Notes from “Muay Thai-A Living Legend”

The legend of Shaolin Temple

There is a legend, believed implicitly by some, rejected categorically by others, that most if not all, of the great martial arts of the Orient can be traced to Shaolin Temples in China.The first abbot of the temple was Takmor an Indian prince who like Buddha himself, had renounced worldly wealth to devote himself to religion.Chinese Buddhist monks followed his teachings to train in arts of meditation and self-defense, believing a strong body leads to a strong spirit.They also needed to be proficient in martial arts in order to protect themselves when they retreated into the forest to meditate, to defend their temples from marauders and to guard their brothers engaged in the painstaking process of copying holy manuscripts.

If this legend is true, then it can be endlessly speculated how, spreading from their common origins in Shaolin Temple to the surrounding countries, martial arts as diverse as Tae Kwon Do, Karate and possible the Muay Thai prototype developed in their own unique ways, while maintaining the integral elements of meditation and the calming of the spirit as evidence of their religious beginnings.

7 Eras of History

Pre-Sukhothai Era c.200 B.C.- 1238In the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C., Indian Buddhist missionaries were sent to a land known as Suvarnabhumi, “The Land of Gold” stretching in modern terms from Burma, across central Thailand to eastern Cambodia. Became center of Dvaravati culture, which declined under influence of the invading Khmers in the 11th century. In the south Chaiya was the local capital of the Srivijaya Empire based in Sumatra. A prototype Thai state called Nan Chao flourished in what is now south eastern China. These people started migrating south down Indochina peninsula. Some became mercenaries in the Khmer armies, where they were referred to as “Syams” from the Sanskrit Syam, meaning “dark”, referred to their skin tones. The term Syam or Siam was eventually used to denote their kingdom.

Muay used for:1. Spreading down Indochina peninsula possibly with Buddhism as a combat

skillSukhothai Era 1238-1377

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Located in the northern central Thailand of modern day, Sukhothai was established as the capital. During this era Ramkamhaeng, arguably the 1st great Siamese King, codified the country’s writing system

Muay used for:2. Combat skill on the battle field3. Defense of the community4. Marital training in peace-time

Ayutthaya Era 1350-1767About 75 km north of present day Bangkok, Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya in full, was the capital of the country for over 400 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, destructed by the Burmese in 1767.Extremely prosperous city thriving on trade and many foreign envoysAyutthaya’s population and grandeur were both reputed to have exceeded those of London.

Muay used for:5. Combat skill in successive wars with Burma6. Defense of the community7. Means of personal advancement8. Training for the Royal and elite9. Sport

Thonburi Era 1767-1782New king Prachao Taksin Maharaj founded new capital on west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Being of Chinese ancestry he promoted links with ChinaMuay used for:

10. Combat skill on the battlefield11. Defense of the community12. Means of personal advancement13. Training for the Royal and elite14. Sport

Early Rattanokosin Era 1782- 1868Thonburi Era ends, King Putta Yodfah (Rama I) to throne, established a new capital on April 21, 1782 called Krung Rattanakosin

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Later changed to Krungthepmahanakorn, internationally known as Bangkok.Muay used for:

15. Military skill16. Means of personal advancement17. Training for the Royal and elite18. Sport

Mid-Rattanakosin Era 1868-1925Country developed rapidly under Rama V and Rama VI with expansion of road network and introduction of the railway.Lost some territory to French Laos and British Burma, but Siam resisted colonization.First permanent arena – Suan GularbMuay used for:

19. Military training20. Self-defense21. Exercise and recreation22. Means of personal advancement

1925 to PresentCountry became known as Thailand in 1949.Developed a constitutional monarch with King Bhumipol (Rama IX) now on throne as the world’s longest reigning monarch.

