Martial Arts of the world: October 2007

Muay Thai also know as the art of eight limbs, originated in Thailand. Muay Thai was original called Muay Boran, which means ancient boxing, Muay Boran later broke up into many different types of martial arts including Muay Korat which emphasized strength, Muay Lopburi emphasized movements, Muay Chaiya emphasized posture, Muay Pra Nakorn emphasized speed, and the more famous Muay Thai. The practice of Muay Thai was kept up largely by Buddhist monks who were the keepers and teachers of all arts. As every Thai man is compelled to live as a monk at least once in his life the art grew in popularity among common people. As well as continuing to function as a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which the exponents fought in front of spectators. This kind of muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples.

Bear Hug

Your walking down the street one day and you get grabbed from behind. This is a Bear hug and it can be very dangerous if you don't know how to get out of it.

The first thing you want to do is loosen your attackers grip. One of the easiest way is to kick up between the legs. Some other thing you can do Include stomping the foot (this has a high chance of breaking the attackers foot), head butting, swinging your elbows into the ribs, and if you can get a grip on a finger and twist.

While holding your attackers arms lean forwards and spread your legs wider. This helps you to unbalance your attacker.

While your attacker is still unbalanced bring your leg behind his, and lift up his legs. The attacker is now stuck in your arms unable to do anything. One of the key things to remember you to hold on to your attackers arms at all time.

Then whenever you want drop the attacker, and if need be kick him while he is down.

Head Lock

Another common attack when in a fight. The head lock is very dangerous to be in; The goal of the attacker is to cut of your air circulation. When you can't breath you can't think and you will lose consciousness.

The first thing you want to do is loosen the attackers grip by ANY means necessary. The quickest and easiest way to loosen the attacker is and upward chop to the groin. Other things you can do bite them, stomp the foot again, use your heel to kick the shin, and such.

After the attacker's grip has been loosen; step behind the attacker and grab the back of their shirt/neck and pull backwards. At the same time your pulling the shirt left the back of his knee up into the air. this will cause him to lose balance and fall down.