Muay Thai or the popular martial arts of Thailandhas conquered many parts of the globe. Its influence has spread to an international level in recent years attracting a growing number of sports enthusiasts including women wanting to lose weight and tone their muscles.
One part of Asia Pacific where this Thai martial arts has thrived is Australia. Proof of this is the presence of a WBC Muay Thai governing body in the country that serves to regulate and supervise professional Muay Thai events. The Australian body is under the WBC Muaythai Asia Pacific Federation.
Among the most important objectives of the Australian council are to manage national competitions, promote athlete participation up to the grassroots level, promote public interest, improve Muay Thai rules and regulation for the benefit of athletes and the community as well as to encourage and develop athletes and sports administrators.
There’s also Muay Thai Australia, the official governing body for professional and amateur Muay Thai down under. This non-profit organization promotes the art of Muay Thai as a form of self-defense and ring sport. It belongs to the Australian Sports Commision and is affiliated with the World Muaythai Council (WMC) and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA). Training centers and Muay Thai gyms that are members of this organization enjoy the privilege of having their athletes compete at the international level.
Future of Muay Thai in Australia
Muay Thai is predicted to have a bright future in Australia. Currently, the Australian team continues to compete and win in the different international competitions.
Richard Walsh, owner and trainer at Urban Fight Gym in the Gold Coast, said Muay Thai Thailand provides many benefits to people. Basing on his own personal experience, he said this form of martial arts has helped him quit smoking, drinking and improve his eating and sleeping habits. More importantly, though, he said it helped him gain the confidence, sense of pride and discipline he needed.
As a serious fighter who aims to become an Australian champ, Richard Walsh stressed that to be a Muay Thai Thailand fighter means to practice self control, show respect and behave like a martial artist. It’s also essential to keep learning from the experts, he added.
For his part, Muay Thai fighter Luke Leedham from Adelaide said the most important lesson he learned from this martial arts is pushing past his comfort zone in all aspects. This means pushing a little more whether doing cardio training, sparring or fighting in the ring. His words of advice to aspiring fighters? Avoid listening to negativity from people who only want to put you down. Fight for yourself and go beyond your absolute limit.
Jesse is currently on a Muay Thai training course at Master Toddy’s gym in Bangkok, Thailand. He has been studying Muay Thai since he was 15 years old and now has 3 fights under his belt.