MK Boxing Gym, Billerica MA, USA
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Every 17th of March, the Thai people honor Nai Khanom Tom. That night is called “Boxer’s night” where every stadium of the country dedicates fights in honor of Nai Khanom Tom and his victory. A Nai Khanom Tom festival is also held in the beautiful ancient capital city of Ayutthaya.
It is the bedtime story for Thai children when dreaming about legends and warriors which have been protectors of Kings and the country.
The name Nai Khanom Tom is one that every Thai child knows and one that graces every book or publications about the sport. He is the one of the greatest Muay Thai hero.
Around 1774, he was captured along with other Thai prisonersIn 1774, Nai Khanom Tom was a war prisoner in Burma. The Burmese had captured him when they sacked and burnt Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya.
King Mangra of Burma heard of his rep and asked him to challenge 10(12) Burmese fighters. He was brought to Yangon in Burma, where the Burmese king Mangra was holding a festival .
The Burmese had their own martial art – one not unlike Muay Thai and its name is Parma. Parma relied heavily on the fist as the major weapon whereas Muaythai boxers were famous then and now for their skills in using elbows, knees, feet as well as fists in a fight. King Mangra wanted to see which fighting skill was superior and called for the best Siamese from the prisoners to fight his Burmese fighters. Nai Khanom Tom was the natural choice for the Thais as he was renowned for his Muaythai skills and his never die attitude.
Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. Nai Khanomtom did a Wai Kru (wai khru ram muay) pre-fight dance which puzzled all of the Burmese. When the fight began, he charged out and using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, quickly pummeled the Burmese.
The referee was reported to have stated that the Burmese opponent was distracted by the Wai Kru, so the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanom Tom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other. Nai Khanom Tom went on to win the next fights and was given his freedom. He fought for His king, his country, his friends and the freedom for all.
King Mangra was one of the first to applaud the feat he had witnessed. “Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom even with his bare hands he can fell ten opponents”.
The King gave Nai Khanom Tom his freedom and he returned to the old Siam and is given a hero’s welcome.
Come to MK Boxing Gym Muay Thai class and we will practice together. Who knows maybe you are the next boxing hero like Nai Khanom Tom!
