Its time for me to rant again on Muay Thai in the western world. Muay Thai can only be called Muay Thai when full use of elbows, knees and clinch are allowed. When these weapons are excluded the the whole game is changed. I have heard many times that amateurs arent experienced enough to use these techniques and it is dangerous for them to compete using them. I disagree, if a fighter isn't capable of using and defending these weapons then he shouldnt be fighting Muay Thai. Fighters who spend their entire amateur career fighting "modified rules" have not developed the skills needed to enter pro level competition on an international "full rules level".
One reason and probably the main reason is the lack of competant coaches. Many coaches come from a kickboxing or other martial arts background. They include leg kicks and a crude form of clinching and start offering Muay Thai classes. Some will claim they are different because they use a "Dutch Style" without really knowing what Dutch style is.
To those that argue that the number one concern is fighter safety I say dont fight, fighting is dangerous, but we can lessen the risk by competant coaching, fair match making and elbow pads and even knee pads for amateurs. Then a fighter can develop the skills and experience that will make him a solid professional.
