai council is Scotlands oldest and largest independent Muay Thai Association. They were formerly part of Master Sken's famous Sitnarong camp. From August 1989 to 1995 They were known as Sitnarong Scotland, headed by Master Skens senior instructor in Scotland John Craig.

Our camp name is Siam Dornadair, meaning Thai Fighter. for further information please follow the link http://www.scottishmuaythaicouncil.co.uk/home/   

There are many competitions held through out the year, if you have any interest in Muay thai it would be a good suggestion for you to go along and see one of the fights, and experience first hand the courage and discipline these fighters have. you can find out dates on this site or primarily on the SMTC website which has up to date info on the fights and where your nearest clubs are located.