Muay Thai as we know it today formed in the 1930's when rules were introduced to ensure the safety of the boxers. Centuries before the introduction of timed rounds, boxing gloves, and weight classes, Muay Thai was a real combat art employed by the old kingdom of Siam to defeat its foes. The ancient art of Muay Thai, known as Mae Mai Muay Thai, is too dangerous for the boxing ring. Trained in Mae Mai Muay Thai, Siamese warriors were capable of killing their foes with only their arms and legs, and the Royal Thai Army used these fighters to protect Thailand's borders from invaders.

As the old legend goes, when Thai warriors were captured by neighboring Burmese forces and imprisoned, they were given a chance to fight for their lives in hand-to-hand combat. The Thai warriors survived, defeating tens of foes each with only their bare hands. The king of Burma had no choice but to admire these fighters who had bested his own!