Nai Khanom Tom: The Godfather of Muay Thai and His Enduring Legacy
Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," is a traditional martial art that has its roots deeply embedded in Thai culture. One of the most iconic figures in the history of Muay Thai is Nai Khanom Tom, often referred to as the father of Muay Thai. His legendary story and contributions to the art have shaped Muay Thai into the sport we know today.
Muay Thai is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking and various clinching techniques. This discipline is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the late 20th to 21st century when Westernized practitioners from Thailand began competing in kickboxing and mixed-rules matches as well as matches under Muay Thai rules around the world.
The origin of Muay Thai is subject to scholarly debates. It is believed to have been developed by the Siamese army as a form of self-defense and can be traced at least to the 16th century as a peace-time martial art practiced by the soldiers of King Naresuan. Muay Thai was originally called by more generic names such as Toi Muay or simply Muay. As well as being a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, Muay became a sport in which the opponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. These Muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples.
The modern era of Muay Thai began in the 19th century during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who had a personal interest in the sport. The country was at peace, and Muay functioned as a means of physical exercise, self-defense, attack, recreation, and personal advancement. In the early 20th century, Muay Boran (Ancient Boxing) was formalized, and the first descriptive use of the term "Muay Thai" was recorded. The sport continued to evolve, with the introduction of British boxing into the curriculum of the Suan Kulap College in 1913 and the establishment of Thailand's first boxing ring in 1921. The sport was further codified with the introduction of referees, timed rounds, and modern gloves.
Today, Muay Thai is practiced worldwide, with numerous gyms and training facilities dedicated to the sport. It has also been included in various international sporting events, such as the World Games and the European Games. The International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA) is the governing body of amateur Muay Thai, consisting of 128 member countries worldwide and recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted full recognition to the IFMA and Muay Thai, paving the way for the sport's inclusion in future Olympic Games.
The Legend of Nai Khanom Tom:
Nai Khanom Tom's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Thai people and the martial art of Muay Thai. In 1774, during the Second Burmese-Siamese War, Nai Khanom Tom was captured by the Burmese military and taken as a prisoner of war. The Burmese King Mangra, intrigued by the fighting skills of the Siamese prisoners, organized a grand festivity to commemorate the construction of a new Buddhist temple. As part of the celebration, he called for the best Siamese fighter to face off against his Burmese fighters in a Muay Thai bout.
Nai Khanom Tom was chosen as the Siamese representative, and before the bout, he performed an intricate dance, a precursor to the modern Wai Kru, followed by a fervent prayer. This performance showcased the rich cultural heritage of Muay Thai and demonstrated the spiritual connection fighters have with the art. Nai Khanom Tom went on to defeat his Burmese opponent with ease. However, the victory was initially discounted by the match's arbiter, who attributed the win to the distraction caused by the dance and prayer.
Undeterred, Nai Khanom Tom faced nine more Burmese opponents in succession, defeating each one, including a heralded regional kickboxing champion. His victories were a testament to his skill and the effectiveness of Muay Thai. In recognition of his extraordinary abilities, King Mangra granted Nai Khanom Tom his freedom and offered him a choice between wealth and multiple wives. Nai Khanom Tom chose the latter, famously quipping that wealth could be acquired at any juncture.
Nai Khanom Tom's story is not just a tale of personal triumph; it is also a symbol of the Thai people's resilience and the importance they place on their national sport and martial arts. His victories in the face of adversity not only secured his freedom but also etched his name in the annals of martial arts history. Today, Nai Khanom Tom is celebrated annually on March 17th, with numerous statues throughout Thailand attesting to his enduring legacy.
The Impact on Muay Thai:
Nai Khanom Tom's story is not just a tale of personal triumph; it is also the cornerstone from which Muay Thai derives its origins. His victories in the face of adversity not only secured his freedom but also etched his name in the annals of martial arts history. Today, Nai Khanom Tom is celebrated annually on March 17th, with numerous statues throughout Thailand attesting to his enduring legacy.
Muay Boran, the ancestral precursor to modern Muay Thai, is an umbrella term for the ancient unarmed martial arts of Thailand before the introduction of modern equipment and rules in the 1930s. It encompasses a broader array of martial techniques and strategies developed for combat and survival in historical contexts. Muay Boran includes various styles such as Muay Korat, Muay Lopburi, Krabi Krabong, and Muay Chaiya.
Muay Boran was originally developed in the 13th century for self-defense and was also taught to the Thai military for warfare. It is a martial art system that has deadly techniques, grappling techniques, and ground fighting techniques apart from its stand-up techniques. This differs from modern-day Muay Thai, which consists only of stand-up and is only a ring sport. Matches between practitioners of the art then began to be held, becoming an integral part of Thai culture with fights being held at festivals and fighters from different areas of Thailand testing their styles against each other.
