What is Muaythai?

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Muaythai or Thai kickboxing, which is known as the art of eight limbs, is one of the toughest forms of martial arts known to mankind.

This national sport of Thailand is fast gaining popularity in the subcontinent, especially in the metros of Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Muaythai involves the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins (which constitutes of eight limbs) to attack the opponent. But the sport transcends martial boundaries as well where specific styles such as MuayChaiya and MuayBoran are also used as dance forms.
The reason for Muaythai’s growing popularity in India is because of the emergence of exporters of Muaythai accessories. Amit Lalwani, who runs a Muaythai academy in Mumbai, says, “We usually teach our students a combination of technique and workout. Different people have different objectives in learning Muaythai. Some do it to learn the technique; some see it as a workout process while others just see it as a source to release the aggression in their system.”
Even schools are introducing Muaythai in their sports curriculum. “Children are very keen to learn about the sport — not just about the technique, but also about it’s history and culture,” says Amit who is coaching students in St. Stanislaus, Billabong International and Singapore International School.