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Muay Thai started way back in the medieval ages when wars were
fought with bows and arrows, swords, and pikes, hand-to-hand
combat arms, legs, knees, and elbows. This sport, which was
included in military training, was made famous by King Nareusan
1560 A.D. During one of the many battles between Burma and
Siam he was captured. The Burmese knew of his prowess as the
best unarmed fighter in the realm and gave him a chance to fight
with their best for his freedom. Upon his return to Siam he was
hailed as a hero and Siamese-style boxing, as it was called then,
was soon recognized as a national sport. Boxing in this style
reached its zenith of popularity about two hundred years ago, i.e.,
in the reign of Prachao Sua (King Tiger), when it was indulged in
by all classes of the population.
From those days up until the early part of this century, the fighters,
particularly those in provinces, used horsehide strips for gloves. It
was also a practice at one time to grind pieces of glass into the
hemp if both contestants agreed. Since these practices were
obviously dangerous to the fighters' health, regular boxing gloves
were introduced about 50 years ago and have been used ever
since.
In Thailand, Muay Thai is regarded as a prestigious national sport.
Thai boys will in one or another way, intentionally or
unintentionally, learn how to box Thai style. Even Thai girls will
know enough of the basic principles and to be able to use it for
self-defense when necessary.
Surachai Sirisute, known to his students as "Ajarn Chai" (Ajarn means head
instructor), is the founder and President of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA. The
son of a prominent Bangkok lawyer, the young Chai Sirisute was encouraged to
follow in his father's footsteps. But Sirisute had a fascination with Muay Thai and would
kick his father's heavy bag whenever he could.
Sirisute's Muay Thai teacher, Ajarn Suwong, made a lasting
impression on him. Ajarn Suwong had had a prophetic dream, and
stated flatly when he met the six year old Sirisute, "This is the
champion that will spread Muay Thai to the falang [to the foreign
lands]." Whether that was Sirisute's fate or an internalized message
from a cherished mentor, that mission became Sirisute's life's work.
It remains one which he has pursued with an almost spiritual zeal.
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Surachai Sirisute
Frank and Surachai |
