Thai boxing originated as a self defence and developed to become a sport. It is well-known for its various types of forward and backward elbow strikes, Knee strikes, swing and reversing kicks, foot jabbing and all types of fist blows. A great deal of training and coaching is required to develop this skill.
In the old days, Thai traditional boxers 'had their fists and the lower arms wrapped in strings and then soaked in a starchy liquid, granulated glassy material was sprinkled on to lend additional devastating effects. When dry and hard, the pair of dress fists becomes a deadly lethal weapon. Thai boxers of today wear regular gloves and rattan headbands wears boxing trunks with a protective cup sewn on inside to prevent injury from kicks and kneeing. As for spiritual protection
Thai boxers are graded from fly weight to heavy weight, but welter, middle and heavy weight fights are rare. As with other styles of boxing, a referee controls the fight inside the ring and there are two judges who keep score outside the ring. At the opening sound of music, the two boxers in the ring will perform a short ritual of 'Wai Khru' At the signal from the ring referee to fight, both boxers go into action. They fight 3 minutes rounds alternated by 2 minutes rest periods.