The Complete Encyclopedia
The most comprehensive Muay Thai resource on the internet. Master techniques, training programs, history, culture, and the legendary fighters who shaped the sport.
Everything you need to master Muay Thai
Complete guide to punches, kicks, elbows, knees, clinch, and defense
Programs for beginners to advanced fighters, pad work, and conditioning
From ancient Muay Boran to modern sport, ceremonies, and traditions
Profiles of the greatest Muay Thai fighters in history
170+ Thai terms with pronunciation, definitions, and cultural context
Complete buying guides for gloves, pads, bags, and protective gear
Master the fundamentals of each weapon
Te Tad / เตะตัด
The roundhouse kick, known as Te Tad in Thai, is widely regarded as the single most iconic and devastating weapon in the entire Muay Thai arsenal. Unlike roundhouse kicks found in ...
Sok Tad / ศอกตัด
The horizontal elbow, known as Sok Tad in Thai, is widely regarded as the foundational elbow strike in Muay Thai and the most commonly used elbow technique in competitive fighting....
Khao Loi / เข่าลอย
The flying knee, known as Khao Loi in Thai, is one of the most spectacular and devastating techniques in all of Muay Thai. This advanced strike involves launching the entire body o...
Plam Matum / ปล้ำมัดหมู
The standard clinch, known in Thai as Plam Matum, is the most fundamental clinch position in Muay Thai and serves as the foundation upon which all other clinch techniques are built...
Mud Trong / หมัดตรง
The jab, known in Thai as Mud Trong, is the most fundamental punch in Muay Thai and serves as the foundation upon which virtually every offensive combination is built. Translated l...
Our complete beginner guide takes you from zero knowledge to your first confident training sessions. Learn what to expect, what to bring, and the first techniques every beginner should master.
The greatest to ever enter the ring
“The King of Muay Thai”
“The Muhammad Ali of Muay Thai”
“The Iron Man”
Muay Thai, often called the "Art of Eight Limbs," is one of the oldest and most revered martial arts in the world. Its origins stretch back centuries into the mists of Southeast Asian history, intertwined with the very formation of the Thai people and their struggles for survival and sovereignty. Understanding where Muay Thai comes from requires looking at its predecessor, Muay Boran, and the long...
Read full article →Essential Muay Thai terminology in Thai and English
/chawk/
To punch. The general Thai term for any punching strike delivered with the fist.
/sawk dtee/
A slashing elbow. Delivered diagonally downward, it is the most common elbow strike, often targeting the eyebrow area to cause cuts.
/yohk kow/
To raise the knee. Checking a kick by lifting the knee and shin to absorb the impact, one of the most important defensive skills.
/dtee/
To hit or strike. A general command used by trainers to signal a fighter to throw a strike at the pads.
/dee/
Good. Praise from a trainer indicating a technique was performed well.
/moo-ay dteh/
A kicker. A fighting style built around powerful and precise kicks, especially the roundhouse.
/mahk wai/
A rattan ball used in training. Traditionally kicked and volleyed to develop leg dexterity.
/bow bow/
Light or easy. An instruction to go light, used during technical sparring where control is emphasized over power.
Muay Thai Bible is a free, comprehensive encyclopedia covering every aspect of Muay Thai — the ancient Thai martial art known as "The Art of Eight Limbs." From fundamental techniques and world-class training programs to the rich history, cultural traditions, and legendary fighters who built the sport, this is your definitive guide to the science and art of Muay Thai.