Way Of Life

- Angela Goh

Beyond the sights, food and spas, Muay Thai is an exciting, immersive and healthy way to experience Thailand. This martial arts discipline evolved from an ancient art of combat to a national sport and is now a mainstream fitness trend, attracting amateur and professional fighters from around the world, as well as Thais who punch and kick their way to fitness.

More than just the ability to flaunt ‘spinning elbows’ and ‘flying knees’, recreational practitioners are drawn to Muay Thai for its fullbody, high-calorie burn workout, making it popular for ramping up fitness, self-defence and confidence.

Arlada Jumsai Na Ayudhya, marketing communications director of Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Bangkok, started learning Muay Thai a year ago to spice up her gym routine, and says, “It’s hard, fast and fun. The best part is learning how to defend and attack, so watch out!” Her sentiments echo those of other enthusiasts who find the sport more varied than conventional machines or weightlifting. Practising just once a week keeps Ayudhya feeling strong.

The national sport was originally developed by Thai soldiers when then Siam was at war with neighbouring countries. Described as the ‘art of eight limbs’ for its use of arms, legs, elbows and knees, these ‘weapons’ were better suited then for dense jungle warfare than spears and swords. Today, it has not changed much except for the use of modern protective gear.

Body-mind Connection