Jump to content

Reading through Kick boxing: Muay-Thai the Art of Siamese Un-armed Combat by Handy Steadmann - 1976 (full PDF)


Recommended Posts

The full pdf of this book on Muay Thai written by an American serviceman is found here (pdf attached linked after this paragraph.). Looking forward to reading through this as its probably one of the first at-length English language accounts of the sport and art, and it perhaps sheds light on the era before the Golden Age of Muay Thai, The Silver Age, and perhaps even gives insight into the history of Muay Thai in Chiangmai (as he is writing it from there), provincial fighting always something that falls through the cracks of history. The author claims in 1975 to having seen thousands of fights. You can follow this thread by email as a forum member.

Kick boxing Muay-Thai the Art of Siamese Un-armed Combat by Handy Steadmann - 1976.pdf

click on the link above, wait for a minute for it to download.

SiameseKickboxingHeadmann.thumb.PNG.4186e5a9361ad0a64fdd5f17d8075d5b.PNG

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The preface paints the historical picture of ethnic Muay Thai, told from the picture of a Thai scholar of the sport. These sorts of stories are probably best seen as an amalgam of historical fact, ideological myth-building and value-setting. They help us see how scholars such as this one pictured the development of the sport, and how that picture also helped them form judgements about its current state...in this case in the 1970s.

SmartSelect_20241101_135444_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.3fe9c3ad454c8b5876be877d2636b8a2.jpg

 

noting, the notion that wrestling (bplum) is seen as deep to the origins of the art (it may have come during the Indianization of Southeast Asia) is significant in this telling, and the report that the Ram Muay of teachers and camps were once quite distant and coded (perhaps the author is in including this because by 1975 he is already seeing these barriers being broken down by commerce).

Also significant is that it seems like this is probably the origin of the widespread belief that the limbs of the body in Muay Thai originally mimic'd the various weapons that would be used, such that if a weapon is lost you could still replace it, the teep the spear, the wide punch the sword. Notice though that there is no mention of the loss of a weapon. By my intuition it makes much more sense to imagine how strikes with limbs would contain the same movements of that of weapons (Boran circle punches do seem to reflect sword movements) not so much for weapon replacement , but rather that in ring fighting in Siam you could practice those applicable movements safely, and develop an art of them. (There is a story told that Siamese fighting didn't really have "straight" punches until the influence of Western Boxing in the early 20th century, due to the way that punches originally reflected swinging sword.)

SmartSelect_20241101_135426_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.db7579e019bb908ba0f5f7edca4d2bae.jpg

SmartSelect_20241101_135358_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.af3da4e2edff678fe3a61bef6f3e958e.jpg

Importantly, the "damage dimension" of fighting is still classically understood as under a form of restraint in 1975, and even within a picture of lesson-giving, or teaching (Dieselnoi call the great Wichannoi his "kru" for the two losses he suffered from him in the late 70's).

The commercialization of the sport is decried, even before Muay Thai will enter into its most commercial era in the Golden Age, riding the economic boom in Bangkok in the 1980-90s.

 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

SmartSelect_20241101_170257_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.74e0973112ffceee109b84980f917f41.jpg

 

The story of the decline of Muay Thai probably goes back at least a century, if not more, but there are interesting elements to these complaints given in the 1970s by ex-fighters or krus in their 70 and 80s. This would put their memory all the way back to the modernization of Muay Thai in the 1920s, as King Vajiravudh reformed the sport modeling at least the Bangkok version on British Boxing (as he was educated in England for much of his young adult life). Timed rounds made fighters less endurance fighters, and weight classes narrowed the skill sets of fighters. Once, it is told, small fighters had to know how to beat much larger opponents (untimed fights would help in this). This is an interesting criticism as in the 1970s lower weight fighters had begun to under the Bangkok stadia scene for the first time, as can be seen in this 1991 complaint about Muay Thai and the influence of the very big promoter Kru Tao (see below).

In 1991, looking back on the 1970s and 1980s, the inclusion of smaller fighters was seen as the loss of Muay Thai at it acme. In the 1970s though old school fans were saying that small fighters used to face big fighters all the time...probably also looking at the Muay of the 105-112 lbers who had come upon the stadium scene at the time.

 

Old timers, reaching back into the 1920s, saw the sport as rightfully a sport more of conditioning and endurance, and one in which smaller bodied fighters possessed skills which allowed them to defeat much bigger opponents. By the time of the Golden Age (1980-90s), this turn would increasingly come to some of the rarer small-bodied fighters like Karuhat, who would end up fighting up beyond his proper weight class (perhaps 115 lbs), facing elite fighters at 122 and even much larger...but not Middleweights. In the Golden Age elite small fighters had to fight up because gambling would force them to greater challenges, and the reputation and pay at the higher weights was a lure. This still did not equal the picture of early Muay Thai when weight classes did not exist, at least as far as 70 year old felt in the 1970s.

