Rajadamnern Stadium is one of the most important sites in the history of Muay Thai. The stadium is a legendary place that has housed unforgettable matches and fighters. It is the oldest Muay Thai stadium in Bangkok dating back to 1941. Today, it still stands in its original location and is visited by thousands of…
Back in 1954, Lumpinee Stadium opened its doors in Bangkok, thanks to General Praphas Charusathien’s push. It quickly became the go-to place for Muay Thai, shaping up as the sport’s gold standard. This was where you’d witness the greatest Muay Thai bouts. Winning a Lumpinee championship was like reaching the pinnacle of the sport. But…
King Sanphet VIII was known as Phra Chao Sua, The Tiger King (พระเจ้าเสือ), is a Thai figure who is shrouded in legend and mystery. Born in 1661 in the province of Phichit in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, he started ruling in 1703 until 1709 and had a pretty short but eventful reign of six years. Phra Chao Sua…
Klaew Thanikul (แคล้ว ธนิกุล) lived an exciting life of blood sport, gambling, hitmen, and much more. This underworld boss earned such esteem that he garnered the alias Chao pho Nakhon Ban, which means “godfather of the metropolitan,” signifying his sharp rise to prominence. His early experiences of loss and survival in a severe environment played…
Yutakhun Khom is a martial art that has nearly been removed from existence. It persists today due to the determined efforts of its master. This is a dangerous and ancient Cambodian martial art that is designed to be deadly. Yutakhun Khom is believed to have been practiced and perfected by Angkorian warriors. Unlike other martial…
Arnis, also known as Eskrima or Kali, is the deadly martial art of the Philippines. This fighting form is a precolonial combat sport that the Spanish conquistadors feared as it took the lives of many who attempted to capture the islands. There are three forms of this martial art – Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali. There…
Bokator is an ancient martial art that was used on the battlefield and was nearly put to extinction. The Cambodian-based fighting system is focused on putting an enemy to death, it is less concerned with defeating someone in the ring as a combat sport. It directly translates in English to “Pounding a Lion.” This name…
The Muay Thai scoring system can be complex and controversial. Many outsiders struggle to understand what judges in Muay Thai are looking for. While it is effective striking and aggression, it’s also posturing and body language, The judging and Muay Thai scoring system of combat sports is complex, with different criteria used for different martial…
Kun Khmer is not just a combat sport; it’s deeply entrenched in Cambodian culture and traditions. Throughout Cambodia’s tumultuous history, including periods of great empire and times of foreign occupation, Kun Khmer remained a source of national pride. Kun Khmer, also called Pradal Serey endured and has since experienced a resurgence. Before matches, fighters perform…
Muay Lao is a martial discipline hailing from the heart of Laos. While it may bear a resemblance to other Southeast Asian martial arts, particularly Muay Thai, it distinguishes itself with its foundational practices. What is Muay Lao? And is Muay Lao related to Muay Thai? Also, who would win in a fight, Muay Lao…
