Today March 17th is recognized as National Muay Thai Day in honor of Nai Khanom Tom! “Nai Khanom Tom, a warrior from Thailand’s ancient capital, was captured after the Burmese sacked the city in 1767. His fighting style intrigued the Burmese king, who demanded a tournament pitting his own country’s combatants against the Thai warriors. According to legend, Nai Khanom Tom dazzled his first opponent with a pre-fight ritual called Ram Muay, a ceremonial dance honoring his teachers and mentors. Then he proceeded to pummel him, scoring a quick knockout. But the Burmese fighter cried BS, claiming Nai Khanom Thom’s pre-fight dance distracted him. The Burmese king knew how to settle this dispute: If Nai Khanom Thom could defeat nine more consecutive opponents, he would then prove the superiority of his fighting style, earning his freedom as a bonus. Nai Khanom Tom took on fighter after fighter, dishing out abuse, until finally none stood in his way. He earned his freedom, a feat celebrated every March 17 as “Boxer’s Day” or “National Muay Thai Day” in his native country. Every time you practice Muay Thai, every time you strike a bag with your elbow or throw a thunderous roundhouse kick, you honor Nai Khanom Tom’s memory and achievement, whether you know it or not.” So this week when your training realize that you are part of this history, that you’re carrying forth the skills and traditions to keep Muay alive. Think of him and know that with each kick you honor his memory. Happy Muay Thai Day. See you in Class Tonight!
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:18:21 +0000
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