NAI KHANOM TOM

The Father Of Muay Thai

People around the world have always been fascinated by martial arts. Even more so since it got famous through movies. But martial arts far predates movies. It has been a vital tool to protect the individual and even entire nations. The combat and martial arts skill level marks the difference between the winning and losing armies. Even a single highly skilled martial artist can prove to be a mighty obstacle for an entire army. Think we are exaggerating? Nai Khanom Tom is one such legend of the Martial Arts world that proves otherwise.

Any country that has had to defend itself against invaders long before the invention of guns and technology knows the importance of combat skills. For the Thai people, they take enormous pride in Muay Thai – the martial art of Thailand. Muay Thai, which can be traced back to the 16th century, has many legends, and as far as legends go, the Thai people hold Nai Khanom Tom as dearly as Muay Thai itself. They even have a Nai Khanom Tom Day, which is widely celebrated throughout Thailand.

For those wondering who Nai Khanom Tom is, he is a common name in Thai households, especially among serious Muay Thai practitioners. However, an outsider will need to know some history about Thailand & Muay Thai to know about this legendary historical character.

Of course, I’m assuming you are familiar with Muay Thai, a martial art from the Asian sub-continent that has recently gained much popularity. Especially since UFC became popular among martial arts fans, seeing that many UFC/MMA fighters use Muay Thai for their stand-up game. For those who are unaware, here’s a bit of insight into this highly effective martial art.

Muay Thai – It’s Not Just A Sport

But, of course, Muay Thai doesn’t hold a special place in the hearts of the Thai’s, just because it is a fascinating combat sport to watch. Muay Thai’s actual combat techniques that makes it so dear to the Thais. Before becoming more of a sport, Muay Thai was originally called Muay Boran – a full-on close-combat martial art meant for the battlefield.

With Muay Boran’s help, the soldiers successfully protected the nation and its citizens from outside invaders. Muay Boran is no sport. It is an all-out, brutal fighting art meant to incapacitate the enemy. Here’s more on this deadly martial art that has defeated countless enemies.

The Story Of Nai Khanom Tom

On March 17 of every year, Thailand celebrates Nai Khanom Day. This day is also called Boxers Day, National Muay Boran Day or National Muay Thai Day. On this day, the Thais celebrated their much-cherished Muay Thai or the even older martial art of Muay Boran. But the true celebration goes much deeper. It is honouring their national hero Nai Khanom Tom, to whom they owe their freedom.

The story goes that in 1774 the Burmese successfully invaded and captured the Ayutthaya kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). As happens in such cases, thousands of Siamese people were taken prisoner. Their fate now lay in the hands of the Burmese king.

For the Burmese, of course, it was a time to celebrate. So much so that they decided to have a festival to celebrate their victory over Siam. Festival means entertainment, sports, games etc. Testing fighting skills with the fallen enemy would be the prime event for the super-confident from a recent victory, the Burmese people. This meant competition between Muay Boran and the Burmese martial art called Parma.

There were quite a few differences between the martial arts. The main one is that Parma used mainly only fists, while Muay Boran was known as the art of eight limbs, which meant using both elbows, knees and feet along with the fists. The Burmese were still feeling over the top from their recent victory. But when it came to choosing the Siamese (or Thai) fighter, the choice was obvious. A warrior is known for his never-give-up fighting Spirit and unmatched combat skills – Nai Khanom Tom.

Nai Khanom Tom – The Father Of Muay Thai

The date was set, and the stadium was prepared for the big event. But of course, it would be nothing like today’s fighting matches. No rounds, time or gloves. All attacks were permitted. It would be a true fighting match until only one fighter stood.

The chosen Burmese Parma fighter wore a traditional sarong of ankle length. He would move about in a slow-motion, almost dance-like movement around the opponent and attack any opening. On the other hand, Nai Khanom Tom wore the traditional pannung, a loincloth wrapped around and tied into a knot at the back. Just the clothing itself gave Nai Khanom Tom the advantage of mobility.

Before the start of the fight, as per the Muay Boran ritual, Nai Khanom Tom performed the ‘Wai Kru’ dance, after which he went ahead and defeated the Burmese fighter by a knockout! So naturally, the Burmese were shocked and disappointed. The referee, however, quickly dismissed the fight claiming the Wai Kru to be some sort of Black Magic that distracted the Burmese fighter.

The Burmese King Mangra ordered 9 more fighters to face the Thai warrior Nai Khanom Tom one by one without breaks between fights. The results, much to the disappointment of the Burmese, were the same. Nai Khanom Tom defeated each Burmese fighter through flawless execution of the Muay Boran fighting techniques.

The fighting prowess displayed by the Thai warrior with his various Muay Boran moves was so impressive that King Mangra himself was one of the first to applaud Nai Khanom Tom’s undisputed victory. The King even exclaimed that every part of the Thai’s are blessed with venom and that with just the bare hands, a single Thai warrior can fell even 10 opponents. And as a reward, King Mangra granted Nai Khanom Tom and all Siamese prisoners their freedom. That day was March 17th, and it was quite aptly known as Nai Khanom Day.

By displaying excellent and unbeatable fighting skills, Nai Khanom Tom made the Thai martial art Muay Boran known to the world. Over time, as the age of war subsided, Muay Boran was modified with more rules into the combat sport Muay Thai. With combat sports gaining popularity and fighters worldwide looking to improve their combat ability further, Muay Thai soon became vital to most Mixed Martial Arts training.

The legend of Nai Khanom Tom, too, started gaining popularity as his tales would slowly spread to all corners of the world, especially among martial artists. What better proof of popularity than having a movie made in his name? If you’re curious to know more, you can Watch Nai Khanom Tom On Youtube.

For the Thai’s of course, it is so much more than just fighting skills. Nai Khanom Tom fought for his country and its people. He stood strong and fearless in the face of an army. Despite his country being defeated, he still did not waver in his allegiance to his country. And with the help of the martial art Muay Boran and an unwavering determination, Nai Khanom Tom saved the entire country. This love for the country, unmatched willpower, determination, and a never-give-up attitude against all odds make Nai Khanom Tom the cherished hero of Thailand.