Muay used for:23. Professional and Amateur sport24. Fitness program25. Self-defense

PractiseSome early forms of practise included:

26. Using banana trees for target practise for fists, elbows, knees and feet27. Climbing banana trees to strengthen legs28. Running in lakes and rivers to strengthen legs29. Jumping in and out of waist deep pits for leg strength30. Punching floating coconuts for power and accuracy31. Chopping river water to use water splash to focus not to blink32. Rolling logs on shins to toughen them

Muay-Bare fistsThe early competitive form of Muay was referred to as Dhee Muay or Dhoi Muay. Some characteristics of this early style included:

33. Bare fists used in fighting34. No grappling or grasping

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35. No attempt to pair opponents on weight or size. Fighters just has to have a mutual agreement to fight

36. Later visual assessment for pairing was used37. Some fighters on a winning streak were matched against several fighters in

succession.38. No rules, fighters could quit before beginning if odds looked to bad, or fight

until someone gives up39. Fights on bare earth, with crowd forming a circle around fighters40. Later ring was made41. Then dividing fights into rounds but how many note determined yet.42. Then round length then determined by coconut shell with hole in it put in

water. Round continued until coconut shell was submerged

Muay Kaad Chuek – Bound Fist Muay43. Kaad Chuek or hand wraps were made of unrefined hemp threads twisted

together soft cord the size of your baby finger and 20 meters long for each hand.

44. These wraps were adopted for more attack strength, less sprains and injuries for fingers and wrists.

45. “Whorls” or Gon Hoi inserted in wraps before fight, and then fists dipped in water and dried so whorls hardened being able to inflict nasty injury.

46. Notorious legend of soaking wraps in flour, water or something else sticky (tree resin) and dipping them in fragments of glass, stones, or chippings. If this was true, Kaad Chuek would have had even greater offensive potential and could have caused severe injuries.

47. Some say wraps were only for contest not for combat, as the would have been too clumsy to hold weapons

48. Another possibility was that soldiers were divided into 2 ranks, those with wrapped hands, expected to use Muay techniques alone in battle, and those whose fists were not bound, who used swords and other weapons on the battlefield.

49. Some say weapon was bound right to hand with wraps50. Some say dipped wraps only were used in combat not contest. Untreated

wraps were competitive. Treated wraps were for warfare.

Muay Luang – Royal Muay51. Muay was often used for personal advancement. Nobility invited selected

fighters to come live in the royal palace and teach Muay to the staff. (Soldiers, princes or Kings personal guards)

52. At some stage in the Ayutthaya Period a platoon of royal guards was created. Known as Gong Tanai Luak (Elite retainers), or Dhamruot Luang (Royal Police), or Grom Nak Muay (Muay fighters regiment). These men were

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highly skilled in Muay. They were personally selected after showing exceptional skills and technique while fighting in front of the monarch. This system continued through reigns of Rama V and VI. When fighters had proven themselves in a number of bouts within the province, they earned the right to fight in the capital at a spectacle attended by the King himself.

53. This elite form of Muay became known as Muay Luang or Royal Muay.

Muay Boran – Ancient Muay54. Term used for those who still practise bygone form of Muay.55. Instructor stresses traditional aspects and doesn’t progress from on technique

to another until understood fully by student.56. A Muay Boran student may practise walking techniques for a month before

progressing.57. Yaang Sam Khum (Muay Shuffle) known as Tar Khru (the teachers form) so

premeditated by teachers form and techniques that by watching a fighter do the Muay shuffle you can tell whose students they are.

58. Muay Shuffle seen in Wai Khru Ram Muay59. Pairing of bouts done by agreement like in past60. Remains highly ritualized, very effective for self-defense and entertaining in

the ring

The Muay Renaissance- Rama V and Rama VI (1868-1925)In 1868 King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) came to throne with an inquiring mind and broad outlook, he set his nation on course to become a modern society. He is one of the most revered Thai monarchs. With the country at peace, Muay progressed greatly as a means of physical exercise, self-defense, recreation and personal advancement. Four fighters in particular achieved fame and honor through the personal favour of King Chulalongkorn.The first was a Muay Pra Nakorn (Bangkok-style Muay) fighter. He was given the title Pra Chai Choke Shok Channa (Lord Lucky-Fight-and Win) and went on to become a very famous teacher of both Muay and Krabi Krabong (Thai sword play)

