In the shadow of the perpetual illumination of Times Square, battle wages in an upscale bowling alley. The location: Lucky Strike Manhattan on the west side of Hell’s Kitchen which typically serves as a trendy bowling alley. But tonight, no one will be bowling. The clash of pins will be replaced with the knocking of fists, knees, elbows, and shins. Men and women will compete in an ancient martial art form that dates back to 1767 and will be broadcast throughout the US by American based promoter Friday Night Fights (FNF).

Muay Thai, also nicknamed “the Art of Eight Limbs”, has roots in battle combat and is recognized as the official sport of Thailand. Originally created out of necessity by a prisoner of war fighting for his freedom in the 18th century, Muay Thai is well known in the fighting community as the most effective and viscous form of stand up combat. Today, the sport is practiced throughout world.

Friday Night Fights has been producing Muay Thai fights longer than anyone else in North America. Recently, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) began streaming Friday Night Fights to subscribers of their UFC Fight Pass; a huge development for American Muay Thai fans. Most Friday Night Fight events take place in the greater New York City area. Overall, Friday Night Fights has produced over 200 events in their existence.

Fights start at 8 and a lot of the crowd won’t funnel in until 8:30-9:00. Arriving before the start, one can witness the quiet before the storm. The alleys are closed for the night. A DJ begins to set up for a night mixed with rap music and a recording of the Sarama, which is a traditional Thai performance typically played by a live band during fights. A few people congregate to the bar. “Man, I hope Tommy can pull through tonight” and other similar conversations can be heard from anxious family members and training partners. And, that’s what a majority of the crowd is: training partners and family members. Most come sporting their local gym’s apparel.

The ring has been set up in a large space ahead of the alleys. A large glass wall separates the bar/lounge area from the former alleys, now boxing ring. What appears to be about 80 chairs line 3 corners of the ring. When attending, you can purchase one of the 80 or so seats, or chose general admission which is standing room just passed the chairs. A table has been set up in the fourth corner for officials, photographers, and judges. There has been a large silver trophy cup placed on pedestal in the center of the ring–the Champion’s Cup. Occasionally, a barefoot hand-wrapped fighter will pass the ring, eyes locked on the trophy and then disappear back into the locker room. As fight time approaches, less fighters do their final round of the empty ring and more people begin to funnel into the venue.

At 8 p.m. sharp, a suited man with an iPad enters the ring and announces the night’s festivities: an 8 man Muay Thai tournament along with a few non-tournament battles sprinkled in, all sanctioned by the World Kickboxing Association. All fights will be three round fights. The 8 man tournament is survive and advance, meaning the champion fighter will have fought, and won, three fights on the evening. The winner will also receive a free trip to Thailand, courtesy of the official tourism authority of Thailand.

The fights that ensued were fast and furious. There was little time between fights, providing maximum entertainment in a short amount of time. Most fighters agreed to wear small shin guards and elbow pads as there is almost no chance a fighter could make it through three fights in one night without. A few of the non-tournament fighters agreed to wear headgear, which lead me to believe they were using the fights as a tune up for a future brawl. Fighters walked out to blaring rap music from the DJ and most performed an abbreviated version of the Wai Kru (a dance traditionally performed by competitors prior to a fight to honor family and trainers). Judges scored each fight and winners were announced in a traditional raise of the hand.

The small space provided a unique opportunity for a sporting event. Every shout of confidence or criticism can be heard by competitors, athletes, trainers, and other fans alike. “If he wanted to dance, he would of asked your sister!” “Kick! You need to kick more!” “Kill him, Joey! I’ve never seen you look better!” Most attendees are members of the fighting community, in one way or another. And, most know what they were talking about when either criticizing or complimenting fighters; unlike most american sports, where fans are quick to scream uneducated falsehoods. If you sit close enough to either fighter’s corner, between round adjustments can be overheard, giving audiences an idea of the strategy of Muay Thai.

The close proximity to the action also served for a look into the each fighter’s mannerisms. Every viewer can look into a competitor’s eyes and get a sense of the fighter’s mindset. Are they going to approach the fight in a state of peace or violence? How do they react after the first blow? The audience is able to get a glimpse into the physical and mental aspect of a fight. Sweat flying off of fighters at every punch, knee and kick was visible.

Fights typically end in brawlers bowing to their opponent (some even getting on all fours to bow to a competitor who had just kicked the shit out of them). Winners confidently strutted off the stage, sometimes flexing to the audience. Losers retreated back to the locker room to assess the loss and prepare for the grueling task of training for another fight.

Provided the opportunity you’re in New York City on the weekend of a fight, it’s highly recommend you attend a Friday Night Fight. Fights are typically once a month, and can be purchased on Friday Night Fight’s website. Ticket prices typically range between $35-$40 for standing room general admission. A seat will cost you more, going between $85-$125. If you’re a fan of martial arts or just sports in general, it’s the best fight viewing in NYC.

The sport is on the rise. As mentioned previously, the UFC is beginning to air Muay Thai. Also in the news, ESPN will air UFC fights beginning in 2019. It’s only a matter of time before this niche combat sports reaches the mainstream.