One Man’s Fight to Save Traditional Muay Thai Boxing | Short Film Showcase

Wisarut Wat Suksiriwararak is an old Muay Thai fighter from Pai in Northern Thailand. He now runs his own gym in Pai, passing down his knowledge of Thailand’s traditional martial art to both locals and visitors from around the world. Over the past few decades, the authentic practices of Muay Thai have slowly begun to fade away. This historic martial art now centers around financial incentives and entertainment as Thailand’s culture becomes increasingly commercialized. Filmmaker Marko Randelovic shows Suksiriwararak's fight to preserve the traditional aspects of the sport in his short film Fighter: The Legend of a Muay Thai Boxer.
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One Man’s Fight to Save Traditional Muay Thai Boxing | Short Film Showcase
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[@NatGeo]

Muay Thai is slowly fading as Thailand's culture becomes more commercialized. What intrigues you the most about this traditional martial art?

[@BPD1586]

What intrigues me most about this traditional martial art? It is practical in a real street fight. No forms, flowery kata, or uncomfortable stances; just straight to the point knock a mf-er out.

[@Hermit_Ronin]

The effective fighting strength for offense and defense is what I find intriguing. I fully agree with the 1st reply. 👍

[@jayo8767]

It seems to be getting bigger in the west but maybe that’s just from my prespective

[@NoName-pd8pu]

Technically MMA is somewhat keeping it alive, so it is not really fading out as people would assume.

[@HeCticCaNine]

JPD2574 there is traditional form and dances in Muay Thai.

[@liutaurasusonis2223]

It's amazing seeing different kinds of cultures and their unique sports which cherish tradition and skill. I hope muay thai will retain it's uniqueness and uphold itself in the long run

[@NatGeo]

We agree! The differences in cultures is what makes our world so great.

[@Adrian-jw3sp]

But, the foreign investors provides the food on the table, thats why most of them had no choice but to follow the wants of the investors.

[@mattsherv1986]

Liutauras Usonis Well said

[@elsenormalec4405]

Search yawyan filipino martial arts:) have 45kicks

[@elsenormalec4405]

Search yawyan:) have 45kicks

[@JamesTheNomadic]

Most of you missed his point. Of course Muay Thai isn't dying but the true traditional arts of Muay Thai are. Fighters now a days only learn Muay Thai to try to be better then the next guy but completely miss out on the spirtual aspect of it. It is used as entertainment just like all fighting championships, in the end; it's all for the money and fame. Martial Arts aren't what they used to be.

[@piyawattwatyapi93]

I do agree.

[@Schyakorn]

I agreed

[@OrochiShaka]

I think the spirit of martial arts will keep dying because life isn't as difficult as before. Life is much more comfortable now so practitioners, for the most part, will only do martial arts as a sport.

[@waaagh3203]

Nothing is ever what it used to be.

[@stanstanlison5791]

yeah. so sad

[@Willpower1997]

I lived in pai for a month training muay thai (different gym to the one shown) and all I can say is that it was amazing. The thai culture and respect even to foreign fighters is great, and I improved greatly in my time and truly value the experience. Thankyou for making this documentary.

[@sangyedorje3564]

will wagstaff Which one? I’m thinking of going there to train and fight.

[@Willpower1997]

@@sangyedorje3564 it was called krimanee gym with a female trainer named apple. Funny name a I know but she has trained guys with hundreds of fights and pushed me to my limits more than once.

[@unknownsoldierpiratewhip]

@@Willpower1997 Did you check out the special menu at the Sunset cafe too? Good stuff lol

[@r3dp1ll]

can I ask you how much you paid about ? thanks

[@Dan-wq9cd]

I just got back from Thailand and it’s as popular as ever because all the MMA/ufc fighters go Thailand to train and the Thai fighters are getting popular now.

[@charlow4000]

Daniel B yeah if anything Muay Thai is growing not dying

[@milesy2k7]

Charlow Muay Thai in stadiums is dying, not the sport in a whole

[@Dan-wq9cd]

Rich maybe but they still show it on tv everyday and that is all the Thais watch were I stayed north of Bangkok and about a year ago I went too two of the main stadiums in Bangkok and they was buzzing. I hope they are not dying now

[@milesy2k7]

Daniel B if you watch thai fights in stadiums now it’s mostly clinching and who’s the strongest for the betting. not so much technique like the old days is what they mean by dying

[@Dan-wq9cd]

Rich I get that . A lot of the older thai people I stayed with really liked max Muay Thai in Pattaya. They get broke up if they cllich to much I think .

