By Cassie King
Muay Thai made its debut as a demonstration sport during the recent 2024 Paris Olympic Games, marking a milestone for the ancient martial art and providing a global platform to showcase its unique traditions and techniques.
Jamie Bradley, head trainer and founder of KruFit, 9824 North by Northeast Blvd. in Fishers, is excited to see her sport in the spotlight.
“I have been training Muay Thai for almost 20 years and am thrilled that this art and sport is finally getting the recognition it deserves,” she said.
Bradley is the 2007 International Kickboxing Federation Classic Muay Thai World Champion and has trained extensively in Thailand, where the sport originated. In 2017, she began working with USA Muay Thai to promote the sport by hosting the first youth development event in the Midwest.
Muay Thai, also known as “Thai boxing,” was part of a demonstrative side program at the Olympic Games, which concluded on August 11. More than 1,000 Muay Thai boxers from 24 countries took part, with highlights including exhibition matches, workshops and fights on August 5 and 6. Renowned boxer Buakaw Banchamek also performed the traditional “Wai Khru” ritual, paying respect to the gods, the earth and humanity and asking for an honorable fight.
Muay Thai differs from other martial arts through the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins and is often referred to as the “art of eight limbs.” Its cultural roots and unique pre-fight rituals set it apart from martial arts such as karate or taekwondo.
Competitions usually consist of three-minute rounds in which athletes wear protective clothing. Points are awarded on a 10-point system based on effective strikes.
The inclusion of Muay Thai as a demonstration sport is a step toward full Olympic recognition. Success in Paris could lead to a worldwide increase in viewership and participation, as well as financial support and more opportunities for athletes. The event also offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the sport among Americans, including in central Indiana.
Jayden Stafford, a fighter from KruFit training, expressed his enthusiasm.
“Having Muay Thai represented at the 2024 Olympics is a great achievement for all the fighters, coaches and supporters of the sport,” he said. “We have all been working towards this in some form for years. (The Olympics) have always been a dream of mine, but never an achievable goal as my sport was not in the Olympics. I may not be ready now, but it gives me something to work towards; it’s my new motivation.”
Bradley said KruFit provides a community for those new to the sport and competitive fighters.
“In fact, many of our students come to us to lose weight and improve their fitness,” she said. “That’s part of my story and how I got into Muay Thai – I went to the gym at 230 pounds and competed at 120 pounds.”
For anyone interested in learning more about Muay Thai, KruFit offers a free trial class. For more information, visit krufit.com.