Also worth tracking is that even by the 1970s putting on Entertainment fights for foreigners was already seen as eroding or weakening the sport and art. What would they think of a Lumpinee Stadium today which is almost entirely devoted to Entertainment Muay Thai for (and by) foreigners...one could only guess. The Entertainment version of the sport must have been somewhat prominent for the complaint to be so forward. Who were they fighting for? US military men (the era of Vietnam)? Tourists? Foreigners also part of the fighting? 50 years ago, a half a century, this was already on the radar of Old School complaints about the loss of the art of the sport.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

SmartSelect_20241106_164435_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.0cf7d858d4fad6ddeb86ccd64b91cb78.jpg

The accuracy of the death numbers are hard to gauge. The author would like to present Muay Thai as exotic and dangerous, but there seems to be no likely falsification with 6 ring deaths in Bangkok in 1966. Perhaps rumor (10 years back). 

The doctor's numbers seem exaggerated, perhaps the first of upper class objection to low class barbarism...something that today shows itself in CTE concerns. But, perhaps Muay Thai in the late 60s was more deadly. It could be that the very small gloves (in photos they can look like oven mitts) contributed to this.

In anecdotal support of possible deadliness the late Sirimongkol told us the story of how he accidentally killed a man when fighting as a teen in the provinces in the late 1960s, before he got to Bangkok, in this interview:

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

The First Japanese Kickboxing Invasion: Noguchi Gym 1972

This is just one of the most fascinating events in the history of the sport, the father of Japanese Kickboxing driven out of the country, and forced to close his very posh Bangkok Kickboxing/Muay Thai gym in 1972, under threats of violence. It seems that at least some Thais felt like he, or the Japanese were trying to steal Muay Thai from Thailand. At this point, I believe, Japanese Kickboxing already had imitated Muay Thai in Japan and even became a regularly televised show of great popularity. Anti-Japanese sentiments seems to be running high.

Also so interesting just how fancy a place the gym was, with serious money behind it. I'm guessing this was maybe the first "hi-so" kind of gym in all of Thailand.

SmartSelect_20241106_170935_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.9989abc89e80d9a7b70474b04bc9b3a1.jpg

SmartSelect_20241106_170956_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.472644e895abe3ffcbacc321ef9de2c1.jpg

 

What is so extraordinary about it all of course is that Lumpinee (and even Rajadamnern) stadia, the National Stadia, 50 years later have radically altered the rules of Muay Thai to more approximate Kickboxing, and steered promotional Muay Thai to the foreign fighter. Just a month or two ago a Japanese Kickboxer was defending the Rajadamnern title, in Rajadamnern, having never fought in Thailand itself.

Noguchi was very far ahead of his time.

 

In a small, but interesting family detail in Japanese vs Thai relations, Osamu's brother was the boxer Kyo Noguchi who fought the great Thai fighter Pone Kingpetch, Thailand's first World Boxing champion for his belt: "On May 30, 1962, Noguchi challenged Pone Kingpetch for the flyweight world championship, but Noguchi lost by unanimous decision."

 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Women in Muay Thai

I've read a lot of the history of women fighting in Thailand (there isn't a lot of it on record, but I've probably read everything in English) and this is one of the most substantive reports pre-2000s. There was rumor (reported in a documentary) that women actually briefly fought in a secondary ring in the 80s-1990s (?) at Lumpinee, but I've found no collaboration.

This report below seems to be quite from afar (little in person awareness) and combined with varying degrees of sexism you might expect from an American serviceman in Thailand in the 70s. The story of the Ali vs Norton fight is interesting! (1973), but seems also dubious, or only partial in detail. There were, as far as I know, no National televised broadcasts until 1988, so I'm not sure where this was televised...or if it was on tape. And it seems pretty unlikely that someone would follow up the Ali v Norton fight with 5 female bouts (???). But, maybe there is some truth to it, maybe a taped broadcast on a local channel, someone trying to promote female fighting?

Also, finally I have the source for the very sexist/racist comment I heard from a well known American Muay Thai coach whose female fighter beat a Thai female fighter, somewhat outrageously claiming that female Thai fighters were just in the ring to avoid prostitution. Well, I guess they read this book. Here though, it comes from a paternalistic Thai who is saying that fighting gives women an alternative to prostitution, trying to make an argument for the moral improvement of Muay Thai, an argument that is made for young male fighters as well (keeping them off drugs, or out of gangs).