[@okaykristina1932]

Loved this!! Would be nice if you filmed more short films on traditional martial arts and their cultural background.

[@cwr8618]

agreed, this was very well produced and a sneak peek. i would like to see something of this caliber but longer and for all martial arts!

[@mrnickb]

@@cwr8618 You guys should check out the Netflix series Fightworld. Each episode shows the history behind a particular martial art. There is an episode dedicated to Muay Thai.

[@cwr8618]

@@mrnickb i will do just that. was in thailand a couple months ago and took my first lesson over there. got worked. then saw a legit tournament and loved everything about it

[@danielfuller6634]

If you want someone to do a film on in regards to holding onto the legacy of Muay Thai then follow and do one on Sylvie Von-Duuglas. She has literally over 2000 videos of trainings with all the golden age fighters such as Dieselnoi, Sagat, Samart, Namkabuan, Karuhat, etc. Also, she records her private sessions with them which are over 1 hour long each. She goes to their gyms and they train her for few days and we learn their techniques how they teach it. If you want a wealth of Knowledge for the most legendary fighters then check her out. She is preserving the techniques and styles of Muay Thai by documenting the old styles as they are disappearing due to, mostly gamblers controlling how Thai Fighters fight. Also, she has over 230+ fights in Thailand - the most of any foreigner and she records them and adds her commentary. She is an amazing fighter with a great passion for preserving Muay Thai. She deserves the spot light but not many people even know of her.

[@martialmusicman]

Amen!

[@muaythaitips8771]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Tousanx]

i watched most of her videos too

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

FULLY> THAT SYLVIE has worked out with the best. BUT she can`t learn !!! sylvie is a hard headed permanent beginner !! with 200 worthless fights !

[@AtZero138]

Muay Thai.... Thank you Thailand for the gift shared to me.. My closet friend my Brother trained me.. kept me fit and safe, 8 Points... Forever

[@YourManifoldWorld]

This was so beautifully shot. I had chills when the camera angle was shot from behind the fighter that won in the ring. You do great service to Muay Thai.

[@leli770ranl]

Sawadee Krap from Israel. "Team Haizler Muay Thai" represents Muay Thai with great respect and honours the tradition. Itay Guyer, Ruslan Fradkin are a good example of that.

[@muaythaitips8771]

Well made short doc! Thank you National Geographic 🙏🙏🙏 ....as part of the new generation of Muay Thai I can say that I have learned and nurtured the art of Muay Thai thanks to my coach. The first day I decided to embark on this journey my coach asked me to bring a notebook. The first lesson was the history of Muay Thai before I even learn how to punch,kick,knee,elbow or even learn my stance. I believe this is the way it should be done ...educate and nurture the student with all aspects of the art so that they can carry on and teach it to the next generation.

[@NN-tf8lk]

Muaythai is not just an art, it is the culture of Thailand as well. That is why I fall in love with it. One day people will understand and appreciate it more.

[@titiansenjaya3432]

Thank you for the wonderful documentary, I shall add it to the list of the gyms that I will visit when I come to Thailand.

[@nopulau8628]

I’ve just started to take classes in Muay Thai and I wish that I had done this Martial Art sooner. Love this fighting style.

[@jesusbonnie]

Awesome documentary....I hope that the culture and respect for the art continues.

[@COACH_ANTHONY_MMA]

Love muay thai I have been training for 22 years now and I don't know where I would be without it.

[@bencoelho3]

I really enjoyed this! It almost bought a tear to my eye. I love raw sports in general! Really beautiful story. I love it!

[@snakeplissken571]

Respect and admiration for mauy Thai from Canada.

[@ROCK-mn3gf]

No one disrespect ur great culture and tradition,,,,, love and respect from INDIA 🇮🇳 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 I love Muay Thai

[@thushararadhakrishnan5472]

I'm an indian and I learn muay thai......I love and respect it

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

Beautiful Film Thank You.

[@HeadShootChannel]

Mad respect for this sir

[@sebastianfrank4295]

Awesome documentary!