In 1898 a high ranking army commander passed away and Muay fighters from all over the county were invited to come and show their skill in the presence of King Chulalongkorn in the Grand Palace. He promoted them to high ranking military officers and he devised their honorary names:Muen Cha-ngad Choeng Shok – Knight of the Clear-fighting-tacticMuen Muay Mee Chue – Knight of the famous-MuayMuen Mue Maen Mud – Knight of the Punch and Strike-Hand

Different Muay Styles

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Coincidentally the Lord and three Knights were all exponents of different regional varieties of Muay Kaad Chuek: (bound fist Muay)

61. Pra Chai Choke Shok Channa (Lord Lucky-Fight-and Win) was Muay Pra Nakorn fighter (Bangkok style fighter)

62. Muen Cha-ngad Choeng Shok – (Knight of the Clear-fighting-tactic) was Muay Korat (Korat an area north east of Bangkok)

63. Muen Muay Mee Chue – (Knight of the famous-Muay) was Muay Chaiya (area in the south, on the mainland straight west of Koh Samui)

64. Muen Mue Maen Mud – (Knight of the Punch and Strike-Hand) was Muay Lopburi (area straight north of Bangkok)

With vast jungle and densely forested hills, interaction between regions was inhibited and Muay developed in different ways in these various parts of the country. Communication made easier during reign of Rama V, with new roads, also giving fighters the opportunity to go to the capital and take part in bouts watched by the king.

Muay Chaiya is an example of these regional varieties of Muay, which flourished in the late 19th century.Muay Chaiya uses strategies and tactics. Some distinctive points are:

65. Angular stance, w/elbows and knees bent, feet well apart.66. Maintaining a leg check position the forearm becomes a passive weapon as it

obstructs the attacking opponent and inflicts pain on them.67. Fists bound thickly but only down to the wrist.

Muay Chaiya teachers:Paw-Tan Mar, a monk from the temple in the village of Pum Riang, Chaiya in mid-19th Century.Nowadays the temple is in ruins but the pagoda in which the bones of the abbot were deposited still remains.Praya (Count) Watjeesattayarak, was the local ruler of Chaiya who was the teacher of Muen Muay Mee ChueMuen (Knight) Muay Mee Chue, who brought honor and prestige to Muay

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ChaiyaNin Paksee, never lost a bout but was handicapped with a deformed leg and was not allowed to go to Bangkok and fight in front of the king, missing out on fame and fortune.Khru Kaet Sriyapai, son of Praya Watjeesattayarak, studied under no less than 13 Khru Muay before becoming a great teacher himself. Towards the end of his life he is reputed to have said: “I have studied muay since I was 10 until I’ve reached the age of 70, and I’ve still got plenty to learn. So if someone says ‘I am skilful, I know everything,’ I believe that person can never reach the heart of muay.” Khru Tong Yaleh, a student of Khru Kaet. With him, the great era of Muay Chaiya came to an end.

Heroes of Muay

68. Somdet Prachao Suer “The Tiger King” - in 1702, this 42 year old King snuck out of the city to fight at a competition disguised as a peasant. He fought the best local fighter and won. His prize was one baht. He fought several more times remaining victorious. He was a great promoter of Muay throughout his kingdom and within the Royal Palace.

69. Nai Khanom Tom – was a Siamese captive. Burmese held a celebration with fighters entertaining to prove which martial art was better Muay Siam, or Muay Burma. The Burmese used mainly fists and wore cumbersome sarongs limiting their leg movement. The Siamese used fists elbow, knees and feet and wore hand wraps. Nai Khanom Tom was praised for beating several Burmese fighters in a row and a statue was built to commemorate him. This 17th day of March that Nai Khanom Tom fought the Burmese and won was eventually recognized as “Muay Thai day”.

