Muay Thai is Thailand’s national striking art, developed centuries ago as a battlefield skill. It uses punches, kicks, knees and elbows—earning it the title “art of eight limbs”—and is rooted in Thai culture and values. Today’s practice blends power strikes, clinch work and rigorous conditioning, relying on both aerobic and anaerobic drills to build cardiovascular fitness and core strength. Training also improves bone density, elevates mood and focus, and fosters a supportive community. At Louisville Combat Academy, Muay Thai classes are led by coach Graham Gordon and held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings