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Despite of the sport originating from a lethal self-defense, bouts of Thai boxing, also known as kick boxing or Muay Thai in Thai, are characterized by an extensive ceremonial set-up and a show of graceful swaying and weaving of the arms at the beginning of the fight. In a solemn prayer ritual contestants pay homage to their teachers - to the tune of Thai musical instruments, which continues during the fighting but stops during rest periods. Except for the head, all parts of the body are offensive weapons.

The most effective weapons are the knees and the feet. Knock out is the common fate of the loser in Thai boxing, normally resulting from well-aimed kicks on the head. The sport started in medieval times when wars were fought with hand weapons so that in close fighting the knowledgeable use of arms, legs, feet, knees and elbows could be a formidable advantage. The sport, which was included in military training, was given prominence by King Naresuan in 1560. Before ascending to the throne, during one of many battles between Burma and Thailand he was captured by the Burmese. Knowing of his prowess as the best, unarmed fighter in the realm, he was given the chance of combat fighting Burma's best. He quickly vanquished all his opponents, who were no mean fighters, thus winning his freedom. Upon his return, he was given a hero's welcome Thai Boxing was hailed a national sport.

From then until just a few years ago horsehide strips and hemp were used in lieu of gloves. Thai boxing bouts are commonly held during festivals. Boxing stadiums have been established in almost every province. In recent years Thai boxing has become popular in the West and clubs have been established to promote and teach it in many countries. In keeping with the times, the rules and regulations of Muay Thai have been up-dated, mainly to reduce the health hazards for the fighters. Nevertheless, it's still a very hard sport, potentially more dangerous for the fighters than Western style boxing. Muay Thai takes place in a raised square ring not more than 1.2m above the ground. Each side must not be less than 5.70m or more than 8.20m long. There is a 1m restricted area around the ring for officials.

The contest is divided into no more than 5 rounds, each 3 minutes long, with a two-minute rest period between the rounds. Today boxers wear gloves and red or blue trunks, appropriate to their corners, but no shirts or shoes. A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual. Amulets may be wrapped around biceps or waists if they are completely covered with cloth. Eight standard divisions of weight limits range from the Mini Flyweight, no more than 47.7kg to the Heavyweight over 80kg.

There are two judges and a referee who also acts as a judge as well as a timekeeper. The outcome of a match may be in one of five ways:

Knock Out - When an opponent is unconscious or unable to regain his feet in the ring prior to the count of 10 Technical K.O. - If the referee decides that one contestant is not fit to continue he may order the fight stopped. One contestant can give up. When there is no K. O. a decision is given by the judges and the referee on points. Each boxer may score 10 points per round. The winner of the round gets 10 points; the other will get not less than 6. In the case of a draw, each receives 10 points. Scoring is based on the skill, effectiveness and aggressiveness of a fighter. When one contestant is dismissed from the ring by the referee because of a serious foul, victory is awarded to his opponent. Fouls range from talking impolitely to hitting an opponent when he's down. If the foul does not put the opponent at a disadvantage or hurt him, the fighter committing the foul is given a warning and has one point deducted but if the opponent is put at a disadvantage or disabled, the one committing the foul automatically loses the fight.

The referee can give two warnings; the third warning will mean that the one committing the fouls has lost the fight. In case of an unintentional foul which causes an injury so serious that the fight cannot continue, the referee stops the contest and decides for a Technical KO or a draw. For boxers who do not follow the referee's orders, or for fights considered to be fixed, the judges have a right to declare, "stop contest and no decision".