Muay Thai, or the Art of Eight Limbs, can be traced back to the middle of the 18th century. Born out of war during the battles of Burma (modern day Myanmar) and Siam (modern day Thailand), Muay Thai is widely considered as one of the most effective striking martial arts in the world. Nearly every mixed martial arts fighter in the world has some form of Muay Thai techniques in their arsenal and some fighters have become very proficient with them.
Muay Thai is extremely effective because it utilises eight different parts of the body (fists, elbows, knees, and shins) in combat. It was used by Siamese soldiers during war and once peace came around, Muay Thai became an entertainment sport. These Thai boxing contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. Eventually, the art grew to what it is today.
Muay Thai fighters - just like boxers - developed their own style over the years using all the techniques that they know. Former Lumpinee champion (which is widely considered the most prestigious title in Muay Thai), Saenchai, is known for his cartwheel kick. Two time K-1 World Max champion, Buakaw, is known for his ferocious leg kicks. Following the greats, Kru Mon Rungkiet, who was at FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts recently as a Guest Instructor, developed his own style within the confines of Muay Thai. He is now known as the King of Flying Knees.
Kru Mon started training at the age of six, following the footsteps of his father and uncle. With over 400 fights and winning the Southern Thailand title, Kru Mon is popular among Muay Thai enthusiasts who appreciate his acrobatic style of fighting.
“I started developing my style for Muay Thai by jumping on tractor tyres. That is where I developed my flying knee technique,” said Kru Mon.
Kru Mon learned how to use flying knees from his cousin and former Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium champion, Jomhod Kiatadisak. Kru Mon’s flying knee was so effective that he won Best Knockout of the Year by the Muay Thai Association, Best Knockout of the Year by Lumpini Boxing Stadium and SMM-TV Muaythai Daily's Knockout of the Year in 2013.
After spending more than a month teaching at FaMA, Kru Mon was pleasantly surprised with those training with him.
“FaMA has a really good Muay Thai program and I enjoyed teaching here. Everyone has tremendous potential and it is good that students are given the opportunity to learn from guest instructors,” said Kru Mon.
During his stay at FaMA, Kru Mon gave two Muay Thai seminars (free and open to the public). One on the essential techniques of Muay Thai and a second on utilizing knees in the clinch, as well as body lock throws and body lock breaks for intermediate and advanced practitioners. FaMA is continuously looking to bring world-class Muay Thai trainers to Singapore to expose students to different styles and techniques.
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts training facility located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from the Clarke Quay MRT station, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Each program is led by experts in their respective fields. Whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for everyone.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or The Art of Eight Limbs, is a martial art developed in Thailand thousands of years ago to help the Kingdom protect itself against invaders. Using the human body as a weapon, Muay Thai practitioners are well-versed in punching, elbowing, kicking, kneeing, and clinching with their opponents. What was once only used for self-defence and protection of the Kingdom, Muay Thai has grown to become one of the most popular sports not only in Thailand but in the world. Muay Thai is known to provide a complete total-body workout that will help build lean muscle, core strength, and help with weight loss. At FaMA, Muay Thai classes are taught daily by Tanaphong Khunhankaew, or better known as Kru Ping, and Kru Jerel Louie.