Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, is a Thai martial art and full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the "Art of eight limbs", as it is characterised by the combined use of punches, elbows, kicks, and knees. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the late 20th to 21st century, when fighters from Thailand began competing and dominating in kickboxing and MMA matches around the world. 

Krabi–krabong was developed by the ancient Thai warriors for fighting on the battlefield. It was likely used in conjunction with Muay Boran, the predessor to modern-day Muay Thai. The system's name refers to its main weapons, namely the Thai sword (krabi) and staff (krabong). Typically, two swords are wielded as a pair. Unarmed krabi-krabong (muay boran) makes use of kicks, pressure point strikes, joint locks, holds, and throws.