The sixth annual edition of the International and Thai Martial Arts (ITMA) Games is taking place at the indoor stadium in Saphan Hin until Sunday (Mar 17) with participants contesting a wide range of martial arts disciplines including Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate and Jiu Jitsu.
Competition has been determined by age and weight, from the cadet division, incorporating 8-10 years old, through adult (19-39) to masters (40-45), typically with three rounds of competition of varying duration, depending on the class.
Participants are representing countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, England, Wales, Krygistan, Ecuador, Cyprus, India, Germany, Chile, Indonesia, Australia, Greece, Italy, Hong Kong, Iran and France.
The event was officially opened yesterday by Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), who was joined at the Saphan Hin facility by Charatdet Ulit, President of the Phra Chao Suea Muay Thai Sports Association, and a host of government officials.
“Phuket is honoured to host this prestigious event and we are most grateful that the Phra Chao Suea Muay Thai Sports Association had confidence in the province’s ability to organise such an important occasion,” commented Mr Rewat.
“On behalf of all Phuketians I extend a warm welcome to all athletes, coaching staff and spectators from over 52 countries for what will be an outstanding week of martial arts action.”
Mr Charatdet explained that event has been held previously four times in Bangkok and once in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and that it is a martial arts festival with a distinct Thai identity that is unique within the international community.
The ITMA Games and Festival were founded in 2016 by the World Muay Thai Organisation (WMO), the World Muay Boran Federation (WMBF) and the Kru Muay Thai Association (KMA) with a shared vision to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Thailand through the power of martial arts.
The multi-discipline competition sees rules and regulations run in accordance with a number of major international organisations, including: WMBF; WMO; Union Boxing Federation; Dap Thai Society, covering Thai sword fighting; International Sport Karate/Kickboxing Association (IKSA); Carlson Gracie Federation, covering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi and No Gi); and International Fighting Sport Association (IFSA), covering amateur MMA and Jeet Kune Do.
On the fringes of the competition there will be a series of interactive workshops and seminars where attendees have opportunity to learn more about the intracacies of a variety of mixed martial arts, including: a WMO ring officials refreshers course; a WMO ring officials course for Muay Thai; a Muay Boran and Dap Thai seminar; a ISKA ring officials course for Kickboxing; a MMA ring officials course; and a Sagat Muay Thai Seminar.
To close the event on Sunday there will be the annual Wai Kru Ceremony held by the Kru Muay Thai Association (KMA). “Wai Kru” is to show respect and thanks to one’s teacher and their lineage of teachers, for passing down their skills and knowledge and this auspicious occasion sees a grand display of tradition, respect, history and culture of Thailand’s most precious martial arts.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate National Nai Kanomtom day (Thailand’s Muay Thai war hero) on Sunday and to participate in the Wai Kru ceremony where attendees will experience an exchange in blessings from highly respected Grand Masters.