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Popularized by Hollywood blockbusters such as the likes of Jean-Claude Van Damme's Kickboxer, Muay Thai or Thai boxing has garnered an international reputation as one of the world’s leading martial art forms. As the national sport of the country the centuries old fighting technique has been used by the Siamese army in battlefields all across Asia. Although a wide variety of kick boxing martial arts are practiced all over Asia Muay Thai differs from other fighting techniques as it integrates the fighting mechanisms of four regional Muays namely, Muay Tarsao, Muay Chaiya, Muay Jearng and Muay Korat which can be identified as ancient boxing methods. Influenced by Krabi-Krabong (sword and baton) or one on one fighting mechanisms used by the Thai armed forces the sport was originally practiced among Siamese military officers who pitted their Muay Thai skills against one another in contests without weight, time and regulatory constraints. Having evolved into a spectator sport over the years the 20th century saw the fight taking place in stadiums all over Thailand with new regulations, boxing gloves, weight classes and time limits put in place. Renowned as an intense King of the Ring sporting event by kick boxing enthusiasts Muay Thai comprises of a variety of kicks, knee stands, grappling techniques, head butts and elbow knocks that require great concentration and cardiovascular strength. As a fighting method that incorporates speed and swiftness with strategic assaults Muay Thai is also known as the Art of Eight Limbs as it focuses on eight points of contact. Considered to be safer than western boxing matches Muay Thai encounters are no less competitive due to the agility and fighting prowess of the well-trained fighters in the ring. Physical conditioning is crucial to the sport as the use of any body part is allowed in the sport which is also ranked among the world’s most practiced self defense techniques. Traditional music accompanies Muay Thai boxing events across Thailand and the main venues for viewing the exhilarating fight night events in the country include Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium while arenas in Phuket and Chiang Mai also host fights on a regular basis. Travellers on the lookout for luxury Koh Phangan hotels will be hard-pressed to find a finer alternative to the Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa, Thailand. Ideally located on a white, sandy beach the stunning villas at the venue make it one of the most resplendent Koh Phangan resorts in the region.
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