The Origins and Traditions of Muay Thai – Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, has a rich history steeped in tradition that is as fascinating to learn about as it is to practice. From its beginnings as a form of combat in the 16th century to its popularity amongst mixed martial arts enthusiasts, the traditions of Muay Thai have always played a significant role for many of its practitioners. Let’s dive into the origins of Muay Thai and see how these age-old traditions are still preserved to this day.
The Origins of Muay Thai
The first recorded instance of Muay Thai that appears in history revolves around King Naresuan in the 16th century. His army was trained in the martial arts for use in both armed and unarmed combat. Siam, as Thailand was known back then, was at war with Burma (modern day Myanmar). During a battle, King Naresuan was taken prisoner by the Burmese. Later, he was given the chance to fight for his freedom against the best Burmese fighters in unarmed combat. The King bested his opponents and won his freedom using an ancient version of Muay Thai. When King Naresuan returned to his home, his adventure quickly became legend, and the martial arts that helped him defeat his enemies became popular as Siamese boxing.
Siamese boxing thrived during the 19th century during the time of King Rama V due to his personal interest in the martial arts. Matches were organized around the land for the King’s pleasure, with boxing camps springing up everywhere to provide training for young combatants. Members of the royal family went to great lengths to recruit the best fighters, who received awards and titles for winning matches. During this period, Siamese boxing evolved from a soldier’s combat style to become the national sport of the country.
It was in the early 20th century that we first began to hear the term ‘Muay Boran‘ used in reference to the martial art, which means ancient boxing. It was during the time of Rama VII that modern elements of Muay Thai emerged, with formal rules, weight classes, and fights taking place inside a ring with a referee. Gloves have now replaced rope-binding, and spectators flock to huge stadiums to watch their favorite fighters duel while matches are being broadcast live. Even in its present form, Muay Thai retains many of its traditional features, such as clothing, rituals, and other customs.
The Traditions of Muay Thai
Even if you’re not a fan of mixed martial arts, the history buff inside you will definitely be intrigued by the unique culture that surrounds Muay Thai. Every aspect, from the clothes worn by the fighters to the pre-match rituals performed by students, has deep cultural significance for Muay Thai practitioners. Let’s find out what it all means to them.
The Wai Kru and Ram Muay Rituals
Even today, Muay Thai fighters do not enter the ring without first performing these rituals. The first part, Wai Kru, is a pre-fight tradition that is done as a show of respect and gratitude to the fighter’s teachers, coaches, and anyone else that helped them train, including family. It is done by circling the ring three times and bowing. In ancient times, a student would not only be learning from a teacher but would be serving them for some time before training began. Students would also gain valuable life lessons in addition to Muay Thai training. This is why the respect shown to their trainers is an important part of the pre-fight ritual that has been preserved to this day.
The Wai Kru is followed by the Ram Muay, which is a boxing dance that is meant as a display of a fighter’s physical prowess and mastery of their preferred Muay Thai technique. Many customize the dance choreography so that audiences can instantly recognize them, their gym, or the region they come from. The intensity and style of this dance gives audiences a taste of the coming fight and builds anticipation.
The Traditional Mongkon Headdress and Prajioud Armband
The Mongkon is a headdress worn by fighters during ceremonial moments. In the old days, the fighters received the headdress from their teacher upon completing their training during a special ceremony. They would wear the Mongkon while performing Wai Kru, and after this phase is over, it would be removed by the trainer, who recites a prayer for luck.
The Mongkon is woven by hand using silk fabrics and is usually blessed by a Buddhist monk to grant the bearer mystical powers of protection to aid them during combat. The design of a headdress includes sacred symbols stitched into the fabric that have a unique meaning to the fighters and gyms they represent. Superstitious practitioners consider it bad luck if the headdress touches the ground before a match.
The Prajioud is a braided arm band worn around one or both arms. This practice has its roots in the past, when it was traditional for a mother to offer a blessing when her son went to war. This blessing would be in the form of a piece of cloth, usually from the mother’s own surong, or traditional dress, that is believed to grant protection to her son. Today, the Prajioud is optional, whereas the Mongkon remains a vital part of the Muay Thai opening ceremony.
Sarama Music
The ceremonial dance and the Muay Thai fight are accompanied by traditional Thai music called Sarama. The music, which originated in the royal court of Thailand, definitely adds a unique atmosphere to the proceedings. Sarama is played live by a quartet that uses a woodwind instrument called ‘Pi Chawa’, two ‘Klong Khaek’ drums, and finger cymbals called ‘Ching” to maintain the rhythm.
The Sarama starts relatively slow and steady but builds in intensity and tempo as the match gets into its later rounds. It builds to a climax, adding character and excitement. In many ways, it mirrors the musical score of a movie by setting the appropriate mood for the fight to take place. It remains an essential part of the traditional Muay Thai experience.
The Sak Yant Tattoos
According to ancient practices, Sak Yant tattoos are believed to endow their wearer with mystical properties such as strength, protection, and the power to succeed against difficult odds. The only way to gain these powers is to have the tattoo inked by a Buddhist monk using bamboo needles like in the old days. This process is time-consuming and more painful than the modernized inking equipment used in tattoo parlors.
If you’re superstitious, then using the old ways is the only way to get the blessings of the supernatural. Popular tattoos include the five lines, the nine peaks, the tiger, and various others that use traditional symbols. Hanuman, the monkey god, is also a favorite that reveals the cultural ties between Thai Buddhism and Hinduism.
Respect the Muay Thai Traditions
The Thai people are protective of their culture, and Muay Thai fighters have a sense of deep reverence for these rituals. If you’re planning on competing in any Muay Thai tournaments in Thailand, becoming familiar with all of these practices is essential. Before you step into a ring, read up a bit on the traditions of Muay Thai culture, and you will know how to give it the respect it deserves.
The modern version of Muay Thai was founded on the grounds of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)’s Siamese Boxing in the 1800’s. Its early versions were first practiced by King Naresuan in 1560 to free himself from the Burmese wars. However, the father of Muay Thai is Nai Khanom Tom, a Muay Thai legend known to have fought his way out of the Siamese-Burmese war in the 17th century using Muay Thai.
Muay Thai belongs to Thai culture and is associated deeply with the religion of Buddhism.
