Muay Thai developed from different styles of unarmed combat during the period of the 15th and 16th centuries, in the region from India through much of the Far East. It is now one of the main parts of Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, popular today. Its roots go back to the 16th century in Thailand, where it was used in actual combat as well as in military training. During times of relative peacetime, it was practiced as a means of physical exercise, recreation and personal development, as well as self-defense.