Sepak Takraw is a sport that’ll leave you feeling sore for days, while also leaving you in great shape. It’s a combination of soccer, volleyball, Kung Fu and gymnastics that’s gaining in popularity across the world. It started in Thailand, and that’s where you should head for the best training.
The sport is actually a mishmash of Thai and Malay principles that utilizes the athleticism of gymnastics and the focus of Kung Fu to create a fun, competitive game. Sepak is the Malay word meaning “kick” and takraw is the Thai word for the woven, rattan ball used in the game.
Competitors take position on a court resembling that of badminton with three players on each team. They use a variety of kicks, including flying bicycle kicks over their heads and roundhouse kicks, along with their heads to knock the ball back and forth. Sometimes it’s played with a net and sometimes it’s not.
Players can use any part of the body except the hands and arms to try and hit the ball back over the net. Each team only gets three touches of the ball before it has to go back over. It’s similar to volleyball. The winning team is the one that wins the best out of five sets.

Join Istaf Super Series at Fashion Island Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand © Manit Larpluechai | Dreamstime
Sepak Takraw has been played in Thailand and around Asia since the 16th century and has just recently starting making waves in the United States. It’s a super competitive sport not for the faint of heart, but it sure does make for some great exercise!
Read This Next
Mixed Martial Arts at Tiger Muay Thai
Sports
Nov 20, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations
Apr 3, 2025Which is the Happiest Country in the World?
Results of the annual United Nations World Happiness Report reveal Finland as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Cruises
Apr 3, 2025Mystery Cruise Returns to Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises officially announced the return of its popular Mystery Cruise this June. Hosted by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, this cruise is, as its name suggests, a total mystery. No guidebooks, no plans, just exploration.
Hotel
Apr 2, 2025Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Introduces New Adventures, Zen Experiences
Just in time for spring break travels and summer trips, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit launched a new Adrenaline & Zen Adventure experience for guests staying on property. From thrilling freefalls over the Pacific Ocean to off-roading adventures to sunrise and sunset viewings, participants get a taste of everything the destination has to offer.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Destinations / Middle East
Apr 2, 2025Where Can You See the World’s Largest Drone Light Show?
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism collaborates with Colorado-based Nova Sky Stories to bring the world’s largest drone light show to Abu Dhabi. Nova Sky Stories has already set records with its drone technology (such as the Guinness World Record for largest number of drones flown as part of one event), and you may have seen Nova’s work during recent Olympics ceremonies and at the Super Bowl.
ShareThis