In lieu of the world competitions this year, the USMF has put together the U.S. National Virtual Championships, where athletes will be able to compete via an interactive online tournament. From there, the winners will contend in IFMA’s International Virtual Championships
The U.S. National Virtual Championship is composed of four specific categories that highlight contenders’ Muaythai skills, as well as their understanding of the culture, demonstration of technique, strength, and competitive prowess. This includes a Wai Kru exhibition, shadowboxing, and displays of stamina and choreography.
In this time where travel and training plans are uncertain, the tournament is an opportunity for athletes to participate, connect with other countries, and learn more about Muaythai. The USMF will be releasing more information in the upcoming week on how to participate as well as the rules and regulations required to enter. Video entries can be submitted starting July 7th until August 8th.
A Wai Kru demonstration makes up a portion of the U.S. National Virtual Championship. As many know, the Wai Kru Ram Muay is the traditional Thai ritual that athletes perform in the ring before they compete. This is passed down from teacher to student and demonstrates the respect and gratitude athletes have for their coaches.
Competitors will submit in a video with themselves performing the Wai Kru. They will then be drawn into a bracket where judges score who progresses on in the tournament. Similar to traditional IFMA competition, the results and brackets will be live in the system as soon as they are entered into the system.
The National finals will be judged live. Athletes will be given a time slot and a link to a virtual arena, where judges and two other competitors will be present to perform a two-minute long Wai Kru. From there, the winners will contend in IFMA’s International Virtual Championships.
The USMF will be releasing more information in the upcoming week on how to participate as well as the rules and regulations required to enter. Video entries can be submitted starting July 7th until August 8th.
Shadowboxing is an important component of being a Muaythai athlete and a skill that is constantly utilized in training for a bout. The U.S. National Virtual Championship incorporates a Shadowboxing demonstration in their competition, where athletes illustrate their technique in both defense and offense.
Competitors will perform this portion live in a virtual arena where they will be scored by multiple judges. Just as in a normal bout, there will be three rounds, where each round is judged on various aspects such as balance, technique, and various combinations.
The athlete that wins will progress to the next round in their bracket, and will be given a new time slot and link to compete. From there, the winners will contend in IFMA’s International Virtual Championships.
The USMF will be releasing more information in the upcoming week on how to participate as well as the rules and regulations required to enter. Video entries can be submitted starting July 7th until August 8th.
The next aspect of the U.S. National Virtual Championship is called “Max Fit”, and emphasizes the athlete’s stamina, strength, and power.
Competitors will perform this portion live in a virtual arena where they will be scored by multiple judges. Just like a normal bout, there will be three rounds where athletes will try to complete as many reps as possible. Each round is judged on various aspects such as quality, control, and amount of reps completed.
The athlete that wins will progress to the next round in their bracket, and will be given a new time slot and link to compete. From there, the winners will contend in IFMA’s International Virtual Championships.
The USMF will be releasing more information in the upcoming week on how to participate as well as the rules and regulations required to enter. Video entries can be submitted starting July 7th until August 8th.
The final portion of the U.S. National Virtual Championship is called “Aero Fit”, and highlights athletes’ choreography, coordination, and creativity.
Initially, competitors will submit in a video demonstrating their technique and will then move up through their brackets based on comparison to other submitted videos. The finals will be performed live in a virtual arena where they will be scored by multiple judges. From there, the winners will contend in IFMA’s International Virtual Championships.
The USMF will be releasing more information in the upcoming week on how to participate as well as the rules and regulations required to enter. Video entries can be submitted starting July 7th until August 8th.