Who knows about the relevance of this polemical claim, but that fact that it traveled 30 years at least to the mouth of an American Muay Thai coach is disheartening, and just shows how exoticizing and demeaning the picture some Westerners keep of Thailand.

Most interesting, perhaps in the broad brush, is the idea that female Muay Thai fighting was popular in local scenes, and that its National interest may have been something that came and went, possibly for decades and decades.

 

SmartSelect_20241106_173142_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.8e390f409f18bf61b9ab22d75514140d.jpgSmartSelect_20241106_173246_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.ff659e36eb3d40f18d8c411fa40b22b2.jpgSmartSelect_20241106_173434_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.5e49b796a459e7cba08f4be69965bed5.jpg

 

 

But women have been fighting in Thailand, in rings, for over 200 years. It's a shame that so many do not credit them with their own National art and excellence.

First recorded female fight 1809

FirstwomensMuayThaiFight1809.thumb.PNG.ec3af7f5b07a423a9ffc5a70142010ba.PNG

 

First Photographed Female Muay Thai fight 1929

EarlyFemaleMuayThaiinThailand1929.thumb.PNG.43b15143d01ac5a7457934515da83bf9.PNG

 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

SmartSelect_20241106_190315_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.749b968fd35cd32e894d61a5e893d528.jpg

This is hard to guess at. He wants to really push the hyper violence for his readers, and claims to have watched thousands of fights...often both covered in blood, and no progressive nature seems quite fantastic.

A short while later he emphasizes knockouts, but not sure what the grammar is here? 8, 9, 10 knockouts per card? Or is he imitating a 10 count?

SmartSelect_20241106_192039_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.f66805210d374ec704eaf74b63b26e8d.jpg

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

SmartSelect_20241106_192735_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.029e8b17b69a9df5bdb5cbf8a079dee1.jpg

 

This is inaccurate, as we have video evidence and first hand report that rope grabbing was permitted in the major Bangkok stadia, perhaps until the early 80's. It casts a bit of doubt perhaps on the author's other detailed descriptions? 

Edit in: here we go a little later. I don't know, it seemed common enough to be deployed as an actual tactic. Not sure where he source on official rules is. Even by 1990 all fighters didn't know rope grabbing was illegal.

Screenshot_20241106_194229_AdobeAcrobat.thumb.jpg.7665c195090230178b59ae6b7676d518.jpg

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Most Recent Topics

  • Latest Comments

    • "Establishment of the original military school The original Dai Nippon Butoku Kai facility was created as a private organization in 1895 in Kyoto.[3] in 1919, Mr Hiromichi Mishikubo (Vice-president of DBNK) made the term change from Bujutsu to Budo. In the eyes of Mishikubo the term bujutsu seemed heavily concerned with physical technique and insisted in using Budo as a mental discipline and as it was representative if the term Bushido. All -jutsu termed Arts transitioned to become -Do and thus became standard terms at the Butokukai. In 1921, the DBNK executive committee decided to make kendo, Judo and Kyudo the main Budo disciplines. Kendo and Judo grading system was established in 1895 and kyudo in 1923. By the 1930s a systematic appropriation of martial arts by the state was underway, fueled in the successful wake of the Russo-Japanese War, sped up even more in 1942–1945 during the apex of Japan's "militarisation" (sengika). This led to a number of "unprecedented policies aimed at making martial arts education combat effective and ideologically aligned with ultra-nationalistic government policy" [3] were set into motion. This strove to corral any and all budo organizations under state control to which the proposal of the "National Physical Strength Deliberation Council" sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare recommended that an "all-encompassing extra-governmental organization" formed between the five ministries of Kōseishō (Health and Welfare), Mombushō (Education), Rikugunshō (Army), Kaigunshō (Navy) and the Naimushō (Home) which promoted budō in schools, community organizations and groups. This was an effective way to expand the reach and breadth of the propaganda being issued by the ultra nationalistic government into the community, plus allowing a clear path to community indoctrination through budō programs; especially notable was the efforts targeting children and schools that is apparent by the amount of funding it received, allocated by a national budget at the time." from Dai Nippon Butoku Kai wikipedia  
    • You asked simple, so the answer is simple, but can be very effective. Just kick under it to the open side. You can even be late on this kick. There are probably a few reasons why there isn't a lot of jabbing in Thailand's Muay Thai, but this is one of them. A kick to the open side is a very significant score, one of the few strikes that doesn't even have to have effect. The jab is almost a non-score. So trading these is pure win. But, in same stance this would require you learning a quick, lead-side kick. It's a very good kick to have, so no loss there. Key though is to not rely on point-fighting. If you can develop this to have some pace (preferably with no "step" in the kick) it can become a serious deterrent, not only to the jab, but also to the straight. And, because you are tall, if you turned this also into a long knee, this could be a significant problem for opponents. These are very simple, high scoring, maybe a bit difficult to develop power in, (but you can do it), answers.
    • A very large difference between Japanese Ultranationalism and mid-century Thai dictatorship is that Japan's theorists placed supreme importance on the Emperor, who embodied The State, while Phibun's dictatorship, at least upon its rise, minimized the King of Thailand (who was very young). Thailand's Fascism was much more paternalistic, and perhaps (?) volkish, and perhaps lacked the same anchorage in religion that Shinto and ancestor worship did in Japan. Thailand seemed also to be positioning itself between world powers, especially in the decline of colonial influence on neighboring territory (and their claim), while all the same passing political mandates that aligned Thailand with "civilized" Western culture.   Japanese Ultranationalism on the other hand was in answer and defiance of Western Culture and its seen-as morally corrosive Capitalist values. I don't know enough about Thailand's years of dictatorship to see if there were areas of overlap in theory and discussion, or if wholesale they were distinct in these ways. Or, if the growing Chinese Bangkok population (China an enemy of imperialist Japan) also steered Thailand away from closer alliance. Phibun, apparently, even explained his dress-code mandates in terms of insulating Thailand from too much Japanese influence of not outright cultural hegemony.  This is to say that at the same time, roughly, Thailand and Japan were going through Fascist movement, but they were likely understood somewhat differently. Yet, the role of martial prowess, and even the fighting arts like Muay Thai &/or Karate, as a symbol of National strength, or volkish strength, may have had correspondence. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the rise of fighters like the convicted murderer, fearsome Suk in Thailand has been read as a volkish, anti-royal, or at least anti-urban, cultured elite, change in the sport early to mid-century.
  • The Latest From Open Topics Forum

