Muay Thai originated from Thailand. Often known as the art of 8 limbs utilizing the fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay refers to Combat it derives from Sanskrit which is the original Hindu language that resembles the word Mavya which means unite together, The word Thai refers to the country of Thailand. Other arts that are considered the cousins of Muay Thai are Muay Lao (Originating from the country of Laos), and the art of 9 limbs utilizing the head known as Lethwei (Originating from Burma). The word “Muay” serves as an umbrella to represent the Martial Arts that were introduced to the countries of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
The close combat art of Muay Thai was once used to defend the country of Thailand from invasions by bordering countries such as Burma. For the past centuries Muay Thai was a staple lifestyle to the Thai’s, and a mandatory art of close combat in the Thai Army. In modern day life, the martial art has evolved to a sport that we use as a way of life.
The Wai Kru Ram Muay: Spiritual Dance
The Wai Kru Ram Muay is a Spiritual ritual that is usually performed before a Muay Thai fight. Fighters wear the Mongkhon and Pra Jiad while dancing to the Sarama (Thai music). The rhythmic music is played with an oboe along with Thai drums or cymbals. During the fights, the tempo of the Sarama increases at a faster pace to set the pace and atmosphere of the Fight. The spiritual dance is a representation to pay respect to ancestors, teachers, and families of the fighter.
The Mongkhon: Headwear
The Mongkhon (Headwear) is worn during the Wai Kru Ram Muay. In Thailand. The Mongkhon is said to be a sacred representation of each academy. In ancient times, The Mongkhon was worn by Thai soldiers and made from pieces of fabric from a loved one or family member. The fabric was often blessed by a monk before it was worn. This fabric resembled a good luck charm that had spiritual powers to protect the soldiers. Today, the Mongkhon is made from Ropes, Ribbons, and other Silk materials.
The Pra Jiad : Arm Band
The Pra Jiad is an armband used to give the fighters good luck. Some fighters wear it as a representation of good luck, or to show their rank and status in the sport of Muay Thai. The Pra Jiad is usually made by family or the teachers of the fighter. Sometimes Prayers are said from a Buddhist monk or close family member as the Pra Jiad is being tied to the arm as a sense of good luck.
Muay Thai is a highly effective martial art utilizing the science of 8 limbs. The martial art has been passed down from years of war, which has evolved into a sport, and way of life. Whether you’re training to become a professional fighter, Mixed Martial Artist, or to live a healthy lifestyle, Muay Thai should be a discipline to consider.
Resources:
“What Is Muay Thai, Muay Thai History of Training and Fighting.” Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp, Phuket, Thailand, www.tigermuaythai.com/about-muay-thai/history.
Temps, Dietmar. “Muay Lao: the Kick Boxing Scene in Vientiane, Laos.” Muay Lao: the Kick Boxing Scene in Vientiane, Laos — Dietmar Temps, Photography, dietmartemps.com/travel-blog/muay-lao-the-kick-boxing-scene-in-vientiane-laos_582/.
