Muay Thai-Boran
In genuine Muay Thai all eight weapons can be used: two fists, two elbows, two feet and two knees. Please note (for crying out loud) that there is a bloody big difference between Muay Thai (an Asian fighting system dating back centuries) and kickboxing (a Western version, most popularly adopted by Americans dating back to the 1950's!).
Today Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport. There are thousands of arenas throughout Thailand, two of the most famous being Rajdamnern and Lumpinee in Bangkok, the capital city. Here fights are held every single day. Thousands of fans place bets on their favourites. Muay Thai is very big business, with children as young as seven already being sent to live in training camps. In Thailand, Muay Thai is not some mysterious warrior art, but a way of life. A talented fighter can earn a good living, enough to at least support his family.
For more information about Muay Thai / Muay Boran, please go to this Wikipedia article.
For a very humorous look at fight night in Thailand, read this article written by Steve Rosso.
Why do you sometimes call it Muay Thai and sometimes Muay-Boran ?
Muay Thai is the modern version with the fancy gloves, Muay-Boran is the traditional version with the nappy rope round the hands! But seriously: at BODYSHOCK you will learn both modern and traditional styles as they are complementary. And we are big advocates of the authentic so if you want to be a Thai boxer, you'd better also know Muay Boran.
Who is Muay Thai-Boran suited to?Ah come on. What do you expect us to say?? For men, women, children, toddlers and pets!! Think hard whether you want to learn a fighting art where everything (except biting) is allowed (that excludes most pets right there). Children don't take well to having someone kick them in the stomach - even if they know it's coming! We suggest that you be at least twelve before you contemplate Muay Thai.
What exactly do I need for Muay Thai-Boran training?
At the beginning, you'll be fine with a pair of loose shorts, a t-shirt and barefoot. Pretty soon you should go for groin protection, a mouthpiece, shin guards and gloves.
What about fighting in tournaments?
If Julio says you can, you can. You will have to become a member of AITMA and probably provide a doctor's report saying you're in shape to fight. Julio wants anyone planning on fighting in tournaments to regularly survive Military PT (free class if you're a BODYSHOCK member)! Please ask Julio for details on what it takes to be an AITMA member, etc. and follow his advice if he says you aint ready!
OK - so you can really fight with all your weapons?
Not really, at least not here in Germany. There are some tournaments where you can choose to fight with head, elbow and shin protection; there are also events where you have to wear protection. Most tournaments in Germany forbid elbows to the head. It all depends on the club/organisation holding the tournament and your opponent...
Do I have to fight ?
No! You don't have to fight. It's fine to learn Muay Thai-Boran "just" so you can use it if you ever have to, or just to keep yourself fit. If you want to see whether fighting is for you, you can come along to Friday night sparring and get in the ring. The worst injury we've had (and it's rare!) is a broken nose. Beginners get to wear protection anyway. The worst that should happen are a few bruises, but hey, the exception proves the rule, right?
When is Muay Thai-Boran training at BODYSHOCK?
- Every Mon., Wed. und Fri. from 9:00 am until 10:30 am (everyone)
- Tuesday from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm (beginners please!)
- Tuesday from 7:30 pm until 21:00 pm (advanced)
- Thursday from 7:30 pm until 21:00 pm (everyone)
- Friday from 6:00 pm until 19:30 pm (sparring)
Anything else ?
Just come along and do a free class. Please fill out our Free Tryout Form and bring it with you. Don't forget to have your parent or guardian sign it if you are under 18. Without the form we can't let you join in - just in case you stub your toe - and watching is no fun when you're itching to join in!
BODYSHOCK is a member of the German Muay Thai Federation and AITMA (Association Institute of Thai Martial Arts).