Christoph Delp - Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques

Copyright 2005 by Christoph Delp. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwisewithout written permission of the publisher. For information contact Blue Snake Books c/o North Atlantic Books.

Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an educational and cross-cultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on the relationship of mind, body, and nature.

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PLEASE NOTE: The creators and publishers of this book disclaim any liabilities for loss in connection with following any of the practices, exercises, and advice contained herein. To reduce the chance of injury or any other harm, the reader should consult a professional before undertaking this or any other martial arts, movement, meditative arts, health, or exercise program. The instructions and advice printed in this book are not in any way intended as a substitute for medical, mental, or emotional counseling with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.

The Library of Congress has cataloged the printed edition as follows: Delp, Christoph, 1974
Muay Thai basics : introductory Thai boxing techniques / by Christoph Delp.
p. cm.
Summary: Focuses on the history and development of Muay Thai as well as providing step-by-step technique and training instructionsProvided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references (p.).
eISBN: 978-1-58394-689-3
1. Muay ThaiThailand. I. Title.
GV1127.T45D453 2005
796.8309593dc22

2005024270

v3.1

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Muay Thai, also referred to as Thai boxing, is a centuries-old traditional martial art. At the present time, it is taught as a sport for fitness, competition, and self-defense.

Muay Thai training promotes the fitness components of power, stamina, agility, coordination, and speed. By continuous training, and following a moderate program, physical fitness can be achieved and maintained in the long run.

As a competitive sport Muay Thai thrills the audience with its hard and spectacular fights. The athletes attack each other for five rounds at the highest technical level. Daily fights demonstrate the efficiency of the techniques.

Muay Thai techniques can be readily adopted for self-defense. In Muay Thai the students learn both how to evade attacks and how to counter.

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I had been involved in full-contact sports for several years before I decided to travel to Thailand for training in 1995. I went to the Maha Sarakham province in northeast Thailand to learn Muay Thai. Master Decha accepted me in his camp and invited me to live with his family. Over a period of several months, I was in continuous contact and dialogue with my trainers Master Decha, Saknipon Pitakvarin, and Kenpet Luksilum, which provided me with the opportunity for an intensive study of Muay Thai. During that time, I developed the concept for my first book, Muay Thai: Sport and Self-Defense.

My enthusiasm for Muay Thai, and the affection of the Decha family and their friends, were the reason for my regular subsequent travels to Thailand for training. I maintain friendly ties with this gym to this very day. In the years following my initial training, I have revisited it on a number of occasions in addition to training in other gyms.

I was fortunate to be trained by the several-time champions Apideh Sit Hiran at the Fairtex Gym and Master Chalee at the Muay Thai Institute. Some biographical notes on these fighters follow. In these two camps I had other good trainers, such as Master Natchaphol, Master Noi, Master Gong, Jakid Fairtex, Kom Fairtex, and Paisitong Jorsambad.

At all the camps in Bangkok, in the provinces of Maha Sarakham, Buriram, and Chonburi, in Pattaya and Koh Samui, which I visited for training, I always enjoyed a warm welcome and respectful treatment. All my experiences with trainers and athletes at Thai gyms were positive. I am very grateful for the help and assistance given to me for the nine Muay Thai books I have published so far.

Author Christoph Delp in front of the Muay Thai Institute, Bangkok, 1999. ()

Muay Thai, a part of Thai culture, should be made accessible to the general public. Muay Thai has given me so much joy; through my books I would like to pass it on. I hope that all readers enjoy these books and that Muay Thai provides them with as much pleasure as it gives me. You will find further information on Muay Thai on the Internet at www.muaythaidvd.com and www.christophdelp.com.

A heartfelt thank you to all who have helped me in the preparation of this book, particularly my family, Master Decha, Oliver and Eckhard Glatow, Amnuay Kesbumrung, Nopphadol Viwatkamolwat, Peraphan Rungsikulpiphat, Songchai Ratanasuban, Colonel Somphob Srisiri, Menny Ossi, Thomas Lett, Daniel Gallus, Richard Delp, and the fighters shown in the photographs.

Chitsanupong Nittayaros. Master Decha. Born 1960, 145 professional fights, many fights as an amateur. He studied sports and graduated in sports and health. He trained many successful Thai fighters and taught in Australia, Greece, Japan, the Philippines, and Brunei.

Chalee Khuntharee. Master Chalee. Fighter name Pharuhatlek Sitchunthong, born 1961, 219 professional fights, five-time champion in three different weight divisions. He studied sports and graduated in sports and health. Master Chalee is internationally known as the former head trainer at the Muay Thai Institute, Bangkok.

Narong Songmanee. Apideh Sit Hiran. Born 1935, approximately 300 professional fights, seven-time champion, challenger in boxing for the WBA and WBC title. Apideh Sit Hiran is considered a living Muay Thai legend and, to many, he is the best fighter of all time. He has also been very successful as a trainer at the Fairtex Gym, Bangkok, and worked outside Thailand in the United States.