Nak Muay is a term used in Thai to describe someone who practices Muay Thai, but that’s not all there is to it. There is so much more to this martial art that someone training Muay Thai needs to know. Find out what it means to be a Nak Muay, the intense training professional fighters undergo to learn the many styles of this fighting art, some of the most famous Nak Muays to get into the boxing ring, and a few basic things you need to know before you start your own Muay Thai journey.
What Is A Nak Muay?
The word ‘Nak Su’ means fighter, while ‘Muay’ means boxing. Together, they roughly translate to ‘Muay Thai fighter’ or ‘practitioner of Thai boxing’. Simply, anyone that is a student of Muay Thai, an amateur boxer, all the way to a world champion that has won multiple titles using Muay Thai fighting techniques can be considered a Nak Muay.
The person that trains a Nak Muay is called a ‘Kru’, which is a Thai word for a teacher that is originally derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘Guru’. If you visit any martial arts gym in Thailand, you will find that many of these teachers and coaches are former professional fighters. Every Kru was once a Nak Muay after all.
A Nak Muay doesn’t have to be from Thailand either. Any foreign boxer that uses Muay Thai techniques is called a ‘Muay Farang’. The popularity of this fighting art is such that there are now millions of professional fighters around the world that can be called Muay Farangs. If you wish to learn more about the various Thai words and phrases, read Muay Thai Words That Every Fighter Needs to Know.
Famous Nak Muays Of Muay Thai
A Nak Muay that has won championship titles at prestigious venues like Lumpinee or Rajadamnern in the Bangkok stadium circuit in Thailand is called a ‘Champ’. These are some of the most respected people in Thailand, often hailed as national heroes and undoubtedly an inspiration for the next generation of Nak Muay.
Perhaps the most famous to ever don gloves and enter the boxing ring in recent memory is Suphachai ‘Saenchai’ Saepong. Saenchai is widely regarded as the GOAT (greatest of all time) and has the championship belts to back this up. He has won Lumpinee stadium titles in four different weight divisions, won many Fighter of the Year awards, and is an undefeated champion of Thai Fighter with an amazing 52-00 winning streak. In his illustrious career, he has 321 wins out of 372 matches.
Older Muay Thai fans would argue that Samart Payakaroon is the ultimate Nak Muay. Like Saenchai, Samart was a multi-title holder at Lumpinee and won some of the most iconic matches of the golden era, a period of Muay Thai history dating back to the 80s and mid-90s. Samart was a technical fighter, known for his quick footwork, high intelligence, and ability to outwit an opponent rather than aggressively attacking.
The younger fans will say that the best Nak Muay to put on boxing gloves and currently reign supreme among the greatest modern fighters is Rodtang Jitmuangnon. He has the longest winning streak in the ONE Championship tournament history, is the current ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, and is widely considered the best pound-for-pound best Muay Thai fighter in the world right now.
We have more articles on famous Nak Muays and more on Muay Thai. Be sure to check our blog for them.
Who Is The Father Of Muay Thai?
There is no single Nak Muay in the history of Thailand that can be considered to be the founder of Muay Thai. This is because the origins of this amazing fighting art go back centuries and its beginnings are shrouded in mystery. What we do know for sure is that ancient forms of Muay Thai which we now refer to as ‘Muay Boran’ were used by warriors as an effective close-quarters combat style. Along with Krabi-Krabong, the weapon-based cousin of Muay Boran, the soldiers trained in these martial arts protected the Thai kingdoms from foreign invaders.
It is said that many charismatic kings in Thailand’s past used to train and fight using martial arts. Not only were they fans that popularised martial arts by holding fight tournaments during festive events, but they also gave their support to establishing training camps around their kingdoms to train more fighters. The Rama line of kings was famous for their support in turning battlefield art into more of a spectator sport. Sanphet VIII more commonly known as ‘The Tiger King’ was a Nak Muay himself that personally took part in fights while undercover as a commoner.
While there were Thai kings that practiced martial arts, the Nak Muay which is known as ‘The Father of Muay Thai’ was not of royal blood. As the Burmese claimed Ayutthaya in the 18th century, Nai Khanom Tom was taken as a prisoner of war. During a grand festival, the King of Burma sought their finest fighter from amongst the Siamese prisoners to battle his own warriors for entertainment.
