Muay Chaiya

Muay Chaiya is a style of traditional Thai boxing, founded about over 200 years ago. The founder was an army leader of the Rattanakosin Kingdom[1] in the age of King Rama V.[2] He taught Muay Chaiya to regular townspeople. The word “Muay” refers to boxing and “Chaiya” refers to the name of the city. The people who made Muay Chaiya famous are Kham Sriyapai [3] and Plong Jumnonthong.[4] Plong Jumnongthong popularized Muay Chaiya by showing Muay Chaiya techniques and winning a fight with the boxer from Korat (Nakornratchasrima) [5] in front of King Rama V. Then, King Rama V awarded him the title of “muen muay mee cheu” (หมื่นมวยมีชื่อ).

Muay Chaiya has both of offensive and defensive techniques. Offensive techniques are throwing, smashing, grappling, and breaking. Defensive techniques are dodging, pushing, and blocking. Muay Chaiya also has a specific step called Yang Sam Khum.[6] The word “Yang” refers to walk, while the word “Sam” refers to three, and the word “Khum” refers to a point. Yang Sam Khum uses three steps to change the position of the front and back legs. The key advantage of Yang Sam Khum is its speed and precision.

See also

References

  1. ^ Thailanddaddy “Rattanakosin Kingdom 1782-Present” Retrieved Oct 21st, 2013,
  2. ^ Tripod “King Chulalongkorn [RAMA V]” Retrieved Oct 21st, 2013,
  3. ^ Siamsouth: art and cultural “Kham Sriyapai” (Aug 7th, 2010) Retrieved Oct 21st, 2013
  4. ^ Thai martial art in Phuket Thailand “Famous Boxer” (Dec 20th, 2010) Retrieved Oct 27th, 2013, [1]
  5. ^ Travel information “Nakornratchasrima” Retrieved Oct 27th, 2013, "ข้อมูลท่องเที่ยวทั่วไทย :: จังหวัดนครราชสีมา". Archived from the original on 2013-12-07. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
  6. ^ Baan Changthai: Art and Muay Chaiya “Yang Sam Khum” Retrieved Oct 27th, 2013,