 |
From bare fighting related to using parts of a body as practical weapons itself, this martial art was developed systematically to be Muay in early historical period throughout Suvarnabhumi(Thailand,Burma and Combodia nowadays).It became well knowns Muay Thai by enhancing Thai unique technics and postures during Ayutthaya Era(1350-1767), Thonburi Era(1767-1782) and Rattannakosin Era(1782-Present). |
Likewise improving of Muay Thai, purposes of Muay Thai was also changed significantly along centuries just from using for fighting in a war in order to protect motherland from opponent kingdoms and practicing for a self-defending skill, to eventually fighting for entertainment purpose when the kingdom was peaceful.
Being a center of society associated with providing knowledge to people(especially children) and convening religious events, Buddhist temples allocated some area like a stage for Muay contests and these competitions became apart of Thai culture. Consequently, temple played a major role in conserving this valuable art with local communities.
At first time, Muay contests those usually held at temples had no exact rule,no standard of area stage and no limited time for fighting. There was approximately 8 meters dimension circle, so that fighters were able to move independently.Fighters came and show their martial skills until one side gave in. Mauy was improved to be more standard by using a rope-marked square stage on bare earth instead of round one. Moreover, a fighting length was divided into several rounds by measuring submerging of Kala or a coconut shell.For further detail, a plain coconut was peeled until it had only a shell, and then it was cut and used only bottom half. A hole(sometimes several) was made in the center of bottom in order to let water replace the empty area when Kala was floated on water.
Awards for fighting achievement is nothing rather than common commodities such as rice or corn. However, generally Muay Thai award is rudimentary goods, sometimes winner earned special money on their success
|