Muay Arenas and Stadiums70. The first areas were no more than an area of land called Samam Muay or

“Muay field”.71. Original field space was 20 meters by 20 meters and no spectators were

allowed to enter. On occasion spectators would invade the ring, it was decided that 2 ropes parallel the ground would be used with mats on the floor and steps leading up to it.

72. The Referee originally wore rich silk Thai pantaloons, white socks, and white jacket but later on wore more of a military style combat. Many details of this format have been lost but these are some generalizations that can be made:

1. Originally the ref was outside the ring – now inside.2. The ref observed and had power to intervene when necessary.

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3. # of rounds was fixed in advance.4. No weight matching was made, mutual agreement still used.5. Hand wraps were used.

73. It took over ten years to transition from wraps to gloves.74. One tragedy that sped up this transition was during a fight at Lak Muang

Arena in 1926, where Jia Kaegkhamen was punched by Pai Lieng Prasert. Jia clung to the ropes dying but wouldn’t give up so the referee couldn’t count him out. After his death, the rule of gloves and odd socks was formed. Later the socks were not used and to all intents and purposes “Muay Thai” was born.

75. 1928 – 1st ranking system76. 1950 – Fully developed rank system. 8 weight divisions calculated in

pounds implemented by Major General Sullivan an American G.I. stationed in Philippines.

77. 1929 – “the Box” (Gra-Jap) Steel groin cup started to be used.78. 1950’s – Osamu Noguchi – Japanese entrepreneur of western style boxing

became interested in Muay Thai. He devised the concept of kick-boxing, an art fusing Muay Thai with karate and in some degree, western style boxing.

79. 1964- He went back with group of Japanese kickboxers for a contest.80. Then he introduced the sport to Europe thus originating the common error

that Muay Thai and Kicboxing are synonymous or even that Muay Thai developed from Kickboxing.

81. 1970’s saw a martial arts boom. Muay Thai was also booming especially in USA. Many new gyms were opening. Muay Thai became popular in Europe especially in Germany, Holland and Australia.

82. Thai’s would like Muay Thai to become an Olympic event but no Olympic sport can have any countries name in it.

83. Most of the early arenas were in close vicinity to the Grand Palace. One arena called Suan Sanuk “Pleasure Garden” is fairly well documented. It is area of what is now Lumphini stadium.

1. It featured a cloth covered ring2. 3 ropes to conform with International standards for western boxing3. Standard Red and Blue corner colors4. An official to act as the time-keeper and ring the bell5. An official awarded points which finally decided winner6. Prior agreement decided for either 3 or 6 rounds

During War years contests were still popular sometimes being held in theatres.

Post War Stadiums

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Ratchadamnoen Stadium:84. Opened December 23, 1945 - to present85. Initially run by Crown property office – May 24, 1953 it was privatized as

Ratchadamnoen Co. Ltd.86. Originally open aired building87. 1951 a concrete roof was added88. Fights every Sunday at 4 or 5pm89. Rules formed by dept. of physical education in 1937 were enforced90. Final conclusive step in transformation of Muay from a traditional market art

to a commercial venture.91. Many attended which meant lots of money for stadiums giving them the

ability to pay the fighter more money which made a sharp increase of fighters in training camps and many fighters turning pro.

92. Ratchadamnoen stadium saw many epoch events including the first ever televised broadcast on Saturday Sept. 4, 1955

93. Fights still run today on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening

Lumpini Stadium:94. Opened December 8, 1956 - to present95. Run by the military on behalf of the Thai government96. Stadium’s manager being invariably a high-ranking army official97. Friendly rivalry between more glamorous, air-conditioned Ratchadamnoen

stadium and more basic, fan cooled Lumpini stadium98. Fights still run on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening

Muay Outfits and AmuletsAlthough the belief in mystical powers has waned, some fighters still have great faith in amulets and incantations.All fighters are required to wear 2 kinds of amulets, “Prajied” and the “Mongkon.”

Outfits:Paa-kao-maa- cloth wrapped and tied around the waist to hold up pants and cover groin. Sometimes later 2 were used for more protection over the groin.

