Muay Thai
Muay Thai is an ancient Siamese martial art. In modern times it is also known as Thai Boxing. It is a very practical and easy to learn system from the country of Thailand. The emphasis is on striking with the knees, elbows, high and low kicks, as well as, western boxing, making this class a favorite among fitness buffs and competition-oriented athletes.History
The origins of Muay Thai, which are said to be well over 1000 years old, are closely tied to the history of Thailand itself. Going back to the sixth century AD, various Indo-Chinese tribes began migrating from the kingdom of Nanchao, in what is now the Yunan Province of Central China, to the south. These Indo-Chinese became known as the Thai (meaning free people), because of their refusal to be subjugated by either the Chinese or Xiongnu tribes. The largest migration of Thai tribes came during the 12th and 13th centuries, as the Thai were being pushed out of China by the Chinese and Mongols, who wanted the fertile farmlands. Thai people finally settled in Sukhothai, and founded Siam around 1220 AD.
Because of incessant warfare: whether with the Chinese, Mongols, Burmese, Khmer, or Mon, Thais depended upon their ability to defend themselves. All young men were required to learn the use of weapons: Swords, knives, spears, bows and arrows. Thais did not stop with learning the use of weapons; they also taught themselves to use their bodies as weapons. At first, Thais would use kicks, elbows, and knees, in combination with their hand-held weapons. Thai use of the body evolved into a form of unarmed combat. This was the birth of the "science of eight limbs" fists, elbows, knees, and feet. Muay Thai is a martial art that was born out of combat reality. Thais have a fiery belief in the lethal effectiveness in their fighting art, and have proved it time and time again. -K. Vaitayanon
It's more than just a great workout!"
At the Virginia Beach Academy of Martial Arts we teach classes for people who are looking to get in better shape, improve their self-defense skills, or to compete someday. Class starts with warm-ups and stretching, then the class splits into beginner and advanced groups to work on fundamentals, offense/defense drills utilizing focus mitts, heavy bags, Thai pads, and partners. Class ends with cool-downs and more stretching. Remember, sparring is only mandatory for those of you who wish to reach the higher levels of the art.
Senior instructor (Kru) William Varner has been studying and teaching Muay Thai since 1990. He is certified by the American Thai Boxing Council. His primary teachers are Master Tony Scatturo –military style, and Master Kumron Vaitayanon –competition style. William’s team has the distinction of being the most successful program in the southeastern Virginia area, with 8 national champions over the last three years no other program even comes close.
Introductory Program Special:
$120 includes:
- Leather Boxing Gloves
- School T-shirt
- Shin guards
- One month of lessons
- Registration fee
That’s a $200 value; you save $80!
Train with the only school in Hampton Roads that has produced 8 national champions since 2001!
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