CHILD GLADIATORS: Fighters as young as 8 practice Muay Thai in Thailand

Fighters of the technique, which stems from the ancient martial art of Muay Boran, start training when they are as young as 6 or 7.

Thai warriors developed the technique over 500 years ago out of necessity, relying on hand-to-hand combat when they lost their weapons while fighting with invaders from neighboring countries, according to the Malaysia Star.

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Most of the students are sent to the camp by their parents from Isan, a rural, impoverished region located in the northeast of Thailand.

Muay Thai was developed into a sport when the Thai govement applied formalized rules to Muay Boran because fighters too often sustained fatal injuries.

The combat sport is also known as the "Art of Eight Limbs” or the "Science of Eight Limbs” as fighters are instructed to use punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes to fight their opponent.

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Youngsters train at 96 Penang, a full-time Muay Thai camp located under an expressway overpass in a slum neighborhood of Bangkok.

Fighters focus mostly on body conditioning during daily training exercises aimed at preparing their bodies for rough ring competition.

The impressive images show youngsters who are studying at 96 Penang, a full-time Muay Thai camp located under an expressway overpass in a slum neighborhood of Bangkok.

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Fighters as young as eight years old compete in the ancient martial art.

Most of the students are sent to the camp by their parents from Isan, an impoverished region located in the northeast of Thailand.

The boys enroll in the camp with the hope that they will become competitive fighters and eventually help their financially struggling families.

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Young Muay Thai boxers spar in the ring at a boxing stadium in Thailand.

Muay Thai, which has become Thailand"s national sport, offers the children a shot at fame — successful fighters are viewed as celebrities.

The sport has spread beyond Thailand. Several studios in the U.S. and England offer classes in the ancient art.