Fast, Brutal and Efficient – these words ring true when one bears witness to a skilful display of the Science of Eight Limbs or Muay Thai, also widely known as Thai Boxing.

The advent of reality fight television programs like The Contender Asia and International Fight League (IFL) airing on AXN has seen the revival of this intricate fighting style indigenous to the sands of South East Asia. Muay Thai utilises the 8 striking points of the body (2 fists, 2 elbows, 2 knees and 2 shins) to maim, render incapacitated or otherwise introduce a whole new world of hurt to an opponent, earning it the apt title, the Science of Eight Limbs.

And now the fever has reached Singapore’s shores in the form of the One Song Chai (S1) Singapore Muay Thai Championship organised by FightWorks Asia.

One of Singapore’s largest martial arts training facilities and the official organising body for the event, FightWorks Asia offers training in a variety of martial styles, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Israeli fighting system Krav Maga and of course, Muay Thai.

The Competition

On the 27th and the 28th Sept, 32 fighters spread across two weight divisions – the Lightweight division and the Heavyweight division, will contend for the S1 championship belt in a furious blitz of fists, shins, knees and elbows. The chosen battleground for the event – one of the biggest in the local martial arts scene this year, will be at SAFRA Tampines, and will commence at 1pm.

8 winners from each category will progress to the finals that will take place in a pyramid-style elimination format to decide the overall champion for that division. The line-up of talent includes fighters hailing from countries like Iran, France, Japan and of course Thailand will be competing at the S1 championships, which will be presided over by 5 judges from Thailand.

Prizes include a champion’s purse of S$5000 cash and a year’s unlimited Kampong Fish hands/feet therapy sponsorship worth S$4,000

Ticket prices for adults are S$20 for a one-day pass and S$35 for a two-day pass. Students will enjoy a discount with tickets priced at S$15 for a one-day pass and S$25 for a two-day pass. There is also a special group package, purchase 10 two-day passes and you will get 2 two-day passes free.