Muay Thai Master tricks

Mae Mai Muay Thai (Muay Thai Master tricks) is the major fighting styles regarded as basic movements in Thai kickboxing. The trainees of Muay Thai kickboxing must learn and practice these techniques before training Look Mae Mai Muay Thai, which are more detailed movements of Thai kickboxing. These master tricks are consisted of 15 movements as follow:

1.Salab Fan Pla (Cross-switch)

This master trick is the main movement or the basic trick used for defensive or to escape from the opponent’s straight punch by stepping out the armed-circle lets the punch passed by the face.
The attacker throws the straight left fist to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive escapes by stepped the right foot obliquely right side 1 step and always the body to the right side about 60 degrees the weight on the right foot, the right leg bent a little, in order to away the head and the body out and escapes from the attacker’s punch. Then pounces on the upper part of the arm with the right hand and catches the attack’s wrist with the left hand then turns front wrist up (This action is similar to break the hand)

2. Paksa Waeg Rang

Defenses in-circle : This master trick is the teacher’s trick (or the basic trick) to move in and used another tricks.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face then steps the left foot forwards.
The defender stepped hurry forwards oblique to a half of the left side in the opponent’s left arm and swaying the body about 60 degrees the weight on the left foot then bent the both arms to counter the upper part and the lower part of the attacker’s arm, the both fists close to each other (similar to put the palms of the hands together in salute), the elbows open about 1 span (25 centimeters), the head and the face are covered by the both arms then glanced towards the opponent’s right punch.

3. Chawa Sad Hok

Elbow out-circle : This master trick is the main basic to escape from the straight punch by Stepped out and counter by throwing the elbow.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive steps hurriedly, then always the body about 30 degrees to a half of the right, the weight on the right foot, bent the left arm then striked the elbow to the attacker’s rib.

4. Inao Thang Grit

This muster skill-is the main basic technique deface the straighten punch And uses the elbow closes to the body in-circle.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face then stepped forwards.
The defensive steps quickly with the left foot forwards then the body always about 60 degrees to the nearly left side the weight on the left foot, penet the right elbow parallel to the floor and threw it to the attacker’s rib.

5. Yo Khao Prasumaru

Throws the down punch to the chin, bent the body 45 degrees
This Mae Mai Muay Thai used for defense the straight punch by bending the body down at close quarters lets the punch passed over the head then threw up the punch to the chin.
The attacker throws the straight right punch to the defensive’s face and steps with the right foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive steps quickly with the left foot and slightly lowers the left knee while the right stays straight, and bends the body down forwards about 45 degrees weight on the left foot, at the same time throws up the right punch under the attacker’s chin. Turns the head back to look at the attacker’s chin while skill holds the left arm guard up on the front of the chin.

6. Ta Then Kham Fak

Throws the high punch to the chin, bend the body 60 degrees.
This master skill is the main basic used for defense the punch to the chin technique and push the attackers first away with your arm.
The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face. Steps the left foot forwards at the same time.
The defensive steps the left foot of forwards to the half right to the attacker closed quarters, bending the right arm to push the left punches out. Bends the left knees a little and throws up a left punch to the attacker’s chin.

7. Mon Yan Lak

Defense the punch by throwing the kick .
It is the important master skill. This Mae Mai used to defense the fists by throwing a kick to the top of the chest or abdomen.
The attacker throws the straight left punch and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive always out wards to the right about 45 degrees, the weight on the right foot. Bends the both arms to guard the face, at the same time throws the left foot to the top of the chest of the abdomen of the attacker to push him away.

8. Pak Look Thoy

Defense the kick with the elbow.
This master skill use for defense against the kick by throwing the elbow to the shin.
The attacker stands in kicking distance and throws the right kick to the defensive’s rib the defensive Bends the body a little and bends the both arm to guard the face.
The defensive then always the body to the left then steps the left foot to the back. Bends the right arm and holds up to strike the attacker’s kick. While still guarding the face with the left arm.

