Research

This week, I spent the time researching the moves and history of Muay Thai as part of my new goals after I got the injury. I kind of feel bad for not going to class but I'm sure I will next week. Even after I got off crutches, it still hurt walk fast or do movements requiring my feet/ankles. 

So here's what I got from researching the history of Muay Thai:

Muay Thai was created in the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th century. Sukhothai Kingdom was what eventually evolved into Thailand. It eventually fell into decline when the capital was invaded by the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1349. 

Soldiers were taught hand- to hand combat and how to use weapons which eventually evolved into Muay Thai (มวยไทย) and Krabi Krabong (กระบี่กระบอง). Muay Thai became part of the culture of the early people as they would learn the art for self defense, exercise or discipline. Even monks would instruct at Buddhist temples. 

Movements of Muay Thai

Here are some sources that I looked at:

This video demonstrated 15 traditional Muay Thai moves which classify into 4 types of moves: punching, kicking, elbowing and kneeing. These moves are very advanced. This video was filmed in Ayutthaya. 

                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjUjyOzySSI

Next, I looked at a pdf with images of kicks and and a list of the types of moves. I took a screenshot of part of the picture.

Recently, my brother bought a punching bag. I've been using it to practice the moves I know which are jabs, crosses, hooks, roundhouse kick and switch kick. Still, my form isn't correct yet. I keep lowering my guard. When I kick, the foot that does the kicking has to come back to the same spot it was in. When I spar with Pat, I have to remember to keep my hands in front of my face. I'm sure I'll get it right eventually. 

Edit 3-30-23

Here's a video of me practicing kicks incorrectly. I have since learned how to do it right but I don't have any videos. 

Taking this video actually helped me a lot. I could see what to work on. Some things I should do are moving my left hand to block (and bring it back to in front of my face after the kick) and straightening my leg. 

Bonus Section: My trip to the old capital, Sukhothai in 2018

Sources: 
1. World Thai Boxing Association https://thaiboxing.com/about/muay-thai-history/
2. International Federation of Muay Thai Associations https://muaythai.sport/history-of-muaythai/

3. Tiger Muay Thai https://www.tigermuaythai.com/about-muay-thai/history

4. https://muaythai-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EN-Mongkon-Magazine-MuayThai-Moves-PDF.pdf