During Rama VII (King 7) the sport was regulated and gloves and shorts were adopted from Western boxing.Present day Muay Thai uses; gloves, shorts, groin protector, hand wraps, mouth guard, Mongkon, Prajied and ankle supporters.

Amulets:

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Amulets should always be kept in a well venerated or revered position. If kept on a low shelf or somewhere someone might step over them it is believed they will lose mystical powers.Pra Krueng- small Buddha image hidden inside Mongkon or Prajied.Pirod – Made from rattan – ring, armband, not worn on same arm as Prajied.Dhagrut – Small sheet of bronzed or silver rolled up worn around waist.Waahn – species of herb believed to give the fighter the power to endure the blistering heat of a glancing blowSuea-yan – cloth waistcoat. Siamese soldiers wore these to battlesPaa-yan – A piece of cloth with mystical inscriptions worn instead of prajied or inside prajiedSome fighters also get tattoos of mystical #’s or cabalistic writing

Prajied – Traditionally red and white, induce toughness, helps fighter avoid danger.Mongkon – Bring prosperity, protects fighter from danger.

-Siamese soldiers used bandanas, from this custom came the tradition of Khru muay (instructor giving Mongkon to students).-Legend has it snakes were used in a way that when they opened their mouths their tails were rammed down there throat forming a circle, dried in the sun for 7 days and 7 nights-One main difference from past, is that it wasn’t removed to fight. If it fell off during the contest the opponent stopped to allow the other to pick it up.

Incantations99. Gam ban nak muen- “Clenched fist weighing 10000 dhamlueng”(=1000

kilograms) -powers to not be knocked out -counteract mystical powers

Wai Khru (Paying respect to teacher) 100.Parents are everyone’s’ original teachers while the reigning monarch is the

headmaster.101.Bond between students of same teacher is equal to kinship, so these students

are often referred to as pee nong (brother or sister)102.Students seeking knowledge from teachers often offer symbols of respect

like flowers, garlands, incense sticks or candles.103.Before becoming a Muay Thai fighter several rites of passage must be

completed:1. Initiation as trainee fighter ceremony

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2. During apprenticeship – Annual Homage paying ceremony for young fighters to pay respect and gratitude to past and present teachers. Held at schools or universities on March 17th – ‘Muay Thai day”

3. Ritual Dance of Homage – third form of the Wai KhruFighters sent to a contest where dance of homage is preformed as public declaration of alliance prior to fight. Once completing Initiation, Training, and Participation stages then they are entitled to regard themselves as real Muay Thai fighters.

Before a teacher accepts a new student, the teacher takes some time to see whether they’re of suitable character. When accepting students, initiation is held on Thursday known as teacher day (Wan Khru). Students offer customary symbols of respect (candles, flowers, incense sticks). Another offering is a symbolic amount of money, like nine baht. Gao (nine) with the same spelling but different pronunciation means, “to step forwards or advance”, giving the amount of 9 baht a hidden meaning.

After completing 3 stages they can participate in Wai Khru ritual – (Initiation as a teacher ceremony).

To become a teacher, fighter must prove skills, knowledge of theory and practise. They must have the right attitude and character. Age and wisdom is considered to advance hand and hand. 30 years old is considered a suitable age to be promoted to Khru Muay.For all forms of Wai Khru, except the Ritual dance of homage, the fighters head must be lower than instructors to symbolize lower status and respect.Initiation as a Teacher –“Krob Khru”

104.This is the public ceremony to promote chosen students to teacher. These chosen students are then entitled to pass skill and knowledge of Muay Thai on to students of their own after this official proclamation:

Today is a propitious day, and this hour of good omen. You have proved yourself to be a person of virtue and knowledge, skilled in the art of Muay Thai, to the extent that you are now worthy of becoming a teacher yourself. I therefore appoint you a newly-created Muay Thai teacher at this Krob Khru ceremony, capable of instructing others in this noble art. Always remember your duty to preserve the traditions and art of Muay Thai. Be a person of good conduct and apply your knowledge and abilities in such a way as to benefit both yourself and the community.While teacher talks, students kneel on the floor, hands in Panom Mue Wai position, with bodies and faces downward. All signs of respect.

