About the Art and Culture

I'm sure most of us have heard of Muay Thai and how it's used as self-defence teaching for many. But, personally, Charmrath has shown and explained what it really is, and how diverse this art is. Muay Thai is known by several names such as Nak Muay, Tomoi, Thai Boxing, and the Art of Eight Limbs. What makes this art so unique is that it uses eight attack points which are the two fists, elbows, legs, and knees to attack (generally, using the whole body as a form of attack on the opponent). Given that its name is the art of the eight limbs, Muay Thai comes in two different fighting forms, known as Look Mai and Mae Mai. 

Interestingly, the art of movement is cultivated in all parts of Thai culture. Ram Muay Wai Kru or simply known as Wai Kru is a dance ritual or ceremony performed by the fighters before entering any form of fight. What interests me is that the art of movement in Thai culture is a symbol of respect, honour, and forgiveness towards their elders and mentors and these aspects are what make Thai art and culture so unique and different. Respect, Honour, and Forgiveness run deep in their culture and their teachings - allowing them to remain humble, yet noble through the art of Muay Thai. During the Wai Kru, the dancers perform as Traditional Thai instruments are played called the "Pi" - a traditional Thai flute. 

Personally, Charmrath explains that Wai Kru is to demonstrate respect to the teachers that have guided and mentored their students through the journey and teachings. Honour, is to uphold their ancestral roots, honouring those that came before them, and those who have vividly lived and brought the art to life. While Forgiveness is to seek forgiveness from the opponent after the fight. An action that demonstrates nobility and humility through all. 

Essentially, we've seen and heard a lot about Muay Thai all over television and even on YouTube. But, 

have you heard of the term "Jarakhe faad hang", "Hanuman thawai wean", or even "Hark khor erawan"? Presumably, I would say these terms seem foreign to many but to the Thai community, it brings honour to their culture as Muay Boran is teaching only few would know. Muay Boran is different. It is in fact an ancient Thai Martial Art that comes way before the teachings of Muay Thai. Similarly, it's known in different terms such as Muay Chaiya, Toi Muay, and the Art of the Nine Limbs. Just like Muay Thai, the art uses all elements of the body, two fists, two elbows, legs, and knees. But what makes it different from Muay Thai is that Muay Boran incorporated the forehead in the fight. 

The fighters in Muay Boran would wrap a rope around their arms called "Kard Chuek" and uses a set of movements that are based on animals and mythical Gods and creatures that are similar to the Chinese KungFu. Cultivating the movements of five animals - Tiger, Leopard, Dragon, Snake, and Crane, Charmrath speaks highly of each movement as it represents deep and powerful meanings in each stance. However, because it is so powerful, Muay Boran was banned as a competitive sport because of its deadly techniques and attacks that could potentially kill another in a fight. Muay Boran was then changed and the teachings were altered to Muay Thai as a safer version of the Thai martial arts as fighters would use gloves instead of ropes around their hands.

What is a Mongkhon? 

Worn on their head during fights, whether in the ring or in movies, a Mongkhon is worn by every Muay Thai fighter. I'm sure many of us have seen it on television shows or even in action movies where the Thai martial artist is seen wearing it before his big fight. It is a traditional Thai headband that is worn by Muay Thai fighters as a symbol of respect, honour, and graduation from the elders. Now, typically the mongkhon is given to these fighters by their teachers as a symbol that they have graduated from learning - just like how students graduate from school and they're given a certification for their hard work. However, what makes the mongkhon so unique is that it symbolises the principles such as respect and honour that all Muay Thai fighters should have even during a fight, it symbolises their humble roots and their extensive training. Likewise, it comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs that are done by the teachers themselves before handing it over to their students during their graduation. 

What is a Prajead? 

Unlike the Mongkhon, the Prajaed is worn on both arms as an armband of traditional Muay Thai fighters. It represents the courage of the fighters as they enter into a fight - reminding them of their training and giving them strength and courage. There is however a difference in how the Prajaed is made. As the Mongkhon is made by the teacher and given to the student, the Prajaed on the other hand is made, designed, and created by the students themselves -showcasing their creativity, courage, and confidence in themselves. Perhaps you can say that it is a way for these students to show how much they see themselves in the art of Muay Thai. Now, whenever a student wears his prajead, it shows the pride the student has towards the art and gives him the motivation to perform to his greatest potential and ability. 

What is Kard Chuek 

Now, unlike the Prajaed, the Kard Chuek is mainly rope that Muay Boran fighters use to wrap their hands during combat. Back in the olden days, way before boxing gloves were made, Muay Boran fighters would use chuek to wrap their hands to protect their hands and their knuckles. Usually, it is wrapped past the fighter's wrists to properly protect the joints and to prevent injuries during combat

It is also considered to be an additional weapon for fighters as it is thick enough to cause severe injury to the opponent. Muay Boran fighters are well-equipped with movement and speed during combat, and with the addition of the Kard Chuek, the strong blows given by the fighters are enough to knock out their opponents - leaving them with severe injuries or even resulting in death. 

What is Krabi Krabong

Krabi Krabong is a Thai traditional martial art that involves using swords and weapons. During the reign of King Rama II members of the royal family developed a new fighting style. The name of this fighting style is Krabi Krabong. Krabi Krabong was originally invented to be an attractive, representative and safe sporting activity for noble people. Later on, it became a kind of stage fencing for plays and for the entertainment of foreign guests at the royal court.

For more than a century, Krabi Krabong was reserved exclusively for members of the royal family. 

Types of weapons 

• Darb Thai (Thai sword)
• Lo (Shield) 
• Meed (Blade) 
• Mai sok 
• Ngaw (Spear)

Click here for more information on Krabi Krabong!