History of Muay Thai versus Kung-fu

[GonzoStyles]

http://crane.50megs.com/index6d.htm

for anyone who has wondered about this, in addition Mas Oyama (Kyo-Kushin) and his fighters shocked the Thais in (1976?) when 3 of the 5 fighters they took to Thailand won. Of course this was after many defeats and an analysis of the strengths and weakness of Muay Thai.

Master Toddy told me about this event, he said the Thais were very impressed by the breaking techniques of the kung-fu masters including breaking of coconuts in mid-air with thrusting fingers techniques, they were less impressed after the many first round knock outs.

[academian]

nice site

Nice website Muy thai is an awesome style combined with bjj its absolutly exceptional But both of these styles originated from kung fu They have had hundreds of years of refinment by many matches and many masters. It is no wonder that they are great!

[GonzoStyles]

no disrespect for Kung-fu but that is an erroneous claim with absolutely
NO PROOF, i have never seen any style or form in Kung-fu that even vaguely comes close to the fundamentals and techniques in Muay Thai.
the Khmer peoples of Laos, Cambodia, and Burma also have national arts almost indentical to Muay Thai, but to say that Muay Thai is derived from Chinese Kung-Fu is wishful thinking. The Thai people are more steeped in culture and history from India than China and Muay Thai is more likely related to Kalarippayatt the national art of India than Kung-Fu.

once again no disrespect for Kung-Fu but it's relationship to Muay Thai is non-existent in my opinion.

not to say that some Techniques from Kung-Fu are not effective or that some great masters of Kung-Fu dont exist http://grandmasterpan.com/

but the claim of chinese origin is a myth, similar to the claim that no old Muay Thai teachers exist because of the "Hard" aspects of Muay Thai training on the body, simply not true.

My Ajarn, Thosaphon Sitiwatjana (Master Toddy) was a vigorous gentleman, whose politness and manners are only matched by his skills and abilities in Muay Thai.

Many Thai boxers continue past the "Prime age" of 17-23

Chammuackpetch Harpalang nicknamed "Evergreen" was only one

Jong Sanon Fairtex still trains and competes!

Sot Chitalada after being a Muay Thai champion continued on to a reign as Fly weight champion Record: 26-4-1 (17 Kayos) and has some of the best western boxing footwork I have ever seen! he is also a semi-famous celebrity in Thailand to this day. Owning several restaurants and making pop-music albums!

in my experiance i have never seen a link of any sort between Chinese martial arts and Muay Thai. And the training philosphy is not to cripple or maim to student. Only to prepare him for the force of full-contact blows from naked weapons (shin/knee). San Shou, San Dan and the other forms of full contact "Kung-Fu" are clearly basing their stance/strikes from Muay Thai.
And a little more recognition from these practitioners of these arts on the influence of Muay Thai is long overdue.

[academian]

sorry I thought san shou and san dan were first I am no expert on that art