    • In my experience, 1 pair of gloves is fine (14oz in my case, so I can spar safely), just air them out between training (bag gloves definitely not necessary). Shinguards are a good idea, though gyms will always have them and lend them out- just more hygienic to have your own.  2 pairs of wraps, 2 shorts (I like the lightweight Raja ones for the heat), 1 pair of good road running trainers. Good gumshield and groin-protector, naturally. Every time I finish training, I bring everything into the shower (not gloves or shinnies, obviously) with me to clean off the (bucketsfull in my case) of sweat, but things dry off quickly here outside of the monsoon season.  One thing I have found I like is smallish, cotton briefs for training (less cloth, therefore sweaty wetness than boxers, etc.- bring underwear from home- decent, cotton stuff is strangely expensive here). Don't weigh yourself down too much. You might want to buy shorts or vests from the gym(s) as (useful) souvenirs. I recommend Action Zone and Keelapan, next door, in Bangkok (good selection and prices):  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Action+Zone/@13.7474264,100.5206774,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x30e29931ee397e41:0x4c8f06926c37408b!2sAction+Zone!8m2!3d13.7474212!4d100.5232523!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3_f5d2!3m5!1s0x30e29931ee397e41:0x4c8f06926c37408b!8m2!3d13.7474212!4d100.5232523!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3_f5d2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
    • Hey! I totally get what you mean about pushing through—it can sometimes backfire, especially with mood swings and fatigue. Regarding repeated head blows and depression, there’s research showing a link, especially with conditions like CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). More athletes are recognizing the importance of mental health alongside training. 
    • If you need a chill video editing app for Windows, check out Movavi Video Editor. It's super easy to use, perfect for beginners. You can cut, merge, and add effects without feeling lost. They’ve got loads of tutorials to help you out! I found some dope tips on clipping videos with Movavi. It lets you quickly cut parts of your video, so you can make your edits just how you want. Hit up their site to learn more about how to clip your screen on Windows and see how it all works.
    • Hi all, I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be traveling to Thailand soon for just over a month of traveling and training. I am a complete beginner and do not own any training gear. One of the first stops on my trip will be to explore Bangkok and purchase equipment. What should be on my list? Clearly, gloves, wraps, shorts and mouthguard are required. I would be grateful for some more insight e.g. should I buy bag gloves and sparring gloves, whether shin pads are worthwhile for a beginner, etc. I'm partiularly conscious of the heat and humidity, it would make sense to pack two pairs of running shoes, two sets of gloves, several handwraps and lots of shorts. Any nuggets of wisdom are most welcome. Thanks in advance for your contributions!   
    • Have you looked at venum elite 
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      1.4k
    • Total Posts
      11.1k
×
×
  • Create New...