[@elguapo9702]

Been to Thailand 🇹🇭 while serving with the US Marines. Beautiful country. Watched them train n fight in Muay Thai. Incredible conditioning too. 🤙

[@darinthomas6635]

Keep traditional Muay Thai ALIVE!

[@ntrx821]

That one kid94 Strong is dying oe something*

[@PeterandYen]

Amazing video Muay Thai is a true great martial art.

[@Llucius1]

Respect

[@TheSaneHatter]

This is the way that martial arts need to be presented to the public. Thank you. The next step is to talk about the other styles related to Muay Thai, as well: the sister style taught to the military, the forerunner style of Muay Boran, and the ancient martial art of Krabi-Krabong, which came before that. They all deserve to be preserved.

[@eduardom8022]

Krabi Krabong the art of Chupasart warriors.

[@SF_Native]

Wow, this was amazing. Love live Muay Thai! สวัสดี

[@truepapits8565]

I love muaiy thai ..i learn a little of it

[@azorelnero5568]

Thanks NGC !!!

[@P_Low]

Beautiful!

[@snorre1120]

I practice Muay Thay and one day I will train in Thailand. Thank you National Geographic for this documentary.

[@smurfie8412]

I'm learning More Thai, I love Thai food so much!

[@MrHereugo]

Very good short film 👌👍🙏

[@CrownlessKingIX]

beautiful

[@bastienlecorvellec6860]

Wisarut best trainer ever I miss you so much you tak and peth 🙏

[@nevergiveup7502]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 thanks for sharing

[@TheVitorLiberty]

Muay Thai is stronger than ever. It is not only the best way to fight standing and it grows in influence and students everyday

[@GeorgioArmoni]

Best striking martial art imo; boxing comes in second or 3rd for me

[@increasepeace4996]

@@GeorgioArmoni huh? Muay Thai adopted striking from boxing.

[@francgoss9050]

Informative!

[@jonbandey2468]

Great video

[@RTL2L]

This is one of the negative effects of globalization.

[@luisvillarreal4743]

True, maybe this is what china was aware of when they kept to themselves.

[@richiemcdonald7029]

Love the music they train to

[@napsterproductions709]

Super cool 😎

[@kevinandrews5272]

Great documentary

[@drhkleinert3245]

When i see whats going on at a MT fight i understand why its a good idea to make a prayer before...

[@Meymeygwis]

Kapkunkrap for the Beautiful video, Sawadikap

[@dekuallforone3514]

I hope I can learn muay Thai soon

[@tandemawd]

Beautiful place, wonderful people, amazing culture. Never forget what you have in your pursuit of money.. often times money isn't what you really need.

[@antoniom_sports7971]

They stoled my friend his whole portmonaiee in thailand

[@amitarami9682]

❤Muay Thai

[@mariorayas7742]

I as a practitioner feel too much respect to this martial art my Khru shows us the art culture Spirituality Strench Respect to Ours adversaries this art is Beautiful Expretion of thai people

[@koan7144]

When I see comments saying Muay Thai warriors should go to UFC, I want to cry! I adore the Art of Muay Thai! What Muay Thai has is unique! Muay Thai is 20 yo guys with 200+ fights, eating, breathing and sleeping Muay Thai! It's a religion, a tradition, a history, a way of life all in one! And it really hurts me to see awesome Muay Thai fimeu dying to gambling. Next time before comparing it with MMA please consider there are those who understand, feel and appreciate the art as it is. And to us, that comment is as dumb as telling a virtuous pianist to go do some painting. Just don't do it!

[@datvietvungcao]

Võ thuật siêu hay tuyệt đỉnh .cũng muốn được học võ như các thầy ha 👍🔔

[@wontonmin6481]

Been training for 4yrs and i love it

[@qhahsjw]

Would you say it's worth it I'm a 12 year old kid and I enjoy the sport of boxing and would like to give muay thai a shot

[@wontonmin6481]

@@qhahsjw definitely kid at your age trust me you gonna be so badass before you even reach your 20s

[@Elmy_Kiu]

@@qhahsjw Welp, depending on how the gym spars and whether you want to fight or not, you might risk getting brain damage. But if you can accept that or find a proper gym, then it's totally worth it. I'm 15 and have been training for a few months now. However I found out about the sport when I was around your age but I totally regret not having the balls to start back then.

