If you are interested in martial arts, you must have been familiar with Muay Thai, but have you ever heard of its ancient predecessor, Muay Boran?
Meaning "ancient boxing" in Thai, Muay Boran is a traditional martial art with deep roots in Thai culture that spans back hundreds of years. Nowadays, Muay Boran has gained popularity worldwide as a unique and intriguing form of exercise, self-defense, and a fascinating art form that reflects the history and traditions of Thailand.
In this article, we'll explore the history and origins of Muay Boran, how it differs from Muay Thai, the different styles of Muay Boran, and its place in modern-day martial arts.
What is Muay Boran?
Muay Boran is an ancient Thai martial art that has been practiced for centuries. The term "Muay Boran" means "ancient boxing," and it encompasses a range of different styles that were developed and refined over time.
At its core, Muay Boran is a form of combat that emphasizes striking techniques using various parts of the body, such as fists, elbows, knees, and feet. It also involves grappling and throwing techniques, as well as joint locks and submissions.
While the practice of Muay Boran has declined over the years, it has experienced a resurgence in recent times as a traditional art form and as a basis for the modern sport of Muay Thai. Many of the techniques and principles of Muay Boran have been incorporated into Muay Thai, and they continue to influence the martial arts world today.
The Origins and History of Muay Boran
Muay Boran's exact origin is not entirely clear, given that its history spans many centuries and has been influenced by various cultural and historical factors. However, it is generally believed that the roots of Muay Boran can be traced back to the early history of Thailand when it was known as Siam.
During the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), it was common for soldiers to receive training in Muay Boran, and it was even used as a form of entertainment for the royal court. The techniques were gradually refined over time, evolving into a more organized and systematic form of combat.
Eventually, Muay Boran became an integral part of Thai culture and was used in both military and civilian contexts. It was also influenced by other combat systems from neighboring countries, such as Cambodia and Burma.
Today, Muay Boran is recognized as a significant aspect of Thailand's cultural heritage and remains a symbol of the country's martial arts legacy.
Muay Boran Styles
Muay Boran encompasses a wide range of techniques, styles, and tactics. The art was developed in various regions of Thailand, and each region has its unique style of Muay Boran. Some of the most famous styles include:
Muay Chaiya
Muay Chaiya, also known as Muay Giow, originated in southern Thailand in the 19th century. The style focuses on posture, speed, and powerful elbow and fist strikes, with an emphasis on a well-developed defense system. Muay Chaiya also has a weapon-based counterpart known as Krabi Krabong and features moves inspired by animal postures. The style gets its name from the town and province of Chaiya.
Muay Khorat
Muay Khorat, on the other hand, is the style of northeastern Thailand, with a focus on force and powerful punches. The style takes its name from the informal name of the town and province of Nakhon Ratchasima, which is shared by the people living in the same province.
Muay Lopburi
Muay Lopburi hails from central Thailand and is considered the most philosophical of the four styles. It emphasizes developing one's spirit and fighting intelligence, with a focus on smart boxing techniques. Like the other styles, it takes its name from the town of Lopburi.
Muay Thassao
Finally, Muay Thasao originated in the north and is the youngest of the four main styles. Its name, which means "monkey feet" in Thai, suggests the style's emphasis on speed and fluidity. Despite being the youngest, it represents Muay Boran the best because of its practical postures, fluid movements, and good defense approach. Unlike the other styles, Muay Thasao does not take its name from a specific town or region.
While these four styles are the most common and well-known, Muay Boran has many other lesser-known styles that focus on thematic movements. However, we cannot include all of them in this article, because it’s just too many. Now, we will compare Muay Boran to Muay Thai.
How Muay Boran Differs from Muay Thai
Muay Thai and Muay Boran are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different martial arts. Muay Thai is a modern combat sport that is a simplified version of Muay Boran. It involves a more limited range of techniques and rules, making it a safer sport for athletes to compete in.
One of the primary differences between the two martial arts is that Muay Boran involves a broader range of techniques, including grappling and throws, while Muay Thai focuses more on striking techniques. Muay Boran also emphasizes the use of traditional weapons, such as the sword and staff, which are not used in modern-day Muay Thai.
Despite their differences, both martial arts share many similarities, including their use of powerful striking techniques and defensive maneuvers. They also both require a high level of physical fitness, discipline, and mental fortitude to master.
Muay Boran in Modern-Day Martial Arts
While Muay Boran is a traditional martial art, it has a significant influence on modern-day martial arts such as Muay Thai and MMA. Many of the techniques used in Muay Thai, such as kicks, punches, and knee strikes, are derived from Muay Boran. In fact, Muay Thai was developed in the 1930s as a sport based on Muay Boran, and it has since become one of the most popular martial arts in the world.
Many modern-day martial artists study Muay Boran to learn about the traditional techniques and tactics used in the art. They use this knowledge to improve their performance in other martial arts or to develop their unique fighting styles. Some schools also teach Muay Boran as a separate art form, emphasizing the preservation of the traditional techniques and the cultural significance of the art.
In conclusion, Muay Boran is an ancient and traditional Thai martial art that has played an integral role in Thai culture for centuries. Its unique techniques, styles, and philosophies have influenced modern-day martial arts, including its most famous descendant, Muay Thai.
At Ubud Muay Thai, we welcome beginners, intermediate, and advanced practitioners to train and develop their Muay Thai skills with our experienced instructors. Come join our community and start your Muay Thai journey today!