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Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Southern Anthropological Society

Abstract

This qualitative meta-analysis, drawing from published articles, books, and ethnographies, examines Muay Thai through the interdisciplinary lens of martial arts studies, cultural studies, and anthropological literature. I argue that the interpretation of Muay Thai is intricately tied to its cultural context, revealing dimensions such as cultural heritage, systemic violence, and the global dissemination of martial arts. Framed within anthropological literature on embodiment and cultural performance, the paper understands Muay Thai, akin to dance, as an embodied cultural performance shaped by bodily knowledge and practice. The analysis delves into the nuanced meanings of Muay Thai across three cultural contexts: native practitioners in Thailand, foreign practitioners in Thailand, and global practitioners in a mixed martial arts (MMA) community. A reflexive component, contributing a unique perspective from my training experience in a U.S.-based MMA gym offering Muay Thai, is also included. By combining insights from different disciplines, this meta-analysis provides a thorough overview of Muay Thai scholarship, fostering a comprehensive understanding of this martial art amidst integration into the wider MMA landscape.

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