Muay Thai, a global martial art is transforming lives through tradition, fitness, and self-defense
Muay Thai, often known as the ‘Art of Eight Limbs,’ is a dynamic martial art originating from Thailand. This combat sport includes punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, and has propelled it from ancient battlefield techniques to a globally recognised sport and fitness discipline. The roots of Muay Thai can be traced back several centuries, to the military training of ancient Thai warriors. Originally known as ‘Muay Boran,’ this art utilised every part of the body for combat. In the late 19th century, during King Rama V’s reign, ‘Muay Boran’ was formalised into what we now know as Muay Thai.
As Isar Kabir, cofounder of Vanquish Combat, points out, martial arts have historically empowered individuals for self-defence. King Rama V significantly contributed to Muay Thai’s establishment within Thailand’s national identity. By 1921, the sport transitioned to a more organised form with standardised rules, and by the 1980s, it gained global recognition. While the precise arrival of Muay Thai in Dhaka remains uncertain, its presence has notably grown. Shadman Sakif, owner of Legacy MMA gym, stands out as a pivotal figure, being the first Bangladeshi to compete professionally in Muay Thai, and that too in Thailand. With three professional and four amateur Muay Thai fights to his credit, Sakif has significantly contributed to the sport’s burgeoning popularity within the country.
Training in Muay Thai is rigorous, including shadowboxing, pad work, heavy bag training, footwork drills, and sparring. Strength and conditioning exercises enhance endurance and athleticism. Participants often share transformative experiences; for instance, Risal, a new practitioner, noted significant improvements in weight loss and stamina. “I was overweight when I joined the sport,” he said. “I was already going to the gym but joining Muay Thai took it up a notch further. I lost weight faster and my stamina improved significantly.” Risal recounts that, where in the first few months he couldn’t spar for more than a minute, six months later, he could spar for 2-3 minute rounds consecutively.
Respect and discipline are foundational to Muay Thai. Fighters perform the Wai Khru, a ritualised dance honouring trainers and ancestors, highlighting the cultural significance of the sport. This dedication to discipline extends into the training itself, building mental strength and resilience for daily life. The supportive Muay Thai community further reinforces this, fostering solidarity and accountability, as Risal attests. Finally, the rigorous training serves as an effective stress reliever, promoting mental clarity and focus.
Muay Thai offers extensive benefits beyond physical fitness, including improved cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance. It encourages weight loss through intense calorie burning and self-defence.
Sanjida Tanny, the Country Lead for Partnerships, Investor Relations and Communications at Wagely, shares her training boosted energy and confidence. “When I joined Vanquish Combat to learn Muay Thai, my primary focus was fitness – and, of course, given the current state of the country, self-defence. Eight sessions in, I can confidently say it has given me much more. I feel a shift in my energy, newfound strength, and most importantly, a boost in confidence!”
Muay Thai’s popularity has surged globally, particularly in Western nations, fuelled by media and social platforms. The sport has grown beyond traditional competitions, with many gyms catering to both serious practitioners and those seeking fitness. Tanny, who contemplated martial arts training for years, exemplifies this. MMA’s rise has further popularised Muay Thai. For example, Risal found Muay Thai training in Dhaka, which he initially thought was unavailable. “I was pleasantly surprised because prior to that I didn’t know that Muay Thai training was available in Dhaka. The training schedule and fees seemed very flexible and the coach, Quazi from Dhaka Muay Thai, was very chill and welcoming – I felt I could go forward at my own pace.” Additionally, online fitness platforms have made Muay Thai accessible to a wide range of audiences, offering video tutorials and workouts.
For many, especially women, Muay Thai serves as a tool for empowerment and confidence-building. “As women, we are often told to take up less space, remain timid, small, and skinny. My lessons here are helping me break those stigmas and misconceptions about what a female body should look like,” expresses Tanny.
Kabir, too, encourages greater participation in Muay Thai gyms, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment. “With the current instability, crimes and assault arising in the country, everyone should be versed in protecting themselves and their loved ones, especially women.”
Muay Thai transcends its identity as merely a martial art; it embodies cultural heritage and spirit, gaining a significant following in Bangladesh. Whether pursued for self-defence, fitness, or competition, Muay Thai captivates and empowers practitioners across the globe. With rising interest, Muay Thai is set to continue to be an important aspect of the global martial arts landscape in Bangladesh for the future.