The story of Muay Thai

For younger readers: ages 8 to 11, read aloud if you like. Switch to for teenagers and adults.

1. 1Why is Muay Thai called the art of eight limbs?A French visitor writes about fighters he saw in 1687, a king boxes in disguise at a temple fair, and two boxers from France arrive with a challenge. · 3 min
2. 2Who was Nai Khanom Tom?A prisoner of war, a festival in Burma and 10 champions: the most loved story in Muay Thai, the day that remembers it, and what historians say. · 3 min
3. 3What was Thai boxing like before gloves?Hands bound in rope, a king who loved tournaments, three fighters honoured in 1910, and the old styles named after the places they came from. · 2 min
4. 4How did Thai boxing get its ring and its gloves?A ring at a college in 1921, red and blue corners in 1923, referees and timed rounds, gloves, and the two great stadiums of Bangkok. · 2 min
5. 5Why do fighters dance before they fight?The wai kru ram muay, the teacher who stands behind every fighter, a sacred headband, an armband with a story, and the music that plays. · 3 min
6. 6Who brought Muay Thai to Britain?Three Thai masters start teaching in Europe in 1975, a gym opens in Manchester, armbands and Khan grades arrive, and a seminar comes to Glasgow. · 2 min
7. 7How did Muay Thai become a world sport?World championships in 1993, a new way to spell the name, a place in the World Games, recognition by the Olympic movement, and British championships today. · 3 min

Written from checked sources, listed on the sources page. Pictures are drawn, with computer help, under our direction; none shows a real child. Recorded chapters and words are read by a computer voice; a word not yet recorded uses your device's own voice.