‘Muay Thai’- the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’ to be launched as ‘Muaythai Association of Karnataka’ takes birth in Mangaluru. Muay Thai 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: Addressing the media persons during the press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Advocate/Notary (Govt. of India), Raghavendra Rao, and also the legal advisor of Muaythai Association of Karnataka said, ” Muaythai Association of Karnataka® (MAK) 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. Already fighters from Karnataka have represented the state in two national events and have bagged 10 medals for the state in total.”
Also speaking during the press meet, Nithesh Kumar-Muay Thai Chief Instructor of Karnataka said, ” Nithesh Kumar – 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); while Uwaiz 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)”..
Kumar further 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 for spreading the art and knowledge of Muaythai in the state, by conducting training camps, self defense seminars and events throughout Karnataka, he added.
The inauguration ceremony of Muaythai Association of Karnataka in Mangaluru will be held on 19 April 2016 at Hotel Kudla- Balmatta, Mangaluru during which the state association members will be announced. The Inauguration will be done by U.T Khader Health & family welfare Minister of Karnataka, and presided over by A Sadanand Shetty-Chairman of Sri Devi Education Trust and a Sports Promoter. Other guests of honour will be Rajgopal Rai-Rajya Parishad Member; Elias Sanctis-President Rotary Club, Mangalore Central; Ravi Shankar Mijar-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, Action Springs Mangaluru will also grace the occasion.
Other members present on the dais during the press meet were Mahesh Kumar D Pandya, Action Springs Mangaluru; Manish Acharya, B.E(CSE) and Sachin Raj Rai- association member.
About Muay Thai:
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origin of Muay Thai 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 glong” 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. Muay Thai 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.
For more details contact : Nithesh Kumar- 9742503202; Raghavendra Rao- 9886267052