Muaythai has been a part of Thai history and heritage for hundreds of years as with most traditions from ancient times.  There exist many different versions of the history of Muaythai but all sources agree that Muaythai was the primary and most effective self defense used by Thai worriers in the battlefields of conflicts and wars that occurred many times in the history of the nation now known as Thailand.  During this time, a warfare manual named “Chupasart” was written.  This manual emphasized the martial uses of each body part.  The underlying philosophy of this manual implied that fighting is more than weapons use but must engage total commitment from mind, body and soul.

The first known practice of Muaythai as a “sport”, off and away from the heat and chaos of the battlefield occurred during the reign of King Prachao Sua (1697-1709 A.D.), with the love for the sport he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions.  When the nation was at peace, to keep the army busy he often ordered them to train Muaythai and loosely organized competitions started sprouting up and around the country.

In 1774, the legendary Nai Khanom Dtom made Muaythai famous for his battle against a group of Burmese while he was a prisoner of war in Burma.  He was captured when the Burmese ransacked and burnt Thailand’s ancient capital Ayuddhaya.  He defeated ten of Burma’s best boxers, without pause, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest.  He illustrated the favorable elements in Muaythai, the indomitable will to win for an honor and the willingness to face any odds.  This can be summarized as “nothing can stand against you except yourself”.

The army fostered Muaythai.  Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand.  For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skills, the martial art of the battlefield.  When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muaythai.  But then so does every Thai person, male or female.  Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood.  Muaythai soon became the favorite pastime sport of people from all walks of life, with training camps being established all over the country.

It was in the early 1930s that Muaythai was officially codified, with rules and regulations being created and introduced into the sporting world to make Muaythai an international sport of the early 20th century and as one of the safe ring sports.  Round contests were introduced along with eight divisions based on international boxing.  Queensbury rules boxing gloves replaced the ropes binding on the hands.

With a proud history Muaythai now progresses and is recognized in many countries worldwide, creating a new era of a proud world history.  In recent years Muaythai, both amateur and profession, has swept the world like a wild fire and developed into the premier ring sport – fighting art with no equal in terms of unarmed combat and spectator appeal as well as a form of self defense and fitness program.

In the late 1980’s, the Thai government recognized Muaythai as an international sport.  In order to regulate the sport a single organization was commissioned and created, maintaining uniformity of the sport under the same rules, regulations, and safety measures and get international recognition for Muaythai.  The primary objectives were to promote Muaythai as a cultural art form, self-defense, and ring sport; as well as to procure Amateur Muaythai inclusion into Southeast Asian Games (Sea Games), Asian Games, GAISF and Olympic Games.

An international meeting soon took place in 1989, in Thailand with 20 amateur federations from around the world in attendance.  The discussion was focused on the first constitution, rules and regulations to establish a world federation, International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA).

In 1990 another international meeting was held at which, IFMA were officially established.  Over the years, IFMA has held nine events of Prince’s Cup Championships, five events of Asian Cup Championships, five events of King’s Cup World Championships.  Additionally many continental championships were also held throughout North America, Australia, Europe and Africa; under the IFMA and other associated continental federations.

Then on December 5th, 1994, His Majesty the King of Thailand graciously commissioned the First King’s Cup World Championship.  The IFMA continued its duties to maintain Muaythai as an international sport, acting as the sanctioned world Muaythai body during the 18th Sea Games in 1995, followed by the 1st IFMA Queen’s Cup Championship of exclusively female tournament in 1996.

1998 was the most glorious year for Muaythai as it was selected as a demonstration sport for the 13th Asian Games under the IFMA banner.  This development gained the world recognition and clearly stated an acceptance from the Olympic Council of Asia for IFMA as the international federation that represents amateur Muaythai worldwide.

The World Championship in 2003 held in Kazakhstan was the first championship ever held outside of Thailand.  His Excellency General Pichitr Kullavanijaya traveled to Kazakhstan to preside the opening and closing ceremonies, represented Thailand.  The event was well received, showing the depth of amateur Muaythai talent around the world.

Another milestone for Muaythai was taken place in 2004 when Amateur Muaythai was included in the 1st Asian Indoor Games.

Also in June 2004, The General Assembly of International Sports Federation (GAISF) recognized the IFMA as a true international body following international sports law and structure, and recommended IFMA for inclusion as the world recognized amateur body for Muaythai.

In 2005 Muaythai Cultural Festival was held and organized in cooperation with the Thai government.  Amongst the dignitaries attending were the GAISF President and Secretary General, Mr. Hein Verbruggen and Mr. Don Porter who were the guests of honor.  Included in the activities were junior Muay Boran and skillful demonstrations of Muaythai by male and female boxers.

2006 was undoubtedly the most successful year for Muaythai when it was confirmed at the World Congress in April in Korea, Muaythai were overwhelmingly voted into GAISF and become a full member of the world sport community.  His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Thailand granted audience with the President of GAISF, the Privy Councilor to His Majesty the King, the IOC member of Thailand, the President of the WMC, the President and General Secretary of IFMA; in order to congratulate and show his appreciation for IFMA and Muaythai inclusion into GAISF.

In mid 2006, the largest World Championships and the first Muaythai Expo brought 82 countries of athletes, equipment manufacturers, event promoters and fans together under one event; an immense effort for Muaythai by IFMA.

2007 will be another historical year for Muaythai and IFMA.  Muaythai as originated in Thailand hundreds of years ago has become a world recognised sport today.  To mark this recognition, the World Championships, over one week period from November 27 – December 5, will be held in Thailand to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday with the whole nation.  Muaythai athletes from 100 countries are expected to participate, which makes the biggest single sport event ever held in the Kingdom of Thailand, and to honour the traditions and value brought to the world through Muaythai.

IFMA started as a small federation with several enthusiastic countries more than a decade ago.  Currently at the dawn of an exciting new century, the federation can claim 110 member countries worldwide with 5 continental federations under a sole and unified regulatory body.

Today the main objective of the IFMA is to unite all national federations in working mutually for the sport and the athletes.  The enthusiasm and commitment of the members, boxers and officials are the greatest assets that IFMA brings to this ancient sport of Muaythai.