The national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai, is a striking based combat sport. It's roots in Thai culture is what makes the sport truly unique; from the traditional garb, to the ritual dances both fighters perform, to the Thai music that plays while elbows and knees are being delivered.
Muay Thai encompasses eight points of contact: Fists, Elbows, Knees, and Shins, hence why it is referred to as The Art of Eight Limbs. These weapons alongside clinching and sweeping make Muay Thai not only a great self-defense tool, but a deadly one.
Modern Muay Thai incorporates a modern ruleset similar to boxing. They are typically three three minute rounds or five two minute rounds, each with a two minute rest period, depending on the level of the bout.
Points are awarded based on the effectiveness of strikes, defense, and ring control. Some strikes score more than others such as the knees and the elbows. Illegal strikes include those to the throat, back of the head, and the groin. Throws and sweeps must not result in a fighter landing on the head or neck.
Fights can be won by knockout, technical knockout, through points, or disqualification. The points are only considered when a fight has concluded and neither fighter has been knocked out. The points are distributed such that draws are possible.
