Muay Boran

There are several old styles that were developed in various regions of Thailand that are now lumped into the term Muay Boran ("Ancient Boxing"), such as Muay Chaiya, Muay Thasao, Muay Lopburi and Muay Korat. All have been driven to near-extinction due to the popularity of the stand up ring sport we know as Muay Thai ("Thai Boxing"). Muay boran was developed for self-defense and also taught to the Thai military for use in warfare. Muay Boran is a martial art system that has deadly techniques, grappling techniques and ground fighting techniques apart from its stand up techniques. Many of the traditional Muay Boran techniques were banned in the 1920s or were not practical with the addition of new rules, so it went into decline. However, it is making a come-back also due to movies like "Ong Bak" wherein Tony Jaa shows off the power and devastating techniques it encompasses.

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