United Thai Boxing & MMA's training program is built upon the foundation of Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing or Thai Kickboxing. Often called the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai utilizes strikes from fists, feet, elbows, and knees.
Muay Thai, the "Art of Eight Limbs," utilizes various strikes.
Muay Thai originated from the ancient muay boran fighting techniques developed by the Siamese military for hand-to-hand combat. In the 19th century, masters of these techniques began training students to compete in matches organized by the royal family, and the combat sport of Muay Thai was born. Authentic Muay Thai includes clinching in addition to a wide variety of punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes from traditional stand-up positions. Muay Thai's unique combination of its martial arts origin evolving into a combat sport make it an ideal way to improve both physical conditioning and self-defense skills. It also provides an excellent foundation for competitive mixed-martial arts.
Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art which has its origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. It evolved from Krabi Krabong, literally long and short weapons, the weapons tactics of the Thai army.
The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies within the Siamese army against each other in unarmed combat (Muay Boran) with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. Muay Thai is known as “King of the Ring” in kickboxing circles.
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These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees, standing grappling and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent. Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Muay Thai training is also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights.
The World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA), the oldest and largest Muay Thai organization in the World, was founded in 1968 by Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute. Ajarn Chai came to the United States with a vision to spread Muay Thai to throughout the world, and he is the first-ever Thai boxing instructor to teach Americans this art, and he has worked tirelessly for 40 plus years to that end. The WTBA has now expanded to establish affiliate organizations in countries around the world.
What we know today as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) may seem modern, but its roots stretch back thousands of years. While many of the martial arts taught at Elite Training Center-including Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kali, and LOTAR®-combine techniques from multiple disciplines, the sport of MMA focuses on the practical integration of striking and grappling techniques for competition.
Ancient Origins: Pankration and the Greeks
The earliest known form of mixed martial arts can be traced to 648 B.C.E. when the Greeks introduced pankration to the Olympic Games. Meaning “all powers,” pankration was a no-holds-barred competition that combined striking, grappling, and submission techniques. Fighters used punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, joint locks, and chokeholds, and bouts often ended only when one competitor submitted by raising his hand or was knocked out.
Pankration, an ancient Greek combat sport.
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These matches took place in a small, squared ring, promoting close-quarter combat and endurance, as fights could last for hours. Pankration remained popular for centuries, but the sport faded with the decline of Greek civilization. Some historians suggest that these early martial arts techniques influenced combat styles across Asia, contributing indirectly to the development of various traditional martial arts.
MMA resurfaced in the 20th century in Brazil, where the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the 1920s created a new paradigm for mixed-style fighting. BJJ emphasized ground fighting, submissions, and leverage, providing a foundation for modern MMA.
The art spread internationally, and by the early 1980s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reached California, where it gained popularity and became the catalyst for contemporary MMA competitions. In 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) introduced MMA to a broader audience, showcasing “no-holds-barred” matches in an octagonal cage. Early MMA competitions were minimal in rules, emphasizing raw combat effectiveness.
Over time, the sport evolved to include weight classes, time limits, judges, and standardized rules, creating a safer and more regulated environment for competitors while maintaining the integrity of the martial arts techniques.
The Entire History of MMA in 10 minutes
Modern MMA: A Fusion of Styles
Today, MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines striking, grappling, and submissions from a wide array of traditional martial arts, including:
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- Boxing for hand strikes and defensive movements
- Muay Thai for knees, elbows, kicks, and clinch work
- Judo and wrestling for throws and takedowns
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ground control, submissions, and leverage
Modern MMA allows competitors to employ techniques from standing or ground positions while adhering to rules designed for safety. Certain techniques taught in LOTAR-enhanced Krav Maga, such as groin strikes and eye gouges, remain prohibited in MMA competition.
MMA fighters cross-train in multiple disciplines to anticipate and counter opponents’ moves, creating a dynamic and strategic sport. As MMA has grown in popularity, it has become more accessible to practitioners of all ages and skill levels, not just competitive fighters.
MMA Techniques and Training
Striking techniques in MMA include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, while grappling techniques cover clinch holds, pinning, submissions, sweeps, takedowns, and throws. Competitors learn to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling, making MMA both an effective self-defense system and a competitive sport.
MMA training emphasizes not only technique but also discipline, respect, and physical conditioning. Men, women, and youth train side by side in a supportive environment that develops confidence, coordination, and practical combat skills.
Ciryl Gane: A Modern MMA and Muay Thai Star
Ciryl Gane (born April 12, 1990) is a French professional mixed martial artist, actor and former Muay Thai fighter. He currently competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. Gane was born in La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendée department. His paternal family has roots in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. As a youth, Ciryl played football and basketball. Despite his sporting talent, he decided to work in sales at a furniture store and he joined a work-study program in Paris.
Ciryl Gane, a prominent figure in modern MMA.
Gane made his professional debut on June 4, 2016, in an AFMT Muay thai heavyweight title fight against Jérémy Jeanne. After a decision win against Samih Bachar, Gane was scheduled to fight the K-1 veteran Brice Guidon at La Nuit Des Titans. At Warriors Night, Gane beat Bangaly Keita by a third-round knockout. He was then scheduled to fight the multiple-time WBC Muaythai champion Yassine Boughanem at Duel 2.
Coached by Fernand Lopez, Ciryl Gane made his professional MMA debut in 2018. He was first contracted to the Canadian MMA promotion TKO, where his first fight was for the vacant TKO heavyweight championship, against Bobby Sullivan. Gane made his promotional debut on August 10, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko vs. Gane faced Don'Tale Mayes on October 26, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren. Gane faced Tanner Boser on December 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs.
Gane faced Francis Ngannou for the UFC Heavyweight Championship on January 22, 2022, at UFC 270. Gane was ahead after the first two rounds, but Ngannou switched to wrestling and controlled him for the majority rounds three through five. Gane faced Serghei Spivac on September 2, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 226. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Gane competed for the heavyweight championship for the third time against current champion Tom Aspinall on October 25, 2025 at UFC 321. During a competitive first round with both men exchanging, Gane extended his hand poking Aspinall in both eyes.
Achievements
- Won the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship.
- Performance of the Night (Three times)
- Fight of the Night (One time)
- Ranked #7 Fight of the Year (2022)
Filmography
- Ciryl Gane stars as Bastien in the movie KO.
- He is also in the 2025 film, "Den of Thieves 2" starring O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Selected Fights
- UFC Fight Night: Gane vs.
- UFC Fight Night: Gane vs.
- UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs.
- UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs.
- UFC Fight Night: Maia vs.
- UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko vs.
- Lewis vs.
- Ngannou vs.
- Jones vs.
- Aspinall vs.
From ancient battlefields to modern arenas, the evolution of Muay Thai and MMA showcases the enduring appeal and adaptability of these dynamic combat sports.