Northwest Fighting Arts
1200 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214
NWFA traces our lineage directly to Arjan Chai and teach according to the principles he instilled.
Though the precise origin of Muay Thai is lost in history we do know that it has been the national art of Thailand (once known as Siam) for many hundreds of years. It had been a piece of the military training before a famous incident in 1560 A.D. brought it into the mainstream. King Nareusan of Siam was well known for his ability in unarmed combat. During a battle with neighboring Burma Nareusan was captured. The Burmese, confident in their own champion gave the king a chance to fight for his freedom. Nareusan was triumphant and the Burmese honored their agreement. King Nareusan returned to his country as a beloved hero. The Siamese-style boxing (as it was then known) that had won him his freedom became recognized as a national sport and is practiced to this day by the majority of the Thai population.
As Muay Thai spread through the world in the early part of the last century some lost the connection to it's roots. It became known as kick boxing, Thai boxing and a few other names. All trace their inspiration back to the ancient art from Thailand.
Muay Thai came to the United States with Arjan Chai, the honored president and founder of the Thai boxing association of the USA. Surachai Sirsute was a talented and passionate martial artist from a young age. He arrived in the states in 1968 after a successful career as a fighter in Thailand in which he fought in more than 72 professional bouts. Arjan Chai turned his attention to teaching and spreading the art of Muay Thai just as his teacher had dreamed he would. Arjan endured some difficult years in the beginning when few knew of, or respected Muay Thai. He perservered and taught widely, including many colleges, the F.B.I and even the Dallas Cowboys.
The first American team to compete in the Muay Thai world championships came from Arjan Chai's camp in 1982. Muay Thai is now well known throughout the states and is an integral component of the MMA fighting style used in the UFC. One can also find strict Muay Thai bouts, sponsered by the TBA, all over the country.
Training in Muay Thai provides an oustanding workout. It results in whole body conditioning, improved strength and flexibility, greater bone density, and remarkable cardio endurance. While this training can result in the best physical conditioning of your life it can be played by most anyone regardless of current fitness. The main requirement is a desire to strive toward your goals. The Muay Thai classes at NWFA are intense and a lot of fun. They are geared toward, and integrate all skill levels, from those just starting for fitness, to those training to fight.
Like most competitive full contact fighting sports, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on body conditioning. Many coaches believe that 80 percent of a fighters success is based on his/her conditioning...
Muay Thai has a long history of traditions. These Muay Thai traditions are usually related to showing respect and paying homage to those who helped you along the way...
Muay Thai Ceremony and Tradition
Muay Thai Training
Muay Thai Equipment
To have a safe long career in Muay Thai either as a competitor, trainer or fitness practitioner you need to use the appropriate Muay Thai equipment needed for the training. Most training facilities will have a variety of training equipment....
In Muay Thai training it is important to understand how to effectively use all three ranges of combat. Long range, middle range and close range refer to the distance between you and your opponent...
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