British Army Muay Thai boxing celebrates official recognition from Forces sport boards

Muay Thai is the latest martial art to enjoy a growing fan base within the Armed Forces and has been officially recognised by all three services'  sport boards.

The national sport of Thailand is referred to as "the art of eight limbs". Athletes can use any of the eight strikes on both the upper and lower body, making for a fast-paced and explosive sport.

Julian Evans recently visited a British Army training session too find out more about the growing sport and what the official recognition will mean for its future.

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"It's one of the most effective martial arts there is," said Army competitor Sergeant Aiden Webster.

"You're using every limb that you can. You're not restricted in that sense so you've got punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes and kicking.

"You can also do some grappling or clinch work as we call it - standing grappling and wrestling moves.

"It's really all-encompassing."

A number of the Army team are set to compete at the national Muay Thai Championships, while the first Inter Services competition will take place in 2026.

Find out more about the sport in our featured video above.