Baan Chang Thai Muay Chaiya, a hidden gem of Thai

Muay Chaiya is a versatile fighting style that incorporates both attack and defense techniques. It emphasizes the importance of defense to enhance the effectiveness of our attacks. Through proper practice, we can learn to seamlessly attack and defend at the same time. Despite its defensive focus, Muay Chaiya is a well-rounded martial art that prepares practitioners for any situation.

Muay Chaiya is an authentic and original style of Muay Thai, which is known for its comprehensive approach. It incorporates simultaneous defense and immediate counterattacks, delivering techniques with precision and care. However, these aspects have been neglected in modern-day Muay Thai. The emphasis in modern Muay Thai is on using physical strength rather than durable techniques. As a result, the elegance and beauty of the martial art are lost. Hence, the main difference lies in the techniques employed.

Muay Chaiya is open to both men and women. At "Baanchangthai," we have a significant number of women and girls who train in Muay Chaiya. Our student community includes children, teenagers, students, and adults, with a reasonable representation of women.

The suitability of learning Muay Chaiya for older individuals depends on their overall health. We have had students as young as 5 years old and as old as 70 years. However, it is important for each individual to be in good health and listen to their body during training. Rest when tired and don't push too hard. The body will adjust over time.

You can definitely learn Muay Chaiya at "Baanchangthai" even if you have no background in martial arts. We place great importance on teaching the fundamentals and believe that mastering the basics is crucial. We understand that some students may not have prior experience, and they need not worry about falling behind. Learning other martial arts beforehand does not necessarily accelerate progress in Muay Chaiya. However, by being diligent, hardworking, persevering, and persistent, you can achieve success in a shorter period of time.

The extent of hindrance may vary depending on your level of training in the other fighting style. It is important to give yourself time to adjust to the new approach in Muay Chaiya. However, if you are able to mentally separate the two styles, it should not pose a significant obstacle.

The applicability of Muay Chaiya in ring competitions depends on the student's intentions. If the goal is to improve health, fitness, and self-defense skills, Muay Chaiya can certainly contribute to these aspects. However, if the intention is to compete in the ring, Muay Chaiya can also provide a syllabus specifically tailored for ring competitions, taking into account the necessary adjustments to comply with the rules and regulations of the game. Many martial arts students who practice Muay Chaiya have successfully participated in both amateur and professional fights by adapting to the requirements of the sport.

People often wonder, is Muay Boran real? The term "Muay Boran" literally means "Ancient Muay Thai" and was coined in 1970 to distinguish it from modern Muay Thai, which includes Western boxing techniques. Muay Chaiya has gradually integrated some Western boxing elements, but whether it is regarded as a form of "Muay Boran" is subjective and depends on personal interpretation.

Like any other martial art, different teachers bring their own unique interpretations and improvements to the techniques. They all share a common foundation rooted in fundamental exercises. So even though each teacher may have their own way of executing the techniques, they ultimately connect back to similar roots and practices. In this way, the various styles and adaptations of Mauy Chaiya enhance its versatility and ensure it continues to evolve over time.

You don't need to speak Thai to learn Muay Chaiy; many of our international students, who don’t know the language, successfully master the art. At Baanchangthai, we have instructors available who can communicate in English to support you.