During the 1920s-30s, King Rama VII modernized Thai martial arts competitions, introducing referees, boxing gloves, rounds, and Western boxing rings. Many of the traditional Muay Boran techniques were banned or were not practical with the addition of the new rules, leading to a decline in the practice of Muay Boran. However, Muay Boran has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of martial artists like Tony Jaa, who have showcased the combat systems of Muay Thai and Muay Boran in films.
The various styles of Muay Boran include:
1. Muay Chaiya: Created by Phor Than Mar, a Chinese monk, Muay Chaiya focuses on techniques that can be used against heavier opponents and can be practiced by individuals who are not in great shape. The weakness of this style is that the attacks are not decisive and require counterattacks.
2. Muay Korat: Developed in Cambodia and popularized in the city of Korat, Muay Korat emphasizes powerful attacks from both long and short distances. The main weakness of this style is the loss of stamina after multiple strike attacks.
3. Muay Lopburi: One of the oldest styles of Muay Boran, Muay Lopburi focuses on speed and agility, with practitioners using footwork to control the fight's pace and find openings for attacks.
4. Muay Thasao: A more recent style, Muay Thasao emphasizes defense, with practitioners relying on speed and versatility to adapt to their opponent's style and protect themselves from leg kicks.
Over time, Muay Boran gradually transformed into the modern sport of Muay Thai, emphasizing competition and sportive aspects. Today, Muay Thai is practiced worldwide, with numerous gyms and training facilities dedicated to the sport. It has also been included in various international sporting events, such as the World Games and the European Games. The International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA) is the governing body of amateur Muay Thai, consisting of 128 member countries worldwide and recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted full recognition to the IFMA and Muay Thai, paving the way for the sport's inclusion in future Olympic Games.
The Wai Kru is a traditional dance performed before each Muay Thai matchup. It is a gesture of respect, homage, and mental preparation carried out by fighters before they enter the ring to compete. The Wai Kru is deeply rooted in Thai culture and carries spiritual significance. It helps fighters connect with their martial arts heritage, their lineage, and the spirits of the art itself.
Wai khru ram muay is a ritual performed by participants before fighting in Muay Thai competitions. The term "Wai khru ram muay" can be translated as "war dance saluting the teacher." The "wai" is a traditional Thai greeting with the palms together as a sign of respect. "Khru" is the Thai form of the Sanskrit word "guru," meaning 'teacher.' "Ram" is the Thai word for dancing in classical style, and "muay" means 'boxing.'
Upon entering the ring, fighters circle the ring in a counter-clockwise direction and pray at each corner. They bow their heads at every corner three times in salutation to Buddha, Dharma, and the sangha of monks. They then commence the ram muay, the movements of which are said to be based on Hanuman. The ram muay is a personal ritual, ranging from the very complex to the very simple, and often contains clues about who trained the fighter and where the fighter is from. The ram muay is accompanied by music, providing a rhythm to the boxer's movements.
The Wai Kru and Ram Muay are integral parts of Muay Thai competitions and are a testament to the sport's rich cultural heritage. They reflect the respect and gratitude that fighters have for their teachers, parents, and ancestors, as well as the spiritual connection they have with the art of Muay Thai. The rituals also pay homage to the king and the Buddhist faith, further highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Muay Thai.
Conclusion:
Nai Khanom Tom's legacy continues to inspire generations of fighters. His story is a testament to the spirit, skill, and resilience of Muay Thai. Through his remarkable victories, Nai Khanom Tom has not only secured his place in history but also paved the way for Muay Thai to evolve from a battlefield art to a respected sport enjoyed by millions around the world.
For further reading, please visit the following links:
- [Nai Khanom Tom: The Father of Muay Thai](https://muaythai.com/nai-khanom-tom/)
- [The Legacy of Nai Khanom Tom](https://muaythai.sport/the-legacy-of-nai-khanom-tom/)
- [Muay Thai History](https://muaythai.com/muay-thai-history/)
Citations for the article:
1. "Nai Khanom Tom: Father of Muay Thai - Martial Arts Thailand." [Link](https://www.martialartsthailand.com/articles/nai-khanom-tom-father-of-muay-thai/)
2. "The Father of Muay Thai: Nai Khanom Tom - Easton Training Center." [Link](https://eastonbjj.com/news/the-father-of-muay-thai-nai-khanom-tom/)
3. "Nai Khanom Tom and the Origins of Muay Thai - Discovery UK." [Link](https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/nai-khanom-tom-and-the-origins-of-muay-thai/)
4. "THAILAND- LEGEND: Nai Khanom Tom - The Father of Muay Thai - earthstOriez." [Link](https://earthstoriez.com/muay-thai)
