Muay Thai is approximately 3000 years old and originated in Thailand, formerly known as Siam. Occupying a central position on the southeastern peninsula of Asia, Thailand is bordered by Burma on the west, by Laos on the north and east, by Cambodia on the southeast and by the Gulf of Siam and Malaysia to the South. Unlike most of its neighbours, Thailand has never been colonised by a foreign power, however it has suffered periodic invasions on the part of the Burmese and the Khmers. The 16th century saw the beginning of warfare with Burma. The Burmese captured Ayutthayar, a former capital, and dominated the country until 1585 when, after the death of Bayinnaung the Burmese King, Prince Naresuan of Siam reorganised an army and attempted to drive the Burmese from Siam regaining independence for the Thais. Prince Naresuan and the Crown Prince of Burma finally engaged in combat astride the backs of armoured war elephants and after a ferocious battle, Prince Naresuan cut the Crown Prince in half from the shoulder to the waist and the Burmese army withdrew giving independence back to Siam. During the reign of King Naresuan The Great (1590-1605), Muay Thai was part of military training. The King himself was an expert on individual combat techniques and won several contests. Muay Thai as a sport came into its own during the reign of Pra Chao Sua, The Tiger King (1703-1709). At that time, every village staged it’s own prize fights with young and old, rich and poor, joining training camps. The King himself was a highly skilled boxer and wearing a disguise would enter boxing events and defeat local champions.
        
Probably the most celebrated historical figure in Muay Thai was Nai Khanom Dtom. He was an exceptional athlete, agile, strong and courageous. During the conflict with Burma he was captured by the Burmese troops and was later promised his freedom if he could defeat twelve of his captors as chosen by the King of Burma. This he did, one by one, and in turn was set free by the King.
 
Thai Boxers and promoters to this day honour this great boxer by dedicating one fight night a year to him. In the 1930’s Muay Thai underwent a transformation and a number of rules were introduced. These included boxing gloves, groin guards, weight categories and timed rounds making it a more humane sport as previously fighters hands were bound with hemp rope, dipped in glue then rolled in fragments of glass. An important part of Muay Thai is the pre-fight ritual or Ram Muay. This is a slow motion, ballet like set of steps and movements, often ridiculed by foreigners ignorant of its significance. It is accompanied by music and starts with the Wai Kru, or obedience to the teacher. The boxer kneels in the ring facing the direction of his camp, home or birthplace. He covers his eyes with his gloves and says a short prayer whilst three times bowing low until his gloves touch the canvas. Now the Ram Muay or Boxing Dance follows. It is performed in many different ways with each Master having his own individual style. During the Ram Muay a fighter wears a Mongkon (headband). This is in fact the property of the teacher and is considered sacred. It must be removed before the contest begins. One can also see a boxer wearing a string or piece of cloth around both biceps. This is called the Kruang Ruang and may be worn throughout the fight. It sometimes contains protective charms, a small picture of the Buddha, or a herb said to have magical properties. Also in the West, an armband signifies the rank or grade of the student.

Master Sken has been involved in Muay Thai for over 35 years. He was a former Thai Champion with an undefeated fight record and also bodyguard for the Prince of Thailand.

He moved to the U.K. in 1977 where he started the S.I.M.T.A. Organization and over the years has trained many British, European and World champions.