The Big Fight is On at the ‘State MuayThai Championship’ held in Kudla- the ‘Land of Warriors’
Mangaluru : The Officers Club arena in Lalbagh has turned into a battle field were the warriors have been fighting with each other, as to who gets knock down first- and it’s happening at the Karnataka State Muaythai Championship hosted at Officers Club, Mangaluru, on Sunday 7th October 2018 where “The Art of Eight Limbs” had once again made its debut in the district in this month of October. It is also the first time in and around Dakshina Kannada & Coastal Districts where the Muaythai Association of Karnataka(R) (MAK) has hosted this grand Combat Sports event of this calibre.
As previously announced, that the Muaythai Association of Karnataka(R) (MAK) will be conducting the state’s major Muaythai tournament as sanctioned by the United Amateur Muaythai Association of India(R) (UAMAI), and it has materialized now. Through this state championship, MAK aims to select and delegate the strongest state team for competition at the UAMAI National Muaythai Championship 2018 which will be held from November 14 to 18, 2018 at Pune, Maharastra.
This state championship event is hosted by Dakshina Kannada District Muaythai Association affiliated to MAK, and the Karnataka State Muaythai Championship will feature some of the highest level Muay Thai Fighters from different parts of the state. The MAK has an excellent history in running their annual campaigns, all of them continuously crown high-calibre champions – capable of performing well for Karnataka in the National and International tournaments.
Few of MAK Achievements are : MAK state team won the Runners-Up Trophy with 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals in MINF National Federation Cup 2016 at Mumbai, Maharastra; MAK won overall champion with 6 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze Medals in Jaipur; MAK has conducted Street and Civilian Self Defense workshop and seminars numerous schools & colleges; and MAK Athletes represented the country in World Muythai Championship 2017, at Bangkok Thailand and won 4 Silver & 1 Bronze medals. By hosting this unifying tournament, MAK has extended exclusive invitations to the tournament champions for the opportunity to compete in the nationals at Pune, Maharastra. This yields a process to give everyone, regardless of region within the state, an equal opportunity to earn a prestigious spot on the team by participating and winning in any of those tournaments.
The Karnataka State Muay Thai Championship on 7th of October at Officer’s Club, Mangaluru began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Rtn Rajgopal Rai -President of MuayThai Association of Karnataka, where he applauded the achievements of his two sons- Bipin Raj Rai and Sachin Raj Rai, whose initiative in starting the Monkey Mayheim Fight Club and Fitness Centre accomplished great things and has also reached greater heights in bagging many laurels in the state and also in the nation. Raj Gopal Rai also complimented his wife, Poornima for extending her full support to her sons and standing by them all the time.
The inauguration of the Championship was done by lighting of the lamp by Sasikanth Senthil- the DC of DK, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely–
A. Sadanand Shetty , Honorable President, Muaythai Association of Karnataka; Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Ex. MLC; Gokuldas Nayak, Joint Commissioner, MCC.; Musharaf, Managing Director, MS Sportswear, Mangaluru; Louis Pinto- President-Mandd Sobhann; joined by Board Members of Muay Thai Association of Karnataka namely- Raghavendra Rao- Legal Adviser; Nithesh Chandra Kumar- General secretary, Bipin Raj Rai- Joint Secretary, Sachin Raj Rai- Organizing/Jt Secretary; and Board members from Muaythai Association of DK namely- V Karunakaran- Senior Adviser, Dr Anayya Kulal- Hon’ble President, Rtn Vikram Dutt- President, Elias Sanctis- VP, Ln Chadrahas Shetty- VP, among many others.
Addressing the gathering DC Sasikanth Senthil in his short and sweet speech said, ” This new form of Martial Arts, which is also a way of life, and through this Mauythai Association will provide ample opportunity for the youngsters to learn something new in Martial arts of self-defence. Through this art you will learn something unique for your self defence and body building. It’s nice to note that Mangaluru has such a unique association promoting this self defence art, which is quite essential these days. I wish the event all success:.
India Coach Muay Thai Balakrishna Shetty briefing about MuayThai said, “Muay Thai” which is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war, where 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 is 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. 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. I am proud to say that people of Kudla are born warriors, and in this land of warriors, its nice to see this MuayThai Association in action”.
