by John Wolcott
As legend has it, sometime around the late 1700’s on March 17, a Thai boxer by the name of Nai Khanom Tom, who was held captive by the King of Burma, fought and defeated ten Burmese boxers sequentially earning himself his freedom. As the story goes, Tom’s first opponent was so thrown off by the performance of Tom’s Wai Kru that he attributed his loss to the ceremonial dance. Because of this the referee declared Tom’s victory invalid. Tom was then ordered to fight nine more opponents, consecutively defeating them all. The Burmese King, who was so impressed by Nai Khanom Tom’s capabilities, granted Tom his liberation and bestowed upon him two wives. Nai Khanom Tom returned to Thailand a legend.
Although centuries have passed and times have changed the legacy of Nai Khanom Tom remains. So much so that every year, on March 17, the Muaythai community celebrates in his honor. On this day participants across the world take time to reflect on the sport they love and show gratitude to the ones who teach it, and rightfully so. The job of a Muaythai trainer is often thankless. Generally, the men and women behind the scenes rarely get the recognition they deserve. How many times does a trainer get the pat on the back after their fighter has had a stellar performance? The job of a trainer is the ultimate sacrifice - giving up ones own time, body and energy for the betterment of another. What greater abandonment of the self exists? The idea seems fitting for a sport that melds almost seamlessly with Buddhist tradition. However, it doesn’t stop there.
National Muaythai Day is also a time to reflect upon the sport and art itself. Muaythai is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. I like to think of Muaythai as a microcosm. Something grander than each of us with an almost ethereal quality that cannot be pinpointed. Yet, the trained eye can recognize its existence. Muaythai is bigger than the person or the gym and so on; but without either it wouldn’t survive. Muaythai gives life to the fighter and in return the fighter gives life to Muaythai. It’s the perfect balance between the two that keeps the sport alive. Muaythai is like a living art, where the canvas is the ring and boxers trade in paint brushes for blows. There’s nothing more satisfying than getting to watch two artists create a masterpiece. However, as opposed to other forms of art, the process(the fight) is also the final work; and we as spectators get to see it unfold right in front of our eyes. Was what Nai Khanom Tom accomplished the catalyst for this art as we know it today?
Nai Khanom Tom used a mixture of graceful dance and fierce battle to earn his way to freedom. With present-day Muaythai closely resembling that of the past, traditionally speaking, can’t the same be said for twenty-first-century boxers like Saenchai or Buakaw? Both are known for their meticulous performances of the Wai Kru and steadfast spirit in the ring. It seems as if the message in the story remains timeless; although they may not be prisoners held captive in another country, it cannot be ignored that even today they are still fighting for their freedom, freedom from poverty.
When it comes to Muaythai, we all have our battles to go through to gain our liberation. They may not be the same battles that Nai Khanom Tom went through but they are still battles nonetheless. Maybe you are new to the sport and your battles are finding your balance or perfecting your technique. Or perhaps you are a fighter battling the obstacles of winning the belt or fighting at one of the major stadiums. If there’s one thing that the story of Nai Khanom Tom can show us it’s that those involved with Muaythai are determined and after time, through the conditioning that Muaythai brings, it’s difficult for one to be wavered. However, we should never forget that gratitude and humbleness are what set this sport apart from the rest. So on this day let us recognize those that came before us and have helped to keep this beautiful art and sport alive. Also, let’s thank those that dedicate their lives to passing along what they know, in the hopes that one day we may do the same.
Although centuries have passed and times have changed the legacy of Nai Khanom Tom remains. So much so that every year, on March 17, the Muaythai community celebrates in his honor. On this day participants across the world take time to reflect on the sport they love and show gratitude to the ones who teach it, and rightfully so. The job of a Muaythai trainer is often thankless. Generally, the men and women behind the scenes rarely get the recognition they deserve. How many times does a trainer get the pat on the back after their fighter has had a stellar performance? The job of a trainer is the ultimate sacrifice - giving up ones own time, body and energy for the betterment of another. What greater abandonment of the self exists? The idea seems fitting for a sport that melds almost seamlessly with Buddhist tradition. However, it doesn’t stop there.
National Muaythai Day is also a time to reflect upon the sport and art itself. Muaythai is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. I like to think of Muaythai as a microcosm. Something grander than each of us with an almost ethereal quality that cannot be pinpointed. Yet, the trained eye can recognize its existence. Muaythai is bigger than the person or the gym and so on; but without either it wouldn’t survive. Muaythai gives life to the fighter and in return the fighter gives life to Muaythai. It’s the perfect balance between the two that keeps the sport alive. Muaythai is like a living art, where the canvas is the ring and boxers trade in paint brushes for blows. There’s nothing more satisfying than getting to watch two artists create a masterpiece. However, as opposed to other forms of art, the process(the fight) is also the final work; and we as spectators get to see it unfold right in front of our eyes. Was what Nai Khanom Tom accomplished the catalyst for this art as we know it today?
Nai Khanom Tom used a mixture of graceful dance and fierce battle to earn his way to freedom. With present-day Muaythai closely resembling that of the past, traditionally speaking, can’t the same be said for twenty-first-century boxers like Saenchai or Buakaw? Both are known for their meticulous performances of the Wai Kru and steadfast spirit in the ring. It seems as if the message in the story remains timeless; although they may not be prisoners held captive in another country, it cannot be ignored that even today they are still fighting for their freedom, freedom from poverty.
When it comes to Muaythai, we all have our battles to go through to gain our liberation. They may not be the same battles that Nai Khanom Tom went through but they are still battles nonetheless. Maybe you are new to the sport and your battles are finding your balance or perfecting your technique. Or perhaps you are a fighter battling the obstacles of winning the belt or fighting at one of the major stadiums. If there’s one thing that the story of Nai Khanom Tom can show us it’s that those involved with Muaythai are determined and after time, through the conditioning that Muaythai brings, it’s difficult for one to be wavered. However, we should never forget that gratitude and humbleness are what set this sport apart from the rest. So on this day let us recognize those that came before us and have helped to keep this beautiful art and sport alive. Also, let’s thank those that dedicate their lives to passing along what they know, in the hopes that one day we may do the same.
Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHey John,
ReplyDeleteThis is very cool and informative article. i have not known that there is National Muay Thai Day.
Cheers