Appliance of science in fight of eight limbs

An historic art, one originating from Thailand and developed by tribes hundreds of years ago.

Its unique attributes are said to 'mimic the weapons of war'. With no weapons available, it transforms body parts into weapons while the 'eight limbs' are target points.

Hands become a sword, shins and forearms act as armour, knees become an axe and the elbow acts as a heavy hammer – always trying to search for a weak point while grappling your opponent to the ground.

From Thailand, China, Cambodia and Burma, the art – or sport – has developed. In 2014, Muay Thai (which translates as Thai boxing) was included in the International World Games Association and next year will be part of the programme for the 2017 World Games in Poland.

It may still be behind judo, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo and wrestling in terms of popularity at a grassroots level – but Telford Thai Boxing Club and Kru Matt Kendall are out to change that.

The club, based in Hadley, Telford, is bursting with more than 200 members. Some join to take advantage of the purpose-built gym in order to boost fitness and health levels.

Friends

But many of them are fighters, particularly in the impressive junior team where they have pocketed 23 English, British or European titles alone.

Telford Thai Boxing Club came to life in 1986, the brainchild of former head coach John Perks. But it existed in a different way; half-a-dozen friends would rent a studio and they made their way at that level.

Kendall took over as Kru – instructor or master teacher – about five years ago, when the club had no junior section. But he immediately spotted a demand.

"When we set it up originally we didn't think we would push the juniors," said the 39-year-old from Willenhall in Wolverhampton. "It just evolved because they were all so good."

Until the students reach 16, no head contact is permitted and they wear full body armour. But aside from that, it's full contact.

He continued: "These kids go absolutely hell for leather and we're regularly up against the best in Europe. And we hold our own.

"Many of them join aged five or six and we started totally from scratch.

"Most of those fighting competitively have been with me a minimum of two years.

"Once you pick up the rules and the points scoring and train accordingly, then it can be picked up."

Their most recent successes came in April's European Championships, with young stars Jack Silvester, 10, Kelly Mooney, 15, and 12-year-old Daisy Taylor all claiming European crowns at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Rotherham.

The club boasts between 50 and 60 youngsters in its junior classes while there are also adult classes, ladies classes and 'Tiny Thais'.

But winning international titles is nothing like the main aim of the game for Kendall, who says the club acts as a release for local youngsters and can help keep them away from wrongdoing.

"A lot of the adults at the club wanted something for their kids," he added.

"It was a logical step and with a bit of word of mouth and advertising we've got our kids section up to 50 or 60 – with 12 volunteers helping out there.

"We have kids from well-off backgrounds and kids whose parents are addicts.

"They wear the same uniform and are able to talk and train together and all become one. We aim to guide and direct them, really."

Unlike other forms of martial arts, Muay Thai gauges grading on armbands and not belts. There are 10 grades, covering everything from white to red – but no black, regarded in Thailand as a 'disrespectful' colour.

Students receive a new Kruang Ruang (armband) every time they progress. It generally takes four years to reach the red stage.

Kendall and the club's other officers are taking 68 youngsters away to a kids camp in Church Stretton for a weekend during the summer, where many will sleep under canvas and take part in a number of outdoor activities – all for just £50 a head.

The head instructor, whose six-year-old son Bryn also trains, is grateful to the sponsors who play a big part in how the club works.

Veolia Environmental Services, Evolve Pack and Security Guards UK all play a big part in supporting the members as they fight on the European stage.

"Without the help we wouldn't be able to afford to put them up," he said. "It's £25 to enter most (events) plus hotels and travel; with parents, it works out at a lot.

"We've qualified for world championships but haven't been able to go because you're looking at £1,000 per person and £10,000 to take them all."

Anybody looking to get involved at the club can visit www.telfordthaiboxing.com for more details.