[@preetamghosh391]

That's what I waiting for

[@mariorayas7742]

Hello from leon gto. Mexico

[@James-sb2lm]

I train I’m Muay Thai every weekend I love the sport

[@timbarry5080]

What a beautiful country

[@bostonmassacre508]

I love kick boxing!!!! Long live

[@Schyakorn]

Muay Thai is different from Kick boxing Dude.

[@alejandrolagos4345]

Straight to the heart. God's protect our art.

[@CharlesLittleII]

Please nurture Muay Thai and don't disrespect our traditions. Simply put and earnest. I am so grateful for this fighting art and the culture and state of mind that encompasses it. I will do my very best to never disrespect Muay Thai. Kob Kun Krap.

[@johndough7160]

I love Muay Thai so much. I've never seen anything come close to this style of fighting. It's brutal and honest. I still dig Judo and American boxing, but Muay Thai will always do it for me. 👍👍👍

[@jansmit4690]

Lethwei comes close . Valetudo and Sambo is a lot of grond fighting but also brutal.

[@jefflosey1561]

Good to see Traditionalists keeping the Spirit Alive! Sad when it’s taken out of Training as you’re left with so many aspects that just disappear.

[@elijaha138]

Same here in the Philippines. Our Filipino Martial Arts - Eskrima/Arnis is slowly fading away because of commercialization and influence of the west.

[@drhkleinert3245]

@I like Potatoes Which one do you mean?

[@drhkleinert3245]

I agree. In FMA its more and more show, business, Belts and Ranks and more and more less sense for what Arnis means. And where it come from (and for what it was created)

[@johno5605]

I would agree to his point about the traditional aspect of many combat sports being replaced with commercialism. The same has occurred with boxing now that there is youtuber and influencer boxing of which is purely based off of financial incentives.

[@firaaunn]

Muay Thai saved my life

[@psc93krp]

details?

[@furl0097]

Firaaunn how ?

[@Mk7terry1]

Taking my first lesson tomorrow, looking for same reliefs

[@ricovillanueva1650]

Firaaunn Same!

[@ricovillanueva1650]

charles therrien Good luck. Just remember, don’t give up!

[@emanuelabreu518]

I do miss Thailand. I had one of my best holidays there.

[@joynalmiah8864]

You miss the ladyboys that much?

[@carstrucks9641]

​@@joynalmiah8864😮😍🤔🤣

[@noyes9885]

🙏

[@thaistomp]

Respect the Muay Thai.

[@boltonlad18]

Where did you get the brooding music from? Thanks.

[@whiteicenotnice1872]

Thai stick💯

[@WillDang]

We need more real fighters like him out there these days. 50 years old and he is still a good fighter, I think he would be able to defeat the ten warriors to win back the Thai capital, a true master of the martial art of muay thai

[@franklingartrell]

Been to Thailand many times. The bars do that for real. Which is BS. The Thai Culture is beautiful. Especially their style of fighting, cooking, eating, and family. My adopted Son is from Thailand. You dont have to think it's TRUE. I know that it's TRUE and he knows that it's TRUE. We have promised each other to never tell and say. That's my Son though.

[@me0101001000]

I'm a Muay Thai fighter. Learned it for MMA. But this is a take I didn't ever hear. I'm interested in learning more about the traditional aspect now.

[@rameshhansaravendra]

. More combinations and less clinching. Even Sanchaei has decided to stop fighting in Thailand because the business of muay Thai has ruined the martial Art.

[@rachelp.snyder191]

i like muay thai

[@BuckBreaker]

I like turtles.

[@Momof2nga]

Can u do one about Gymnastics?

[@zachariahs.1112]

I will be in Thailand this summer, where can I find good gyms ?

[@MrBurgerPal]

Bro how do you get the high quality clips? Do you have the actual DVDs or something? (Like the vegeta training in 400x gravity clip, everything on KZbin is like 480p)

[@vladdracula9586]

Can anyone suggest some cheap location, gyms to get quality training in Muay Thai??

