A group of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) students successfully hosted the first Muay Thai competition for tertiary students on Saturday. The 1st Hong Kong Tertiary Education Students Muay Thai Tournament, organised by the Society of Muay Thai and Boxing of HKBU's Student Union and supported by the Hong Kong Muay Thai Association, was held at Pei Ho Street Sports Centre in Sham Shui Po. Society president Aaron Wong Yik-bo said 22 tertiary students took part in the event. 'It was a pretty good turnout. Eleven rounds were held. We sent one representative, but unfortunately, he didn't win,' said Wong, a Second Year China business student. According to Wong, there are three ways of winning - by knockout, technical knockout or through voting by the five judges. 'This tournament was entirely organised by our society. It took us eight months,' Wong, 21, said. 'We hope other universities or institutions will be inspired to form their own Muay Thai societies and host the tournament next year.' Set up in January last year, the society provides Thai boxing lessons for students every week. With boxers performing a god-worshipping dance before each bout, the martial art emphasises respect for elders and gods. 'Mauy Thai is not only a sport, it's also an art form,' Wong said. 'We don't focus only on flexibility and power, we also make sure every movement looks good. We also have to learn the culture in order to respect the coach and ancestors.' The society was launched by a group of Muay Thai enthusiasts at HKBU with the aim of promoting the sport among their peers. 'When we formed the society in January last year, we had 60 members. That was the peak,' Wong added. 'Now, we have around 45 non-committee members. There's a market in Hong Kong for Muay Thai societies, because there aren't many. 'We want to change people's views about the sport. It's good for keeping fit and self-protection and you can learn the culture and art form.'