The highly anticipated International and Thai Martial Arts (ITMA) Games has officially commenced at the indoor stadium in Saphan Hin and will run until Sunday, March 17th. The event, now in its sixth year, has attracted participants from around the world, competing in a wide array of martial arts disciplines such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, and Jiu Jitsu.
Competitors are vying for victory across various age and weight categories, ranging from cadets (8-10 years old) to adults (19-39) and masters (40-45). Each class typically features three rounds of competition with varying durations.
Countries represented in the tournament include Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, England, Wales, Krygistan, Ecuador, Cyprus, India, Germany, Chile, Indonesia, Australia, Greece, Italy, Hong Kong, Iran, and France, making it a truly global affair.
The opening ceremony of the ITMA Games was graced by the presence of Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), alongside Charatdet Ulit, President of the Phra Chao Suea Muay Thai Sports Association, and various government officials. Mr. Areerob expressed his gratitude for Phuket’s hosting of this esteemed event and extended a warm welcome to all athletes, coaching staff, and spectators from over 52 countries.
Charatdet Ulit, President of the Phra Chao Suea Muay Thai Sports Association, highlighted the event’s unique identity, emphasizing its distinct Thai heritage within the international martial arts community. Founded in 2016 by the World Muay Thai Organisation (WMO), the World Muay Boran Federation (WMBF), and the Kru Muay Thai Association (KMA), the ITMA Games and Festival was established with the shared goal of preserving and promoting Thailand’s cultural heritage through martial arts.
Rules and regulations for the competition adhere to international standards set by several prominent organisations, including WMBF, WMO, Union Boxing Federation, Dap Thai Society, International Sport Karate/Kickboxing Association (IKSA), Carlson Gracie Federation, and International Fighting Sport Association (IFSA).
In addition to the tournament, interactive workshops and seminars will take place, providing attendees with the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of various mixed martial arts disciplines. These include courses and seminars for Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and amateur MMA.
The event will culminate with the annual Wai Kru Ceremony conducted by the Kru Muay Thai Association, a traditional Thai ritual that pays homage to teachers and the lineage of knowledge they impart. On Sunday, attendees are invited to participate in the Wai Kru ceremony and celebrate National Nai Kanomtom day, which honours Thailand’s Muay Thai war hero.
The ITMA Games not only showcases the incredible talent and diversity of martial arts but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration. It is an event that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by their passion for martial arts and their shared reverence for its cultural significance.