Muay Thai fighting is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on the use of punches, kicks, elbows, knees and standing grappling to wear down and defeat an opponent. The fists and feet are used for long-range combat while the elbows and knees are used for short-range combat. Muay Thai is sometimes called “Thai Boxing” because the techniques of this style are not practiced in sets commonly referred to as “forms – Kata’s or Koso’s” which can be found in other traditional Japanese, Chinese and Korean martial arts. Muay Thai techniques are, however, practiced in much the same manner as in regular western-style boxing, which allows the practitioner to develop power, speed, and a spontaneous reaction to attacks. Practice of these so-called forms, however, do not properly develop the qualities which are the most essential elements in becoming a proficient combatant. Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as a tough fighting spirit. In fact, Muay Thai is classified as one of the most powerful styles of martial arts known to date because Thai fighters utilize maximum power in every technique. Whether the Thai fighter is striking an opponent with fists, feet, elbows and/or knees, this higher level of power is generated by the twisting of the hips and the turning of the waist, or by the thrusting of the hips, in execution of the movement. There are many types of grappling within the Muay Thai clinch, which can involve the arms, body, leg, neck, and shoulders of the opponent. Clinches can aid the Thai fighter in maintaining balance while striking with the knees, in maximizing the force of a blow by pulling the target area closer to the striking weapon, and in preventing one’s adversary from getting away while offensive techniques are being executed. No other fighting art has adapted this form of close range combat and in the specific use of the elbows and knees more than Muay Thai. Muay Thai training is also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights. The simplicity of the footwork and techniques are some of the main reasons why Muay Thai has been considered to be one of the most effective styles of Asian martial arts. Muay Thai has also proven very effective outside the ring and has been embraced enthusiastically by practitioners of a variety of self-defense, sporting, military and law enforcement activities. The length of time needed for a fighter to acquire the self-defense attributes found within Muay Thai is much less than in most other martial arts.