Combat Sports - Cambodian Pradal Serey Freestyle Kickboxing

Sometimes you will hear Pradal Serey being called Bradahl Serei. This style of Kickboxing comes out of Cambodia. This Combat Sport style was originally used in Battle, but now Cambodia considers it one of their National Sports. Modern Rules have caused some of the moves they used to have changed a little bit. The main focus of this sport is to win a competition as it is a rule based sport. Similar to Muay Thai Boxing, this sport focuses in 4 major strikes which originate from the knees, elbows, fists and feet.

The clinch is also used as a way or tiring and fatiguing their opponent. Pradal Serey uses more stealth and and shifty fighting stances which differentiates them from most other forms of Southeast Asian Style Kickboxing forms. Elbows are also used more often than in a lot of other styles. The elbow has been responsible for more wins than any other strike used. Fighting has been going on within the Southeast Asia Region since ancient times. Eventually Combat Sports developed as a result of this.

The Khmers in the Angkor Era developed and used armed and unarmed martial arts styles. In fact there was a style that closely resembled Pradal Serey around the 10th Century. People think this could be the reason that the Khmers had such great success in Southeast Asia during that time period. Angkor also used an ancient form of this Combat Sport with other weapons as well as War Elephants to go to war against Champa from Cambodia and Siam from Thailand. Around the 10th century, they controlled most of Cambodia, as well as Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Because of this, Cambodia has had a huge impact on Lao as well as Thai Culture. The Khmer have a belief that Kickboxing in Southeast Asia started with the Mon Khmer. Many Europeans around the Colonial Period were not in favor of Pradal Serey because they considered it too brutal.

The French adopted the idea of this sport but made some enhancements to it, which included timed rounds and the use of boxing gloves to prevent excessive injury. In the old days matches used to take place in dirt pits with rope wrapped hands and very few rules. Seashells were even wrapped around the knuckles of some boxers to make the fights more brutal.

The Benefits of Muay Thai Kickboxing

Somewhere within the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. area are hundreds of people who are just beginning to experience the benefits of Muay Thai kickboxing. It has quickly become a popular martial arts sport that is both competitive and beneficial. Many may wonder what Kickboxing is all about and how it can benefit them. In this article you will discover the answer to that and more.

There are many benefits to becoming a Muay Thai kickboxer:

• Teaches you self defense
• Increases strength and agility
• Increases self confidence
• Teaches you discipline
• Builds your stamina
• Helps you to lose weight

Self defense is great to learn because you never know what may happen when you are out and alone. In addition to the self defense, it is good for anyone who may have low self-esteem because it gives you confidence in yourself. These are lessons you can take through life with you and use in almost any situation. Some say they even get a boost to their immune system from kickboxing.

Anyone can learn Muay Thai kickboxing. It is a form of unarmed combat that is appropriate for everyone including children. Competition is not a necessity in Muay Thai kickboxing. The discipline that children get from this form of martial arts can help them not only in life but in school as well. It can help increase their concentration and improve their grades as a result. Many children notice bullying is no longer a problem after they begin kickboxing classes because they have more self confidence in themselves.

A good Muay Thai boxer is honest and reliable. They are courageous and in control of their feelings. They are fierce yet gentle, and wise beyond their years. They are accustomed to being useful to their community and create unity among his peers. These are all admirable traits of a truly great Muay Thai boxer that you can benefit from and use in life.

There are misconceptions about Muay Thai kickboxing and other martial arts sports. Some believe that these sports breed violence and aggression. This is untrue. Let me explain. Although most martial arts are tough sports, they are sanctioned in today's sports world to protect the competitors. In many of the martial arts forms submission is more important than disabling a contender.

The Thai people take great pride in their national sport of Muay Thai. It is filled with traditions and values that the Thai people are happy to share with the world. This sport has become an international sport receiving credit for its origins.

If you are interested in learning Muay Thai kickboxing, check with some of your local mixed martial arts schools about your interest and question them about any requirements you may need before beginning any classes. Ask about their instructors and the physical benefits of the training. If you think you are really interested in learning kickboxing, and live in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, you can check Lloyd Irvin, Mixed Martial Arts Academies. They have the advantage of signing up for a free trial to 30 days. Take advantage of this great company!