Allan, David

Journal Of Asian Martial Arts
Volume 11, Issue 3, pp. 40-49 (2002)

Recommended

Thai kickboxing, also known as Muay Thai, is considered among the toughest martial arts. Fighters are allowed to use any part of their bodies, except the head, to hit their opponents. The action in competition is nonstop and fast paced. Each match consists of five rounds of three minutes each with a two minute break between each round. Fighters begin training as young as six and often retire in their mid-20s. In a given night of matches, there are five events, usually starting with preteens and progressing too more experienced fighters.

Before the actual fight begins, each boxer performs a ritual dance call the ram muay. This dance is a slow and serious tribute to their coach and training camp, as well as to please the spirits. Each fighter’s moves are similar however the order and length of each differs. All ram muay ceremonies include a special bow to the trainer and to each corner of the ring in recognition of the four truths. At the end of each ceremony, the fighter will run around the ring counterclockwise tracing the trop rope with his hand. This is done to dispel any bad spirits. Once this is done, before the match is to begin, the fighter bows three times for: Buddha, the order of monks, and the Buddhist doctrine.

Each fighter wears around his biceps kruang rang amulets. The amulets are cords containing lucky herbs or Buddhist amulets for protection. There are kept on throughout the match. They also wear a monkhon, which is a stiff monk-blessed headband. The headband bears the marking of the fighterﾒs camp and is removed after the opening ceremony.

As much as Muay Thai is for the fighters, it is equally a spectator sport. Many of the onlookers bet on one fighter over another. The betting is done in the stadium between two people only. Each bet is for an agreed upon amount and every bet is remembered and paid later. All the betting is done on the honor system as well. Those who do not pay are embarrassed in some way as punishment. Violent enforcement means are unnecessary, because saving face is held as a high priority in Thai society.

I believe this article is a good introduction to Muay Thai competition. It tells about the observable rituals and give a good mental picture of what one would see. Also, one can learn from the dedication and concentration that the fighters have. All martial arts requires practice and hard work to advance in rank as well as in skill.

Annotated by: Leah Wallick (December 2002)

Martial Arts: Muay Thai |

Topics: competition/sparring |