Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it can be agreed that it has existed for at least nearly the entire history of Thailand. In recent times, it has enjoyed an immense amount of popularity, and some of its techniques have been incorporated into other fighting styles.

Muay Thai is classified as a Hard Style martial art, putting it in the same category as Western Boxing, Karate and Tae Kwon Do. In distinction from Soft Styles such as Judo and Aikido, the emphasis is on power and toughness, striking and being stricken, rather than throwing and restraining.