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Nai Khanom Tom, a warrior from Thailand's ancient capital, was captured after the Burmese
sacked the city in 1767. His fighting style intrigued the Burmese king, who demanded a tournament pitting his own country's combatants
against the Thai warriors.
According to legend, Nai Khanom Tom dazzled his first opponent with a pre-fight ritual called Ram Muay, a ceremonial dance
honoring his teachers and mentors. Then he proceeded to pummel him, scoring a quick knockout. But the Burmese fighter
cried BS, claiming Nai Khanom Thom's pre-fight dance distracted him.
The Burmese king knew how to settle this dispute: If Nai Khanom Thom could defeat nine more consecutive opponents, he
would then prove the superiority of his fighting style, earning his freedom as a bonus. Nai Khanom Tom took on fighter after
fighter, dishing out abuse, until finally none stood in his way. He earned his freedom – a feat celebrated every March 17 as
"Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his native country.
Every time you practice Muay Thai – every time you strike a bag with your elbow or throw
a thunderous roundhouse kick – you honor Nai Khanom Tom's memory and achievement,
whether you know it or not. |
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