Throughout this epic battle, Nai Khanom Tom’s Wai Kru Ram Muay – an ancient pre-fight ritual from Thailand – was said to be so mesmerizing that it left his opponent unable to concentrate during the match. Nai triumphed over his enemy with ease and went on to defeat nine more of Burmese’s most skilled combatants that day, leaving the king in awe. Consequently, he saw fit to grant Nai his freedom. Nai Khanom Tom went back to then Siam and started his own marital arts school which laid the foundation for today’s Muay Thai.
Nai Khanom Tom may not have won any championship titles, but is still remembered to this day as a national hero that defended not just his kingdom, but also the reputation of Muay Thai. This is why he is the Nak Muay that is known today as ‘The Father of Muay Thai’. Practitioners of Thai boxing celebrate March 17th in his honor. Read our post on the history of Muay Thai to learn its origins and how it became one of the most popular combat sports in the world today.
The Life Of A Nak Muay
A Nak Muay from Thailand usually starts training from a very young age. Many begin when they are about seven years old and already compete in matches by the time they reach the age of ten. Many Thais from rural parts of the country go on a path to become professional fighters as a way to make a living and rise out of poverty. Many parents, therefore, do not object to their career choices, and in many cases, actively encourage their sons to learn martial arts. Beginners are often taught by their own fathers in some cases.
The life of these young Nak Muays isn’t easy, having to balance their training with school. They have to attend early morning training sessions at the local Muay Thai gym, followed by their regular studies at school later. Many fighters struggle and very few actually manage to succeed at both. Fortunately, the school system in Thailand is supportive if a student wishes to pursue a life in Muay Thai fighting.
A Nak Muay will often compete first in village-level matches held at the local temple or during festivals. By their late-teenage years, many from rural areas will move to training camps in Bangkok where they hope to learn from the best Krus in Thailand. If they’re lucky, a Nak Muay will get noticed for their talents by a big-time fight promoter. Many fighters train at least twice a day in workout sessions that last about two hours or more if they wish to stay on top of their game.
Getting picked up by a major promoter is often the make-or-break moment of a young Nak Mauy’s career. This is because it is only through a good promoter that professional fighters can contest in the big leagues like Lumpinee and enter into championship title matches. Nak Muays who train hard since childhood, move to Bangkok, get discovered by major fight promoters, and excelled in the boxing ring are the ones fans remember. Some of the best champions of the golden era of Muay Thai were forged through such hardships.
The Training Of A Nak Muay
Muay Thai is one of the most physically and mentally demanding martial arts in the world. Fitness is key and practitioners need to be in peak physical condition to be successful as professional fighters. Many beginners have difficulty adjusting to intense workouts, especially during the early stages of training.
A Nak Muay is first taught the basic Muay Thai stance, and simple striking techniques long before they put on their sparring gloves. A casual Nak Muay will attend classes at their gym at least two to three times a week. Anyone wishing to live the life of a professional athlete will most likely attend daily training sessions. Let’s see what a typical training session is like.
Building Endurance And Cardiovascular Fitness
Getting a trainee into a good level of cardiovascular fitness is the first order of business for the coaches. That’s why many camps start training with a group run of about four to five kilometers, followed by skipping rope. These exercises act as warmups for the session ahead, and also over time, build the necessary endurance for a Nak Muay to really master the martial arts. Fighters often run in a group to encourage each other to perform better.
Learning The Muay Thai Stance
The fitness exercises are followed by stretching. Afterward, students are taught the Muay Thai stance. Depending on whether a Nak Muay is left or right-handed, they will be in either southpaw or orthodox stance respectively. Unlike western boxing where a boxer is in an angular stance to minimize their target profile, in Muay Thai, the fighters have their hips facing each other. It is important that a Nak Muay perfects the stance since everything they learn from striking methods to weight distribution, footwork, and avoiding incoming attacks all depend on this.