105.The students respond with:

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I your disciple, recollect the deep obligation I have to the Thai ancestors who evolved the art of Muay Thai and have passed it down as a precious legacy through countless generations. I also bear in mind the obligation I have to my teacher, who has trained me in the skills of this art, and who now considers me worthy of becoming a teacher myself. I vow to follow in their entirety all of his teachings and to conduct myself with honor, using my knowledge and skills, for every after.

106.Then student bows 3 times.107.Instructor places Mongkon on students head108.Student backs away and completes the Ritual Dance of Homage (Wai Khru

Ram Muay)109.Then student approaches again, kneeling in Wai position.110.Teacher removes Mongkon111.Student bows three times and receives Mongkon in hands to be treasured as a

legacy from his teacher, now believed that Mongkon has sacred properties and can only be worn y its owner except if they give permission for another to do so.

Why Wai?Like many aspects of the Thai culture, the bowing origin can be traced to India. It is a simple gesture of raising and putting together the palms of the hands with fingers pointing up, accompanied by a verbal salutation or not. A Wai can be used to gesture; Hello, goodbye, a request, expression of gratitude, sign of respect or an apology.The position of the hands and head imply degrees of respect and the relative ranks of the individuals involved. The Higher the hands and deeper the head and body are bowed shows a greater respect or obligation being expressed.The ultimate Wai is that offered to Lord Buddha, in a mermaid pose while holding holy symbols of candles, incense sticks and lotus flower, bow all the way down, hands then slid out to side and brought together again 3 times, known as the “Bae Mue”Fighters do the same and offer symbols to teacher.

Who receives and responds to a Wai?This depends almost totally on rank and seniority.

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112.Younger wai to the Elder113.Subordinate wai to the senior114.2 virtual equals in age and rank will rush to wai so as to not appear to be

pulling rank or asserting their superiority by letting the other wai first.115.Adults will not return the wai of a child116.A person of high rank or professional social status may chose not to wai to

subordinates.117.Wais offered by those in the service industry are never returned, a simply

smile or word of thanks in suffice118.Neither party wais if they are: close friends, casual acquaintances, adult

relatives of same age and those not yet introduced.

The Ring119.The ring dimensions are 20 square feet for the small ring and 24 square feet

for the large, the same as western boxing to be measured from within the ropes.

120.Traditionally the ring was set up in alignment with the compass. Red corner being north-west blue corner being south-east and neutral corners being N.E. and S.W.

121.Coloured corners derived from western boxing and were introduced in the late 1920’s.

122.The Red corner generally was assigned to the defending champion or contestant thought to have advantage. The Blue corner was for the challenger or underdog, although today this is sometimes not the case.

123.Professional Muay Thai fighters have ring names. The 1st part of their name is always their own and the 2nd part of their name is the name of the camp they train with.

Entering the ring.There are many superstitions associated with the Muay Thai ring.

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124.Some fighters will crouch down on the canvas 1st in the direction of their birthplace and then once for each direction of the compass.

125.Some fighters walk around the inside rope of the ring with one hand on the top rope, symbolically sealing off the ring from all outside interference.

126.Some fighters may place flowers in there own corner paying homage to guardian spirits and praying for victory.

1. Bow at the corner 3 times2. First one would figure out which nostril breath is flowing more freely and

step up with the foot of that side.3. Avoid stepping on the bottom step. Step directly onto the second step. (Both

2 and 3 are thought to bring good luck!)4. Stand at outside ropes in Panom Mue pose (bow position) at chest level,

hands down to ropes, out left and right and together and back up 3 times.5. Leap over ropes. Go to center, and pay respect in 4 directions to the

spectators.6. Return to corner to be checked by referee7. Now it’s time to start the Wai Khru Ram Muay

Women in the Ring

127.Traditionally women were banned from entering the ring. This originates from the belief that the presence of a woman was equivalent to a curse, destroying fighters’ skill and making them vulnerable to injury.

