The Big Fight is On! Pro-India Muay Thai League 2019 Launched 1st Time in Kudla- the ‘Land of Warriors’
The Big Fight is On! Pro-India Senior National Muay Thai League Championship 2019 Launched for the FIRST Time in Kudla- the ‘Land of Warriors’
Mangaluru : The Karavali Utsav ground near Mangala Stadium in Lalbagh has turned into a battle field were the warriors have been fighting with each other, as to who gets knock down first- and it’s happening at the Pro-India Senior National Muay Thai Championship 2019 where “The Art of Eight Limbs” had once again invaded the City, and the game goes on from 20th-24 November 2019. It is the first time in and around Dakshina Kannada & Coastal Districts where the Muaythai Association of Karnataka(R) (MAK), along with Monkey Mayhem Fight Club and Fitness Centre, Mangaluru is hosting this grand Combat Sports event of this calibre.
Teams from 27 states of India have landed in Kudla to take part in this Championship. This Senior National Muay Thai championship event is hosted by MAK and will feature some of the highest level Muay Thai Fighters from different parts of the Country. The MAK has an excellent history in running their annual campaigns, all of them continuously crown high-calibre champions – capable of performing well for Karnataka in the National and International tournaments.
Few of MAK Achievements are : MAK state team won the Runners-Up Trophy with 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals in MINF National Federation Cup 2016 at Mumbai, Maharastra; MAK won overall champion with 6 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze Medals in Jaipur; MAK has conducted Street and Civilian Self Defense workshop and seminars numerous schools & colleges; and MAK Athletes represented the country in World Muythai Championship 2017, at Bangkok Thailand and won 4 Silver & 1 Bronze medals. By hosting this unifying tournament, MAK has extended exclusive invitations to the tournament champions for the opportunity to compete in the nationals at Pune, Maharastra. This yields a process to give everyone, regardless of region within the state, an equal opportunity to earn a prestigious spot on the team by participating and winning in any of those tournaments.
The Pro India Muay Thai Championship launching ceremony at Karavali Utsav ground, Mangaluru began with a welcome dance by Sizzling Guys Dance Group, Mangaluru, followed by prayer invoking God’s blessings by Manjunath. The welcome address was delivered by Rtn Rajgopal Rai -President of MuayThai Association of Karnataka, where he applauded the achievements of his two sons- Bipin Raj Rai and Sachin Raj Rai, whose initiative in starting the Monkey Mayheim Fight Club and Fitness Centre accomplished great things and has also reached greater heights in bagging many laurels in the state and also in the nation. Raj Gopal Rai also complimented his wife, Poornima for extending her full support to her sons and standing by them all the time.
MLA Vedavyas Kamath who had played an important role in having this event in Mangaluru, greeted and felicitated all the dignitaries on the dais. The inauguration of the Championship was done by lighting of the lamp by Ms Sindhu B Rupesh- the DC of DK, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely–Dr P C Harsha- the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru;. Sadanand Shetty , Honorable President, Muaythai Association of Karnataka; Sandalwood/Coastalwood actor Roopesh Shetty; MLA Vedavyas Kamath; joined by Board Members of Muay Thai Association of Karnataka namely- Raghavendra Rao- Legal Adviser; Nithesh Chandra Kumar- General secretary, Bipin Raj Rai- Joint Secretary, Sachin Raj Rai- Organizing/Jt Secretary; and Board members from Muaythai Association of DK namely- V Karunakaran- Senior Advi, Elias Sanctis- VP, Ln Chadrahas Shetty- VP, among many others.
Addressing the gathering DC Ms Sindhu Roopesh in her short and sweet speech said, ” This new form of Martial Arts, which is also a way of life, and through this Mauythai Association will provide ample opportunity for the youngsters to learn something new in Martial arts of self-defence. Through this art you will learn something unique for your self defence and body building. It’s nice to note that Mangaluru has such a unique association promoting this self defence art, which is quite essential these days. I wish the event all success”. Police Commissioner Dr Harsha also complimented the organizers for bringing such a unique sport to Mangaluru, and thereby taking Mangaluru to greater levels in such sporting events.
