Muay Thai is a 2000 year old art form and is recognized as the national sport of Thailand. According to Kat Prayukvong and Lesley D. Junlakan, the term Muay originated as a practical fighting skill using the head, fists, elbows, knees and feet with or without additional weaponry. Historically, Muay in conjunction with Buddhism was initially used as a combat skill. Over time, Muay was used:

• As A Means Of Personal Advancement
• As Training For Royalty And The Elite Sport
• For Military Training
• For Self-Defence
• For Exercise And Recreation
• In Fitness Programs

Today, Muay Thai uses only four of the natural weapons: hands, elbows, knees and shins. Muay Thai’s popularity has grown rapidly and is now practiced in over 100 countries. It will be presented for the first time as a demonstration sport in the upcoming summer Olympics.