Our Muay Thai Fundamentals program introduces students to partner training with contact and builds on the basic mechanics that are taught in the Fitness Kickboxing classes. Students learn practical application of the basics by working with a partner and drilling techniques in our progressive system. Students will learn technique and the value of teamwork while developing agility, timing, and coordination. Light contact, partner-based pad work, and structured drills teach practical self-defense and fighting skills.

If you have previous Muay Thai experience, please call 757-383-9293 to discuss trying out this class. 

Required Gear: 16oz sparring gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a HOMT t-shirt.

         History Of Muay Thai & What We Stand For

   Muay Thai is the cultural Martial Art of Thailand. The origins of Muay Thai date back several hundred years, and it was developed as a form of close quarter combat that used the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai developed as tribes migrated down from China through Vietnam, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and Cambodia. One major tribe, the Siamese (Thai), fought fiercely to survive as they moved south into what is now Thailand. Through loss of life, military strategy, hand-to-hand combat, and rigorous training, the basic elements of a “fighting-style” began to form. 

Muay Thai, also known as “the art of eight limbs “, compares the limbs of the body to weapons of war. Fists as swords, comparing the straight punches to thrusts and curved punches to swings of the sword. Elbows are used viciously at close quarters to cut like knives. The forward leg strikes, or teep kicks, are similar to long range thrusts from a spear or staff. The round kick resembles the swing of a battle ax or mace. Knee strikes cause devastating blunt force trauma at close quarters. The forearms and shin bones are hardened into armor in training and the grappling techniques focus on throwing your opponent to the ground for a easy kill. 

A popular Thai legend is that of Nai Khanom Tom. It lends truth to the ability of highly skilled Muay Thai fighters. In 1767, the Burmese army sacked the Thai capital city of Ayudhaya (100 miles from Bangkok). To celebrate his victory over the Thai, the King of Burma held a festival and celebration. During the festival, prisoners from Thailand were ordered to fight the best Burmese fighters for entertainment. Among those prisoners was a Muay Thai fighter named Nai Khanom Tom. 

When Nai Khanom Tom entered the courtyard to fight, he asked for a moment to prepare. He then began a slow ritualistic dance around the courtyard waving his hands and arms. The Burmese fighters looked on in fear, as they thought Nai Khanom Tom was trying to curse them with evil spirits before they fought. When asked what he was doing, Nai Khanom Tom explained he was giving respect to his Muay Thai teacher, his sport, and his country by performing his short dance. Many believe this may have been the origins of the Wai Khru Ram Muay which is still performed to this day by Thai fighters before their fights.The Ram Muay is unique to each Master instructor who teaches his students. The student will dance in each direction of the ring approaching and touching the corner posts with a prayer, showing respect to his opponent and to the spirits.

When the fight began, Kai Khanom Tom easily defeated the first Burmese fighter. The Burmese fighter pleaded that he had lost because he was cursed by the Thai. However, Tom went on to defeat 10 more Burmese rivals with combinations of hard, chopping, debilitating kicks and elbows, fast punches, and throwing his opponents to the ground. The Burmese King was impressed with Nai Khanom Tom's ability and skill in the face of danger. After defeating his last opponent, the Burmese King granted Nai Khanom Tom his freedom.Tom returned to Thailand as a hero, and lived out his life teaching Muay Thai. 

Because the legend of Nai Khanom Tom is so well-known, he is called the "father of Muay Thai." Muay Thai is celebrated on March 16th in his honor.

Before the 1920’s, Muay Thai was a hidden cultural gem inside Thailand. During WW2, the foreign soldiers got their first real exposure. Soldiers from abroad were so impressed with the Muay Thai fighting style they asked Thai Soldiers to teach them. Muay Thai was named Siam Boxing, as Thailand was formerly named Siam. As Muay Thai gained international interest, rules were added to align with other governed sports like boxing. Roped boxing rings were introduced to replace courtyards where the Thai fighters would fight. Hemp rope and leather bindings were replaced with boxing gloves and hard-cover groin protection was added. Formal rules were introduced. Stadiums were built, weight classes, and championships were devised and fights were divided into five rounds. 

Today, Muay Thai has gained world-wide recognition. Generation after generation have honed this fighting style into what is now considered the gold standard striking style in the world. All serious professional full contact fighters incorporate Muay Thai into their training and with MMA gaining such massive world wide popularity, Muay Thai will continue to evolve. Coaches and training camps similar to ours across the world will continue to battle test and hone Muay Thai for years to come.