Shadow Boxing
Before a Nak Muay gets into the next part of their workout, they do a few rounds of shadow boxing. This is where a student will try to learn the basics of striking while focusing on getting their breathing right. The coaches will observe and correct any mistakes in the technique during this session. A more experienced practitioner will use shadow boxing to visualize an opponent and focus on what they need to work on for the day’s session.
Heavy Bags And Thai Pads
A fighter’s skills are perfected by practicing pad work. Here, the Kru will hold Thai pads, and the Nak Muay, now wearing boxing gloves will strike them. A student will learn how to target and deliver a strike effectively with speed and precision. The coaches will encourage a fighter to muster the strength required and channel it into their striking point.
The heavy bag is where fighters practice their striking combinations and try out new ones. This is where a Nak Muay will learn which strikes complement others and which ones can be strung up in a sequence to deal damage to their opponent in a match.
Sparring
Sparring is where a Nak Muay and a training partner will pit their fighting skills against each other in a safe environment. A gym will only allow sparring if students are wearing all necessary protective gear like boxing gloves, shin guards, and groin protection. Sparring is an essential part of training for professional fighters since they will get an idea of what it is like to actually face an opponent that will try to avoid their strikes while counterattacking with their own.
Clinching
Clinching may not be every fighter’s specialty and is not usually part of their daily routine. However, a Nak Muay should absolutely dedicate some time, at least once a week to practice their clinching technique. This is because if a fighter doesn’t know how to avoid a clinch, it can quickly turn into a losing battle if they find themselves grappled by their opponent. Clinch training is done with a partner or the Kru of the gym.
Strength-Building Exercises
Due to the heavy physical requirements of Muay Thai, a workout session for a Nak Muay is not over without some strength-building exercises. After they’re done practicing their skills, a fighter will do pushups, lifting weights, and exercises to strengthen their muscles. Most training camps offer plenty of gym equipment to help their fighters achieve this. Finally, after some stretching, the typical training session for a Nak Muay is over.
Watching Muay Thai Fights
Nobody will tell you this, but watching professional and amateur fighters by visiting a stadium during a live event or through television from the comfort of your living room is one of the ways that a Nak Muay can improve their ability to fight. Watching fights is not only an opportunity for a student to learn effective techniques but also a chance to get inspired by their favorite champion.
Advanced Fighting Styles That Every Muay Thai Fighter Should Know
A Nak Muay who masters the basics of Muay Thai can then specialize in a fighting style that complements their physical strengths, and preferred striking points. There are five main styles they can learn.
Muay Dtae (Kicker)
Muay Dtae is the style that specializes in kicking. This offensive technique is used to attack an opponent’s legs, body, or head. Kicks are dealt with a fighter’s shins, and not the foot. The most common Muay Dtae strikes are the round kick which can target any part of an opponent, the push kick or teep, the straight-foot jab, and the low kick. Muay Dtae style fighters use the long-range of their kicks to keep their opponents at a distance. Buakaw Banchamek is famous for his shins and the powerful kicks they can deliver.
Muay Khao (Clinch And Knees Fighter)
Muay Khao is a fighting style that uses the knees as the primary weapon. Muay Khao fighters often employ a clinch to neutralize their opponent, hold them in place, and wear them down while they target them for close-range knee strikes. As a result, Muay Khao fighters are often some of the most feared and respected warriors in the ring. Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn was a famous knee striker during the golden era.
Muay Sok (Elbow Fighter)
Muay Sok is a fighting style that utilizes elbow strikes to inflict significant damage on an opponent. Although rarer than fighters that use other styles, Muay Sok specialists are known for sending their opponents home in stitches. This is due to the sharp bones that make up the elbows which can easily cut into the skin. Yodkhunpon Sittraiphum was known as ‘The Elbow Hunter’ and was a popular Nak Muay of this style.
Muay Mat (Puncher)
Muay Mat is perhaps the most traditional and closest in style to a classic boxer. They primarily use powerful punches at close range. Uppercuts, hooks, and jabs are their bread and butter. Some of the best Muay Mat fighters like Sagat Petchyindee are well known for their ability to knock out their opponents using their powerful fists.
