Women in combat sports have made significant strides in recent years, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. From boxing and kickboxing to mixed martial arts and wrestling, women are now competing at the highest levels of combat sports and gaining greater recognition for their skills and athleticism.

The history of martial arts in Asia is a fascinating topic with a rich and varied history. Martial arts can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of martial arts practice found in China as far back as 4000 BCE. Over time, martial arts evolved and spread throughout Asia, with each region developing its own unique styles and techniques.

One of the most significant changes in Muay Thai's history was the introduction of boxing gloves. Before the use of gloves, Muay Thai fighters used only their bare hands to strike their opponents, resulting in many injuries and even fatalities. The use of gloves was initially met with resistance, but eventually became a staple in the sport.

With the relic of Muay Thai shows in Thailand, Lumpinee stadium recently announcing a rather controversial move to only allow foreign visitors and expats to watch its future Muay Thai bouts and also rumours that Rajadamnern stadium will be forced to relocate to a new area there hangs an air of uncertainty about the future of Thailands national sport.

With Muay Thais popularity peaking more than ever around the world, more and more gyms are popping up globally. For decades in Thailand, Muay Thai has been branded with the reputation of a ‘poor mans’ sport, those who trained were often from rural villages and poor families, training and fighting in Muay Thai as a crutch to push themselves out of poverty.

Muay Thai is often compared to the game of chess. For every move made there is always an effective counter, where IQ can trump sheer aggressiveness and strength. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional there is always room to learn some new tricks so here are 5 Muay Thai techniques to add to your arsenal.

 

At the tender age of 17 in a small city in Estonia, Marie Ruumet was packing a small bag of essential items, a few clothes, hand wraps, boxing gloves and some training shorts getting ready to set off to the other side of the world to pursue her dream of becoming a professional fighter, she remembers,

“I started training at 15, I started because I just wanted to take up a sport but everything I tried just didn’t really suit me.