Muay Boran: Ancient Boxing

Devotees of things authentic may prefer studying Muay Chaiya. This ancient Southern Thai style is taught at the Baan Chang traditional arts school in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district. Muay Chaiya is one of several old regional forms currently enjoying a mini-revival under the collective label Muay Boran (ancient boxing).

Now often seen at festivals, the combatants wear loincloths, have wrists bound with abrasive rope, and show more artistry in footwork than pro pugilists can usually muster. They also conduct the wai kru muay with more elaborate detail,  and meditative concentration. Muay Thai proves how a traditional art can modernize and become commercialized yet still preserve its heritage. The sport has become perhaps Thailand’s most internationally recognized export after Thai food. The sport’s emerging ambassador is movie star Tony Jaa, who is touted as the Bruce Lee of Muay Thai through films like ‘Ong Bak’ and ‘Tom Yum Goong’.

There’s no finer compliment to a country than its cultural traits being adopted by the world. Just as many tourists acquire Thai cooking or massage skills as a lasting souvenir, increasing numbers take home Muay Thai techniques. More than a way to hone your body, focus your mind and impress your friends, you can shock any potential assailant with your Crocodile Tail Thrash.

 

 Terminology

· Nuk Muay - A name given to a student of muay Thai

· Nuk Soo - Thai language for Muay Thai Warrior

· Kru - Instructor or trainer

· Ajarn - Master or Instructor (more advanced than kru)

· Wai Kru - A ritual before a competition. The fighter performs three bows, on the third one the fighter concentrates, thinking about someone who is very dear to them. This ritual is to show respect towards family, gym and teacher.

· Ram Muay - The Ram Muay is the ritual following the Wai Kru. It is a dance that the fighter performs while music is played. Before there were rings, the Ram Muay was done before fights as a warm up. Now, they are rituals done before competition.

· Pra Jiad - Type of armband worn by Muay Thai athletes. The Pra Jiad gives good luck and confidence to the athletes. Some Muay Thai fighters prefer to wear one Pra Jiad, others wear two. Sometimes used in some Western Muay Thai gyms with different colors to give rank like in a colored belt system used in karate, etc.

· Mong Kon - Type of headgear worn by Muay Thai athletes. The Mong Kon was given to the students who the teachers thought had learned many of the skills and techniques. They were given at ceremonies. They were to be worn in the rings during fights, but they must never fall on, be close to or held near the ground as the Mong Kon would lose its magic. The student is never allowed to touch or handle the Mong Kon, only his Kru or Ajarn may handle it. He will take care of the headgear and will present and remove the band to the student when he competes within the ring. In the past, you could use the color and style of the Mong Kon to see from what school the fighter originated.

· Krang Ruang - A pra jiad that has special meaning to the person wearing it. It could be anything from a piece of their father's hair, a piece from their mother's sarong, etc.

· Pong Malai - Floral wreaths which are given to the fighter by friends or fans before a fight. They look somewhat like the Hawaiian Lei.