Team India Coach Muay Thai Balakrishna Shetty briefing about MuayThai said, “Muay Thai” which is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war, where the hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body is operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill. Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origin of Muay Thai dates back several hundred years, and was, essentially, developed as a form of close-combat that used the entire body as a weapon. I am proud to say that people of Kudla are born warriors, and in this land of warriors, its nice to see this MuayThai Association in action”.
Sadanand Shetty also speaking during the occasion lauded the initiative taken by the three partners of the Club namely- Sachin Raj Rai, Bipin Raj Rai and Nithesh Kumar and urged the citizens of Mangaluru to patronize the Association, and also by spreading the news so that the MuayThai will prosper with good business and succeed in their venture. I am quite sure that this new Fight Club started by three energetic and determined youths, will go a long way in providing an opportunity to the youth to learn this art for self-defence and also for physical fitness. It is indeed a proud moment for Mangaloreans to have such a unique club. Best of luck and keep fighting for self-defence only?”
The National Level Muay Thai Championship will go until 24 November, with a valedictory ceremony planned on 24 Nov at 4 pm, which will be graced by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, along with MLA’s, present and former state ministers and other VIP’s. On the inaugural day, a demo-fight was performed by two fighters from Chattisgarh. Vote of thanks was proposed by Ln Chandrahas Shetty, and the professional compering was done by RJ Anuragh Bangera.
About Muay Thai :
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. The origin of Muay Thai dates back several hundred years, and was, essentially, developed as a form of close-combat that used the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai uses the body to mimic the weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, The elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The whole body operated as one unit where the knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
“MUAYTHAI” has been practiced by Thais for over 2000 years and it’s traditions have been passed down from Generation to Generation as with most ancient Self Defense. One of the oldest traditions is a dance called “RAM MUAY”, which every boxer performs before a fight. Before every fight the boxer “seal the ring” by circling three times, after which they perform the “RAM MUAY”, showing respect to their opponents and opposing camps, as well as parents, teachers and whatever religions they may believe in. Many boxers will display their techniques in this warm up and it is the perfect opportunity to study opponents.
For some boxers the Ram Muay represents deep spiritual beliefs while for others it’s the perfect warm up before a fight to get the mind and body ready for competition. The music is referred to as “wong pee glong” and is played by four musicians, each with their own instruments, pi java (Javanese oboe), glong kaek (a pair of Thai drums played by 2 musicians) and a ching (small Thai cymbals). The songs are very specific, only played in Muay Thai
Every boxer wears a traditional headband, called a “Mongkon”, which dates from the beginning of Muay Thai history- it is believed to bring good luck to the competition. Many boxers also wear a “Prajiad” around their biceps, also a long tradition. Muay Thai fighters often begin training when they are 6-8 years-old. They will begin fighting between 8-10 years of age and may have as many as 120-150 fights ( 3 times as many as a very active boxer ) before they are 24 years old. Muay Thai fighters do not generally have long careers because of starting at such an early age and how physically demanding the sport is on the fighters.
Injuries are quite common in Muay Thai fights. From cuts and lacerations to the face and head to broken bones and severe sprains of muscles and ligaments, Muay Thai fighters deal with injuries their entire career. Muay Thai fighters are known for their ability to ignore pain and injury. Today, the evolution of Muay Thai is finally reaping rewards and recognition. MuayThai was recently accepted as an Olympic sport, and it is becoming quite popular in many countries throughout the world. Professional fighters in martial arts, K-1, and submission fighting all agree, Muay Thai is an essential part of being an all-around skilled fighter and having stand-up fighting skills. Muay Thai will continue to grow in popularity as new training camps and gyms open around the world.