Sadanand Shetty also speaking during the occasion lauded the initiative taken by the three partners of the Club namely- Sachin Raj Rai, Bipin Raj Rai and Nithesh Kumar and urged the citizens of Mangaluru to patronize the Association, and also by spreading the news so that the MuayThai will prosper with good business and succeed in their venture. I am quite sure that this new Fight Club started by three energetic and determined youths, will go a long way in providing an opportunity to the youth to learn this art for self-defence and also for physical fitness. It is indeed a proud moment for Mangaloreans to have such a unique club. Best of luck and keep fighting for self-defence only?”
The inauguration of the Tournament was done by cutting the ribbon by A Sadanand Shetty, along with Dc Sasikanth Senthil, among few others. There was a friendly demonstration of MuayThai art by two fighters. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ln Chandrahas Shetty, while the compering of the programme was done by Dr Nanda Kishore Rao and Ms Manisha Ballal. After briefing of the various rules and regulations pertaining to the MuayThai Championship by Coach Balakrishna Shetty, the first fight took place between Dheeraj of Dakshina Kannada and Gaurav of Udupi, in the under 19 years/62-63.5 Kg category, and after three round of fight, Dheeraj emerged as the winner.
There are nearly 70 fighters in this Championship who will be fighting under two categories – under 19 years, and Above 19 years, with the prize distribution being done during the valedictory function held on the same day at 6 pm. U.T Khader, (Hon’ble Minister for Urban development and housing) and also K Bhaskar, Mayor, Mangaluru, among others namely- Rajgopal Rai , President, Muaythai Association of Karnataka; Nalin Kumar kateel ,Member of parliament, Dakshina Kannada; Vedavyas kamath, MLA, Mangaluru South; Umanath Kotian, MLA, Moodbidri; Y. Bharat Shetty , MLA, Mangalore North; Ivan D’Souza, MLC; Dayachand Bhola, General secretary, (uamai); Mansoor Ahmed, Azad Hardware, Mangaluru; and Musharaf, Managing Director, MS Sportswear, Mangaluru will grace the occasion.
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. 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.
Karnataka State Muaythai Championship results
*_Under 19 yrs Boys_*
*48 – 51 KG BOYS*
1st place: BRIJESH
2nd place: NIRAN
*54 – 57 KG BOYS*
1st Place: PRATHEEK
2nd place: PAWAN
*57 – 60 KG BOYS*
1st Place: SAHIL RAO
2nd place: SHREYAS
60 – 63.5 KG BOYS*
1st Place: DHEERAJ
2nd place: GAURAV
*71 – 75 KG BOYS*
1st Place: SHAFIQUE
2nd place: ADITHYA
*75 – 81KG BOYS*
1st Place: ASHISH
2nd place: DAIVIK
*SENIOR FEMALE (19 – 36 yrs)*
*51 – 54 Kg girls*
1st Place: ANWITHA ALVA
2nd Place: MEHA SHETTY
*60 – 63.5 Kg girls*
1st Place: ANISHA R SHETTY
2nd Place: ADHEETA MOILY
*75 – 81 Kg girls*
1st Place: CHRIS
2nd Place: LAZANE
*SENIOR MALE (19 – 36 YRS)*
*51 – 54 KG BOYS*
1st Place: YASHWIN
2nd place: TAFEEM
*54 – 57 KG BOYS*
1st Place: DARSHAN
2nd place: SHODHAN SHETTY
3rd place: SHILIL
*57 – 60 KG BOYS*
1st Place: LEANDER
2nd place: SALIM R KHAN
3rd place: RAHUL U R
*60 – 63.5 KG BOYS*
1st Place: ANKUSH R BHANDARY
2nd place: LALITH
3rd place: SHREYAS M S
*63.5 – 67 KG BOYS*
1st Place: TOSHEEF
2nd place: PRABODH URS
3rd place: JOWIN
*67 – 71 KG BOYS*
1st Place: SHARHAN
2nd place: MANOJ H M
3rd place: DENVER
3rd place: SAGAR ATTAVAR
*71 – 75 KG BOYS*
1st Place: NIHAL
2nd place: RASHEED
3rd place: SOHAIL
*75 – 81 KG BOYS*
1st Place: FARZEEN
2nd place: PRAHALAD
*81 – 86 KG BOYS*
1st Place: HEMANSHU
2nd place: FARHAN
*86 – 91 KG BOYS*
1st Place: AKSHAY SHETTY
2nd place: PRAHAS