[@SR-dw6io]

Any recommendations on Muay Thai Gyms in Thailand? Preferably one like this, where its in a scenic location with local down to earth trainers, but one which is not too far from a major city

[@MinotaurvsCyclops]

I live at one in lopburi if you're interested

[@howHumam]

Muay Thai is a martial arts pinnacle like any other, worthy of glory and honor, commanding respect. Tony Jaa tries to share it, but it is every iota as poingtent as Shaolin or Okinowoan Karate...

[@poppunkloser]

Loved it. It's kinda sad though.

[@Llucius1]

I wish to see the full version

[@fredyuldashev]

A good martial artist will never compare and down grade another martial art.

[@drhkleinert3245]

Wrong. Its allowed to call bullshido as bullshido.

[@psuk4472]

The corruption started before Muay Thai became internationally known. The gamblers and promoters changed the game from fighting to a clinching competition. The golden era fighters had a wide range of skill sets. Then it transitioned to kicking and wrestling for points. If anything, MMA and promos like ONE Championship brought back Muay Thai

[@artiew8718]

k-1 ramone dekkers...and you got a problem with buakaw clinch?

[@imawarrior313]

I think that what they mean by this is the “softening” of muay thai due to points system and showmanship which they call “entertainment l” but i still think that its pretty authentic and real in many gyms there. What do you guys think?

[@damagedone56]

I demand more Nat geo!!!!

[@HiredGunz98]

What's the name of the backing track starting 6 min please

[@oneguy7202]

I wanted to see muay boran

[@Subscriberswithtwovideos-gr6tk]

What a madlad, continuing the culture

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

Tiger muay thai is an example of buying and selling the soul out of muay thai. All about the benjamins! With all respect. It is no longer an art.. its a trade! A profit trade buisnness

[@arnbassbaritone]

Explain. I've seen top level fighters train there.

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

You are missing the point. It's not about the level of fighters.

[@blooberization]

it is only a business to those concerned with money

[@augustoloa4315]

Im geting your point. You can't become rich spreading you knowledge and character. You need to continue poor and teache to selected few.

[@gggfff4013]

💐💐💐🇹🇭

[@bruhmoment-yt2zp]

I'm curious if anybody knows please let me know as I'm new to Muay Thai how do you perform a prayer

[@drastocedits2682]

The underlying cause lies in the conflict of interests that revolves around the different stakeholders in the art. Muay Thai is dominantly a cultural appreciation, but when foreign investors participate in the trade of the art, Muay Thai becomes diluted of its authenticity. Foreign investors are more keen to grow the sport in the age of globalisation rather than to preserve its roots and heritage, which leads to the inappropriateness of Thailand's Muay Thai scene, where women (not even certain if they are) are being told to fight in a provocative manner which goes against the code of conduct in its art. However, the art needs an economic upper-hand to sustain its roots. This can and has already been done in a more peaceful, and appreciative manner, where the original art of Muay Thai is being taught and practiced on foreign soils, without a change in its rules and authenticity. Therefore, while there is a conflict of interests between the different stakeholders, the culture can still be preserved if a compromise is made amongst each player in the game.

[@xatzi4615]

who is the guy that they have a picture of in the gym

[@danielscimone2542]

Combat sports are on the rise, studies have shown martial arts is the fastest growing sport in north america, there are huge promotions now that you can fight for to make big money.. Its far from the amount you would get for boxing, but its growing.. Fast

[@my2009Babies1]

This was moving😔

[@zee9000_]

7:44 for the prices and no refunds.

[@FightVideos]

commercialize correctly like the western boxing would be good. many of the bookies and many promoters are the ones controlling the muay thai industry. And the rule of fighting not set clear and right. So is the scoring systems as sometimes it is vague... Clinching is the main part of fight nowsday which requires much more raw body(paterior[spelling] chain power especially and arms and neck power). Techniques are there also. Yes you can sweep or anti-clinch, but i think it also kills lots of technical and beautiful techniques of fighting since the golden age muay thai era.... lerdsila and seanchai are good examples of thinking of the box and will raise muay thai quality and status. And if muay thai can incorporate more western boxing techniques than what most fighers are doing and chinese martial arts(like wing chun, ba ji quan, pi gua zhang, tong bei quan, spearing principles) would be super powerful, besides karate and tkd and jujitsu.

[@rauth5428]

where is this place? address pls : )

[@thetractorlegacy7477]

I have won 304 fights no losses and 84 tournament belts on Ps4:Tekken 4 ☺