
What is Muay That?
Muay Thai—or Thai Boxing—was born on the battlefields of the 15th century, during the legendary clashes between Thai (or Siamese) armies and their bitter rivals, the Burmese. Trained in the weapons-based fighting method known as Krabi Krabong, these early Thai soldiers also became famous for their toughness in close-quarters weaponless combat, where legs, knees, elbows and hands took the place of swords and sticks. This type of weaponless fighting became Muay Thai, known as the “Science of Eight Limbs.”
Why try it?
There are many reasons for why you should consider Muay Thai, here are a few of the most convincing:
Fitness -
Different martial arts use different muscles at different rates of intensity. A concept in fitness is to shock the body with new movements and exercises. The logic is that the body tends to adapt very quickly to routine and you end up burning less calories by doing the same thing over and over. The body is an efficient machine and quickly figures out the easiest way to do something. By cross training though, you do not let your body get comfortable. For example, a Muay Thai workout is a highly intense cardio workout with elements of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. In any case, the point is that you should try to put your body in different situations. You will burn fat more effectively, you will get fitter more quickly, and you will build a better body.
Self Defense -
If you are taking martial arts because you want to learn the art of self-defense, then you should really learn the art of self-defense. Unfortunately, 95% of martial arts that are taught around the world are ineffective in a real life situation. This is the sad truth. After 15 years of the UFC, it is now widely accepted around the world that the most effective systems are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Wrestling for real life hand-to-hand combat situations. For better or for worse, the traditional martial arts (such as Karate, Taekwondo, etc) have not done well in real life situations.
Variety and Fun -
The longer you do something, the more repetitive it gets. To keep things fresh and exciting, you need variety. As they say, variety is the spice of life!
Physical Benefits:
- well proportioned body
- strength and agility
- resistance to illness
Mental Benefits
- courage, determination, and self-confidence
- intelligence and wisdom
- discipline and good spirit
Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.