• In between rounds, fighters get advice and medical attention from their team, called "seconds."boxing round image by Alina Isakovich from Fotolia.com
  
  Thai kickboxing, or Muay Thai as it is also known, is a martial art and Thailand's national sport. According to the Thai Boxing Association of America, the sport originated in medieval times and was an important part of military training. Today, it is a regulated sport and has participants all over the world. Fighters use elbows, kicks, punches and blocks to knock down their opponents.
  
  

Equipment

• Thai kickboxers must wear regulation Thai kickboxing gloves on their hands. These must weigh no less than 6 oz. One fighter must wear blue, the other wears red, according to which corner of the ring they are designated before the fight. No shoes are allowed and the fighters must wear regulation trunks and vests. Fighters must also wear groin protection, such as a cup. Ankle guards and gum shields are permitted but are not compulsory. Before the fight, each fighter wears a sacred head decoration called a Mongkol, which is removed before the fight commences.
  
  

Weight Divisions

• There are 18 weight divisions. The lightest is mini fly weight, where the upper weight limit is 105 lbs. The top weight division is super heavy weight, for fighters that weigh over 209 lbs. The weight divisions are are separated by an average of 4 lbs.
  
  

Ring

• There are two official types of Thai kickboxing ring, small and large. The small ring must measure 20 feet squared and the large ring must measure 24 feet squared. The ring must have four ropes running horizontally around the edge, padded corners and padded floor. The fighting surface must be no more than 5 feet above the floor of the building.
  
  

Decision

• A Thai kickboxing win can be achieved three ways. A knock out occurs where a fighter is knocked down and isn't able to continue within 10 seconds. A technical knock out is when a fighter is significantly injured, hurt or weakened by the opponent. If both fighters are standing at the end of the fight, the winner is determined based points. Ring side judges award points to a fighter who lands a kick or punch on the opponent. They will also awards points to a fighter who successfully blocks a kick or punch from landing. Points are awarded for periods of dominant and aggressive fighting, where a fighter is clearly actively attacking in the Muay Thai style. Points are deducted for rule breaks, such as biting, arm locks or head butts.
  
  

Rounds

• Fights consist of five rounds that last three minutes. Each round is separated by a two-minute rest period. Fights may not last longer than five rounds.
  
  

Knock Downs

• A knock down is awarded when any part of the fighter's body, apart from the feet, touches the ring floor. This is most likely to occur if a fighter is knocked over by a blow. A knock down is also awarded if a fighter is knocked out of the ring or is otherwise unable to adequately defend themselves.