Is Muay Thai Kickboxing a Good Street Fighting Martial Art?
Muay Thai or Thai kick boxing has seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where many of the competitors employ this brutal and sometimes deadly art. In fact the Gracies were inspired to promote mixed martial arts matches after a trip to Thailand where they saw competitions similar to those in their native Brazil. Muay Thai has been the national sport of Thailand long before the UFC though, and steeped in ritual. The sport can also be found in other parts Southeast Asia and is known as Pradal Serey in Cambodia and in and Malaysia as Tomoi. What attracts many competitors to this martial arts form is its lighting attacks of hands and feet. Unlike Western style boxing, traditional or “old school” Thai boxing didn’t end until somebody got knocked out. It is a brutal and demanding combat sport. In Thailand training begins at a young age with boys beginning training as soon as they are able to walk. Women are also involved with the sport and h
