In yoga, “eight limbs” refers to the individual pieces of a system for spiritual transcendence and includes physical postures as well as ritual observances, moral injunctions, and devotional worship. In Muay Thai, a Southeast Asian martial art similar to kickboxing, eight limbs refers to what you'll be using to beat your opponent: two hands, two feet, two elbows, and two knees. Awareness of the method will spread now that the World Boxing Council has “announced”their first official Muay Thai division. It will include 16 weight classes and plans for a women’s division. The first matches will be in Queensland, Australia on December 10.

The ancient practice blends hitting and kicking with cinching, a wrestling-esque move––the approach has heavily influenced modern kickboxing. Despite being performed in a boxing ring by practitioners wearing heavy padding, this hard, fierce art is actually rooted in deep spirituality; Thailand is a very Buddhist country and Thai boxers often perform Buddhist rituals before fighting. Huge in Thailand, people in the U.S. are increasingly using the approach (it’s being taught at my local YMCA now), not as any sort of Buddhist anything, but to keep in shape and defend against potential attackers. To check out sweaty professional matches worldwide: MuaythaiTV. To find an amateur’s class near you, Citysearch is a good place to start.

Photo by Ernie & Katy Newton Lawley.