Muay Femur (Technician)
A Muay Femur is a technical fighter that has mastered multiple fighting styles and can seamlessly switch between them when needed. They use their high intelligence to quickly assess their opponents, and adapt on the fly, with the ability to control the ring space to their advantage. Both Samart and Saenchai are the two most recognizable Nak Muays that used this style of fighting.
Basic Fighting Tips For The Beginner Nak Muay
For a Nak Muay, having a strong fighting stance is essential and is the first step to perfecting other more advanced styles of fighting. A good Muay Thai stance will help you to generate power and maintain balance, both of which are essential for success in the ring. By adhering to these principles, you can develop a strong stance that will serve you well in sparring, and in competition. Remember, that a strong stance is only one part of the equation. You also need to be able to move quickly and effortlessly to truly be successful in Muay Thai.
Feet Shoulder Width Apart
Keeping your feet slightly wider than your shoulder width is the most fundamental stance in Muay Thai. From this position, you will have the most balanced and stable base to work from. You will be able to generate the most power in your strikes and be better balanced to avoid getting toppled. As you get more comfortable and your confidence grows, you can try varying the distance between your feet for more advanced techniques.
Elbows Tucked In For Defense
The elbows are one of the most important weapons in Muay Thai. Used correctly, they can inflict serious damage on an opponent. If they are not used properly, they can leave you open to counterattacks. One of the key things to remember is to have the distance between your elbows slightly wider than the distance between your hands. You should not force your elbows outwards or inwards of your body.
You can tuck your elbows closer to your body when it is time to defend yourself from incoming blows. This will help to protect your head and upper body from counterattacks. It will also make it harder for your opponent to block or evade your strikes.
Hands Up And Chin Tucked
One key element of proper form that every Nak Muay should be aware of is keeping your hands up and your chin tucked. Your palms should be facing each other with your thumbs on eyebrow level. Your arms should then be hanging naturally from this position. Your head needs to be tilted towards your chest so that your chin is properly protected from your shoulders. You shouldn’t have your chin touch your chest.
This position protects your head and face from incoming strikes like hooks. Additionally, keeping your hands up provides a solid defense against clinching, as it prevents your opponent from grabbing your head or neck. So next time you’re in the ring, be sure to keep your hands up and chin tucked.
Even Weight Distribution
It is important for a Nak Muay to evenly distribute their weight over both legs. Too much weight on your rare leg will mean less power for your punches, and also make you vulnerable to being knocked off your feet. Too much weight on the front leg, and you’ll be finding it difficult to lift your leg to block incoming attacks. You need to evenly distribute your weight as much as possible and develop the skill to know when to shift your weight to your advantage when the situation calls for it.
Footwork
After mastering the other basics of the stance, a Nak Muay can begin experimenting with their footwork. When you start doing this, it is important to remember that no matter how fast you dance around the ring, or in which direction you go, you must always maintain your Muay Thai stance. Only by sticking to the stance that you’ll be able to keep your balance, defend yourself properly, and able to launch any strike that you like.
Want to Be A Nak Muay?
The life of a Nak Muay that dreams of being a professional fighter is not an easy one. There are many challenges like the rigorous daily training routines, and the intense competition from other fighters to consider, although if they succeed, glory and riches are theirs. However, those wishing to become Nak Muay need not practice the martial art purely for competitive reasons.
For the more casual Nak Muay, Muay Thai can be a great way to build up fitness, get into shape, and lose weight. The skills you learn from it are useful for self-defense, giving you the confidence to protect yourself and others in life-threatening situations. It’s also a great stress reliever. To learn more about what you can get out of Muay Thai, check out Seven Benefits of Muay Thai Training. Are you ready to join a Muay Thai gym and become a Nak Muay now?
FAQs
In contrast to other martial arts, Muay Thai does not have any system of ranking. The distinction and proficiency among fighters are designated by the championship titles they acquire. To assist in equalizing sparring levels and furthering technical knowledge of this sport, many contemporary gyms now use a grading system as an assessment tool for their pupils’ capabilities.
It can take up to six months to learn all the basics of Muay Thai. Learning the more advanced techniques of the sport and becoming successful in the competitive arenas will take many years of training and hard work.
