It started in the 1400s in Thailand, where it now attracts about 60,000 participants. In Muay Thai, forms are not practiced and punches and kicks are not held. In another form of martial arts practiced here, American-style kickboxing, fighters can only kick and punch above the waist and they wear boxing gloves, protective boots and shin pads. But in Muay Thai, competitors use fists, elbows, knees and feet to strike the upper body as well as most areas of the lower body. And in Muay Thai competitions, boxing gloves are worn but not protective gear.
Protective gear is used, however, in some class situations.
Roufus said the men from Thailand work at his fitness center when they are not at Muay Thai competitions throughout the United States. He believes that because his students work with athletes of this caliber, they get in shape faster and gain a better grasp of the sport's techniques. Stein, who has been taking classes for about a year, agrees. It's like shooting baskets with Michael Jordan. Roufus said Muay Thai helps students lose weight due to the aerobic and anaerobic training, and by working muscles through floor exercises, kicking and punching.