Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing) originated in what is now Thailand over two thousand years ago. The art of Muay Thai runs deep and rich through the history of the Thai people. Its beginnings are shrouded in legend, but early records show that monks trained novices to become bodyguards for the royal family and was a close-combat battlefield fighting skill in medieval times as a defense against enemy nations.

Exhibition fights were frequently staged for the royal court, and they could be brutal. Fighters had their hands wrapped with rope, which was coated with a sticky resin and then dipped into crushed glass.

Although the art has an exceptional physical component, Muay Thai also focuses strongly on the fighter's mind and spirit. It's roots are in Buddhism, which influence the training techniques and the ‘Wai Kru’, the pre-fight spiritual ceremony in the ring.

Muay Thai became the national sport of Thailand after being ruled and codified. In 2003, it was accepted as an official sport in Ontario under the regulating body CAMTAO (Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association Ontario). Muay Thai has come out from the underground and is increasing in popularity.

Making History

Chicks That Kick 2005 made history by presenting the first all-female Muay Thai fight card in Ontario. For over 70% of the audience it was their first exposure to Muay Thai. After witnessing the event many flocked to Ontario gyms to experience training first hand.

Chicks That Kick is now an annual fight event that focuses on making Muay Thai Boxing accessible to female fighters and increases the awareness of the sport in Canada.