The Art of Eight Limbs! Birth of Muaythai Assn of Karnataka in the City
‘Muaythai Association of Karnataka’ took birth in Mangaluru with the launching of “Muay Thai” which is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
Mangaluru: Muaythai Association of Karnataka® (MAK) which is affiliated to the leading Muaythai organization of India “Muaythai India National Federation (R), which has been conducting several mega events throughout the country providing athletes a very good and safe platform to showcase their skills of Muaythai was inaugurated on Tuesday, 19 April at Hotel Kudla Hall here. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by Sashiraj Shetty, followed by welcome address by Rajgopal Rai, the present president of the Association.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Chief guest ASadanand Shetty- Chairman of Shree Devi Education Trust and a Sports Promoter, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Rajgopal Rai-Rajya ParishadMember; Elias Sanctis-President Rotary Club, Mangalore Central; Ravi ShankarMijar-BJP President Mangalore South; Surendra B, Indian Karate Chief Instructor,Mangaluru; Vishwas Kumar Das, Director V4 Media, Mangaluru; and Anil Das-Director Das Promotions®. Raghavendra Rao of ‘Veritas Legis’, Advocate & Notary(Govt. of India) Mangaluru; Nithesh Kumar, Karnataka State Representative for Muaythai; and Mahesh Kumar D Pandya, Prop. Action Springs Mangaluru also grace the occasion. State Health Minister UT Khader who was supposed to inaugurate the programme showed up late due to his other busy schedule.
Nithseh Kumar, the Founder and Head Coach of Monkey Mayhem Fight Club-Mangaluru briefed the audience about Muay Thai. He also informed about the association members winning many prizes in Muay Thai tournaments like NitheshKumar winning gold medal – 71 to 75 kg category; Akshay Shetty- silver medal- 91+kg category; and Abdul Razzak Sharhan- bronze medal- 67 to 70 kg category in the Senior National Muaythai Championship 2015, (October 1-4, Chhattisgarh); whileUwaiz Jalihal – gold medal -71 to 75 kg category; Abdulla- silver medal- 76 to 80 kg category; Akshatha- silver medal- 45 to 48 kg category; Divya Shree- silver medal- 55 to 58 kg category; Manish Acharya- bronze medal- 57 to 60 kg category;Hemanshu Hegde – bronze medal- 85 to 91 kg category; and Akshay Shetty- bronze Medal- 91+kg category in the National Muaythai Championship- The Federation cup & Title Bouts 2016, (February 18-20, Mumbai)”.
Nithesh Kumar also extended his heartfelt gratitude and respects to one of his martial art Guru Balkrishna Shetty who had trained and nurtured him in the art of Muaythai and MMA. Hailing from Mangaluru, now settled in Mumbai, Balkrishna Shetty also internationally known as Bala is ‘The Tulunad Warrior’ having won 8 times undisputed National Muaythai Champion from 2006 to 2013. He is also Bronze medalist in Asian Indoor Games and Silver Medalist in Asian Martial Art games in Muaythai. He is an International Mixed martial Arts fighter and also the first Indian to get a contract with “One Fighting Championship”Asia’s largest MMA organization. Currently, he is the National Coach for Muaythai India National Federation. “I thank him for his continuous support, for being the backbone of MAK and giving all possible guidance with the formation and running of MAK. His effort to bring up the sport of Muaythai in India is highly appreciable. MAK looks forward for spreading the knowledge of Muaythai in the state, by conducting training camps, self defense seminars, state championships and other events throughout Karnataka” added Nithesh Kumar.
He furthers said that Karnataka State was also awarded as the second best state out of the 25 states of the country that took part in the National event-The Federation Cup 2016 which was held at Poisar Gymkhana, Mumbai. Muaythai Association of Karnataka looks forward to spreading the art and knowledge of Muaythai in the state, by conducting training camps, self-defense seminars, and events throughout Karnataka, he added. All the dignitaries on the dais speaking during the occasion complimented the winners of the Association for bagging various places in the tournaments and wished them luck in their future contests.
Addressing the gathering Minister UT Khader said, ” It’s nice to note that Mangaluru is included in this unique and tough sport. The only thing that I am worried is that since this sport involves lots of kicking and punching, I don’t want anyone to get hurt and get admitted to hospital- and make me visit you at the bed. That was on a lighter side of the vein, but with great training and practice, you will really do good, and bag many more laurels at the National and International level. I am looking forward to see that this association wins top spots in Olympics and International contests. Best of luck and stay kicking”.
Sadanand Shetty addressing the gathering also complimented the young members of the Association for their enthusiasm and courage in taking up a daring sport, and wished them all success in their future tournament and win many more medals. The newly formed members of the Association namely A Sadanand Shetty- Honorable President; Rajgopal Rai-President; Mahesh Kumar D Pandya-Vice President;Raghavendra Rao- Legal Adviser; Nithseh Kumar-Secretary; Sachin Raj Rai-JtSecretary; Manish Acharya-Treasurer; and ABC Narayan -Adviser were felicitated by Minister UT Khader. Association members who had won prizes in various tournaments were also felicitated. A demonstration of Muay Thai art was performed by the talented members of the association, which received loud applaud from the audience. The programme was compered professionally by Nithesh Shetty Yekkar, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
About Muay Thai :
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origin of MuayThai dates back several hundred years, and was, essentially, developed as a form of close-combat that used the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai uses the body to mimic the weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, The elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The whole body operated as one unit where the knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
“MUAYTHAI” has been practiced by Thais for over 2000 years and it’s traditions have been passed down from Generation to Generation as with most ancient Self Defense.
One of the oldest traditions is a dance called “RAM MUAY”, which every boxer performs before a fight. Before every fight the boxer “seal the ring” by circling three times, after which they perform the “RAM MUAY”, showing respect to their opponents and opposing camps, as well as parents, teachers and whatever religions they may believe in. Many boxers will display their techniques in this warm up and it is the perfect opportunity to study opponents.
For some boxers, the Ram Muay represents deep spiritual beliefs while for others it’s the perfect warm up before a fight to get the mind and body ready for competition. The music is referred to as “wong pee null and is played by four musicians, each with their own instruments, pi java (Javanese oboe), glong kaek (a pair of thai drums played by 2 musicians) and a ching (small Thai cymbals). The songs are very specific, only played in Muay Thai. Every boxer wears a traditional headband, called a “Mongkon”, which dates from the beginning of Muay Thai history- it is believed to bring good luck to the competition. Many boxers also wear a “Prajiad” around their biceps, also a long tradition.
Muay Thai fighters often begin training when they are 6-8 years-old. They will begin fighting between 8-10 years of age and may have as many as 120-150 fights ( 3 times as many as a very active boxer ) before they are 24 years old. Muay Thai fighters do not generally have long careers because of starting at such an early age and how physically demanding the sport is on the fighters. Injuries are quite common in Muay Thai fights. From cuts and lacerations to the face and head to broken bones and severe sprains of muscles and ligaments, Muay Thai fighters deal with injuries their entire career. Muay Thai fighters are known for their ability to ignore pain and injury.
Today, the evolution of Muay Thai is finally reaping rewards and recognition. MuayThai was recently accepted as an Olympic sport, and it is becoming quite popular in many countries throughout the world. Professional fighters in martial arts, K-1, and submission fighting all agree, Muay Thai is an essential part of being an all-around skilled fighter and having stand-up fighting skills. Muay Thai will continue to grow in popularity as new training camps and gyms open around the world.
If you are interested in learning “The Art of Eight Limbs” please contact : NitheshKumar- 9742503202; Raghavendra Rao- 9886267052