Women within Muay Thai overview
Muay Thai class's in some gyms around the UK, like ours, are now boasting
some 25% of their students to be women. Both dedicated and enthusiastic,
more and more women are now turning to Thai Boxing for fitness and
self defence purposes, not to mention the number of talented female
fighters out there desperate to gain the recognition and fight experience
they deserve.
This is surprising due to the historic nature of Muay Thai.
Previously women where not allowed to touch or go near a boxing ring,
let alone enter one. As it was seen that women would bring misfortune
to the boxers competing and the spectators watching or gambling.
Even now a days there is still a little un-equalness.
The womens boxing ring is always a foot or so shorter in height than
the mens. Not only that but men are allowed to train and fight in the womens
ring. However, if a women was to even touch the mens ring she would be scorned,
if not worse. Also as a last, if not small difference, women must enter the ring
through the middle, or bottom ropes. She may may not enter over the
top of the ropes as her male counterparts. In fear that she may be
higher than anything symbolic or sacred.
I think that within Thai Boxing some traditions should be upheld, if not fought over.
However, it is a pleasure to see that the Thai Boxing fore fathers have the foresight to allow women to compete on a near equal parr as the men, and in time who knows, these nuinces may disappear altogether. At least it shows that the sport is still developing, and will continue to do so.
I wish all female Thai Boxers the best of health and luck with their future fights and challenges.
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