I constantly hear about Muay Thai, the art of eight 'limbs'.

Arachnids have eight limbs, humans have four. So who keeps telling people that Muay Thai is an art of eight limbs?

It's an expression. Just like the "seven stars" of Seven Star Mantis aren't actually celestial bodies of burning gas.

And it was not created by fanboys to "discredit" anyone. That's how it's referred to in Thailand. Kind of like how boxing is referred to as "the sweet science" in the West, and nobody thinks it's trying to discredit Astronomy or something.

It's called the Art of Eight Limbs for the following reason:

1. Fists

2. Elbows

3. Kicks

4. Knees

5. Shins

6. Feet.

7. Head

8. Clinch

It uses a-lot of different places on the body to strike with.

Why they call it that specifically? Who knows. Other arts use the same and just as much.

Mostly fan boys/girls that make those comments. It is a feeble attempt to make it look like that muay thai is so awesome because they strike with the elbows knees and shins. This is suppose to somehow discredit traditional arts as if traditional arts do not use those body parts. The facts are that in traditional arts you use those body part plus more such as: wrist, fingers, toes, forearms, head, shoulders, and hips.

The "limbs" in question are two hands, two feet, two knees, and two elbows. Either the expression was never meant to be taken literally, or the use of the word limbs is due to a poor translation.

It's not meant to be taken literally.

None.

I constantly hear about Muay Thai, the art of eight 'limbs'.

Arachnids have eight limbs, humans have four. So who keeps telling people that Muay Thai is an art of eight limbs?