Muay Thai in the Modern World
Today the sport of Muay Thai has expanded outside of its home country with international events occurring around the world. Fights and promotions occur in France, China, Japan, America, Brazil and many other countries. There are several international organizations that help promote the sport, as the art of Muay Thai continues to grow.
The emergence of Muay Thai on the world stage has been a boom for Muay Thai Factory BKK as the factory originally started as an oversupply center. When the major brands of Muay Thai were overbooked with orders, the excess work would go to the people at Muay Thai Factory BKK. The ability of our workers to replicate top of the line Muay Thai gear and equipment was so successful that Muay Thai Factory BKK was born.
Located in Samut Prakan, Muay Thai Factory BKK is close to the heart of Muay Thai. We are just 30 minutes south of Bangkok where the major Muay Thai Stadiums of Lumpinee and Rajadamnern reside. The site is also close to a collection of Muay Thai gyms including Yokkao, Sitsongpeenong, Fairtex, Eminent Air, FA Group and many others. The proximity to the camps has allowed us to produce and repeatedly test its products. We have crafted the best and highest quality Muay Thai gear.
Muay Thai Factory BKK has begun to expand outwards and is now giving emerging brands the ability to create their own gear with their own logos. We want to push the sport and the art further, giving back to the sport that has done so much for them.
Origins of Muay Thai
The origin of Muay Thai Factory BKK is tied to the sport of Muay Thai. The ring sport originated from the martial arts of Thailand dating to the middle of the 16th century. The Thai people used what would become Muay Thai to defend themselves against Burmese invaders. The old style martial art was called Muay Boran.
The history of Muay Thai is also the story of Nai Khanomtom, the legendary Muay Thai boxer. The Thai fighter was captured by the Burmese in 1767 and was given the opportunity to fight for his freedom. He defeated several Burmese boxers in a row and was freed from captivity. His story became legendary amongst Thai people and he is known to be one of the originators of Muay Thai.
With the victory of Nai Khanomtom, the sport began to be practiced regularly by the common Thai people and bouts would be held at local festivals and celebrations. These bouts were commonly held at temples. The rules were not codified and the boxers’ hands were completely wrapped in hemp rope extending up the forearms for protection. Soldiers were also often trained in the art of eight limbs.
Muay Thai, the art of eight limbs, is named after the eight weapons a boxer can use when fighting. Boxers can punch, kick, knee and elbow their opponents. In 1925, King Rama VII began to codify the sport after Thailand’s first boxing ring was built in 1921. Soon, fighters began wearing modern style gloves along with steel cups to protect them from shots to the groin. Rounds were established with each Muay Thai fight composing of five three-minute-long rounds. Boxers were also separated into weight categories.
The boxers also began to wear mongkols, the sacred headdresses, and wore prajiads, the sacred armbands. The tradition of the wai khru ram muay dance is performed before each bout. The ceremonial dance was a way for the boxers to show their respect for their teachers, trainers and gym.
Rajadamnern is the oldest existing stadium in Thailand that was built in the early 1940s. The construction took a mere four months and resembled a Roman amphitheater with no roofing. Six years later the stadium was covered with a concrete roof. Since then, the stadium has had regular bouts every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday with the best of Thailand’s Muay Thai fighters coming to battle it out at the legendary stadium for money and glory.
The other prominent stadium was Lumpinee. The original stadium was built close to Lumpinee park and hosted a large number of legendary fights. Recently, the stadium moved to Northern Bangkok near the Don Muang Airport. The modern facilities make it an attraction for Muay Thai fighters and tourists alike.