The word MUAY derives from the Sanskrit “MAVYA” which means “to bind together”.
Muay is referred to as the “ Art of Eight Limbs” or the “ Science of Eight Limbs” because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight “ points of contact”, as opposed to “two points” (fists) in boxing and “ four points” (hand and feet) used in other more regulated combat sports, such as kickboxing and karate.
Muay is a martial art of very fine movements, but with exact executions. It has been developed since ancient days throughout Southeast Asia countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. The basic techniques of using the 8 limbs are almost similarly practiced by most nations no doubt some of them provide slightly different skills such as head-butting and etc. however the Siam monarchy promotes it as a culture and heritage since B.E 2516 ( 1973) and today it became a world heritage as well.
In Thailand it was known as Siamese “Muay Boran” or “Ancient Thai Boxing” of which head-butting is allowed. Later it was popularized as “Muay Thai”, the modern Thai martial art with strong emphasis on knee and elbow strikes without head butt.
In Cambodia it was known as “Khmer Pradal Serey” which emphasis more on elbow techniques and in Laos PDR it was known as “Muay Lao”. It is considered as a fighting art which practices throughout the country since the existence of the kingdom of Lao which the techniques used have many similarities as compared to Khmer Pradal Serey.
Malaysian called it “Tomoi”, more popular in the northern states of the peninsular which believed to be descended from the older Muay Boran as it strong influences from the kingdom of Siam in the ancient day. The Vietnamese have their own traditional martial arts called “VoVinam” and the Indonesian traditional martial art is known as “ Tarung Derajat”.
At present, amateur Muay is widely favored and accepted in all continents throughout the world. European Muay Confederation E.M.C with is affiliation to World Muay Federation W.M.F. are indebted and pay respect to all the late Grandmasters and Masters for their work to promote this wonderful martial art which has today captured the eyes of the world.
Today it has become very beneficial for the amateur Muay circles especially Muay disciples, officials, peoples of interest in general and those who love this fine combating art to help develop amateur Muay sport to the highest benefit and stay forever.
European Muay Confederation with its affiliation members pledged to promote and develop Muay sport as a sport for all nations throughout the world.
Continuous fine tuning to its rules shall be done to create common understanding and equal opportunities in competitions and also to remove unnecessary hindrance of differences in religion believes which shall eventually foster better understanding and respect of different culture among all.