128.Their presence would also conflict with holy amulets fighters hid inside prajieds.

129.In some stadiums like Ratchadamnoen and Lumpinee women are still not allowed in the ring.

130.Some stadiums have a specific ring for women. The women are still not allowed to jump over the ropes because in jumping they would be higher than their opponents’ amulets and being female this would be disrespectful.

131.Men can enter women’s rings, but women can’t enter men’s rings. 132.Gyms or camps catering to foreigners allow women to train in the ring.

Thai Music

133.The rhythmical music is referred to as Won Pee Glong. 134.“Ching” – Small finger cymbals

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135.“Pee Chawaa” – Instrument with possible origin from India came into Thailand through Indonesia. Nearest comparison being the western Oboe

136.“Glong Kaek” – drum, with either end of unequal size to have a lower tone and a higher tone. The complex rhythm is formed by the play of both drum ends.

137.The composition called “Salamaa” accompanies the Wai Khru Ram Muay. It is slow, stately.

138.The composition called “Kaeg Chao Sen” for fighting, has a quicker tempo at moments of tension or excitement. The music increases the intensity of atmosphere.

Wai Khru Ram Muay

139.Respect for the fighters’ teacher.140.Believed in the past it was practise of soldiers before they went to war,

incorporating one of their weapons, i.e. sword. In peace times they did it minus the weapon in military and physical training.

141.It’s theoretically impossible for 2 fighters performing the same identical Wai Khru Ram Muay rituals to fight. Being from the same school of Muay, they would be reluctant to fight each other.

142.In the past the Wai Khru Ram Muay served several functions:1. Respect to teacher2. Blessing from divinities of ancient times3. Psychological preparation and calming focus to fight4. Supposedly deterred and demoralized opponent5. Old days gave fights a chance to evaluate bare ground for uneven surfaces,

etc. which way sun was shining6. Chance to assess opponents physical state and possible weakness7. Warm-up exercise before fight

Many of these points still pertain in present day.

143.The prostrations happen in groups of three. A possible explanation for this is:1st – for your country2nd – for your religion3rd – for your king

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It is fine to adopt this “triple allegiance” to suit yourself, giving it a more personal orientation, or follow the way your instructor teaches you.144.One final tip from Ajarn Chai to ensure an appropriate frame of mind:Before executing the Wai Khru Ram Muay ritual…Think about your religion,Thing about your parents,Think about your teacher,And think about one you loved who has passed away.

145.The Wai Khru Ram Muay is a graceful and aesthetic ritual with no religious connotations so fighters of every nationality, race and creed can participate in it freely without fearing that in doing so they are breaking the codes of their own particular religion.

146.Even today it serves as a final pre-fight warm-up.

The Wai Khru Ram Muay has 3 sections

1 - Royal Homagea. Prostrationb. Outstretched armsc. Act of Homage

2 - Kneeling Sequence147.One knee on ground and the other in front of you.148.Pivot to repeat facing all 4 sides a tradition that ultimately comes from Krabi

Krabong (Thai sword play)149.There is no rigid rule of the order of direction, but if you have been taught by

your instructor you should follow their way.150.Remember the west is the direction of the setting sun, and is considered to be

unlucky in oriental cultures, and should not be chosen for the 1st direction. Same goes for the standing sequence.

3 - Standing Sequence151.Go from centre out one direction to the ropes, perform dramatic interlude

and return to center until all 4 sides are done. Then backwards to your corner. The footwork used is the Ceremonial form of the “Muay Shuffle”

Removal of the Head Circlet (Pitee Tod Mongkon)152.Face teacher or official appointed by him153.Assume Panom Mue Wai pose to show profound respect154.Teacher raises his hands to chest also and returns the wai

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155.Teacher utter incantation and blows 3 times on the top of fighters head then removes Mongkon.

or holds Mongkon with one hand and caresses the top of fighters head with the other.

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