Muay Thai has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries. The word muay simply means "boxing or fisticuffs" and is pronounced as if you were saying (mooway) all in one syllable, not (mooee) which is incorrect. The roots of the martial art can be found on the battlefields of the South East Asia spanning several empires. The methods of unarmed combat developed side-by-side with the craft of the soldier and in some ways the techniques draw from the armed combat practiced in ancient times. Fighting for sport, or prizefighting, is a pastime that dates back to at least the 12th century when matches would be fought at village fairs or as challenges between rival factions or kingdoms. 
In the early part of the 20th century the Thai government began to regulate and promote Muay Thai as a modern sport. In many ways the sport of kickboxing worldwide finds its origins in Muay Thai, as organized and promoted spectator sport flourished in the stadiums of Thailand well before it spread to other Eastern nations.
Today, both male and female students participate in Muay Thai training for many reasons not limited to competing in combative sport. Whether it be a means to learn how to physically defend yourself, or maybe to shed a few unwanted pounds, improve your health and blow-off steam, enrollment in a Muay Thai training program can be a rewarding experience that will pay dividends for a lifetime.