9. Jarakhe Fad Hang

Defense the punch by kick .
This master skill used when the opponent throws the punch to the wrong target and loses his balance, then turns the body to kick by swinging the heel back.
The attacker throws the straight left and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive is quick to jumping with right foot to half right in order to escaped the attacker’s punch. Bends the arm to guard the face. Stands on the left foot and turns the body to kick at the abdomen or head with the right heel.

10. Hak Nguang Aiyara
Throws the elbow to the thigh.
This master trick used for counter the kick by throwing the elbow to the thigh.
The attacker throws the right kick to the defensive’s rib, bends the both arms to guard the face.
The defensive is hurry to stepped the right foot forwards closed to the attacker. Turns the rib to the left, bends the right knee, while the left was straight, then catches the attacker’s right foot with left hand and pulls it up, strikes the right elbow to the attacker’s ham and holds the attacker’s right foot on the high to lost the balance in order to defense the attacker’s elbow.

11. Naka Bid Hang

Twists the leg and strikes the knee to the calf.
This master trick use to defense the kick by catching the tip of the foot With the both hands and twist it, then throws the knee to the leg.
The attacker throws the right foot to the defensive’s rib, bends the arm to guard the face.
The defensive is hurry away to the left, the weight on the left foot, grasps the attacker heel with the left hand and grasps the tip of the foot twisted outwards then throws the right knee to the attacker’s calf at the same time.

12. Viroon Hok Glab

To counter the kick by throwing a kick.
This master trick use to counter the kick by throwing the heel to the ham.
The attacker raises the left foot kick to the defensive’s rib.
The defensive is quick to throw the left foot to the left ham of the attacker, While holding on the both arms to guard the face. The kicking must do in rapidly and strongly to stroked the attacker turned back and lost his balance.

13. Dab Chawala

Grapes the punch and throws the fist.
This master technique used for defense the straight punch by throwing the fist to the face.
The attacker throws the left punch to the defensive’s face, steps the left foot forwards and guards the chin with the right arm.
The defensive steps the right foot forwards to a half right escape from the attacker’s left punch, turns the body to right side. Grabs and pressed down the attacker’ left arm and throws the left punch to the face then jumps to a half right side.

14. Khuanyak Jab Ling

Defense - fists - kick - elbow.
This master trick is the very important trick use for defense the opponent who is the quickly fighter by throwing the punch kick and elbow continually. To training is deviled into 3 parts.

Part one : The attacker throws the straight left punch to the defensive’s face and steps the left foot forwards.
The defensive steps the left foot hurriedly forwards close to the attacker’ face. Wipes the attacker’ left hand out by the right arm.
Part two : The attacker throws the right foot to the defensive’s rib.
The defensive hurry to away the body to the back estimates half of the left by stepping the left foot. Then ducking to throw the right elbow to the right thigh of the attacker.
Part three : The attacker beuds the right arms and throws the elbow to the defensive’s head.
The defensive quickly bends the arm into his guard to wipe the attacker’s elbow and hurries to away the body and step back wards to the back about a half step.

15. Hak Kor Erawan

Pulls the neck downs and throws the knee.
The attacker throws the straight left punch and steps the left foot forwards towards the attacker and inserts the right arm to grab the attacker’ left arm, then jumping to jerk the attacker’ neck down and throw the knee to the face.

muay thai stuffs

Professional boxer's Outfit

The prescribed items for a professional fighter are: Boxing gloves, Muay Thai shorts, groin guard, hand-wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajiad and ankle supports to prevent strains.

Main stuffs of Professional boxer

Amateur Boxer's Outfit

Essential items for amateur fighters nowadays include:Gloves, vest, shorts, groin protector, hand wraps, mouth guard, mongkon, prajiad, ankle supports, elbow guards, protective head guard, body protector and shin guards.

Ancient Muay Thai Part II

The History behind Muay Thai

We all know about the ring sport called "Muay Thai" or "Thai Boxing", its explosive and devastating techniques have thrilled audiences worldwide and ensured its popularity, but where did this sport come from, where are its origins?

It is believed that the Siamese people had their own styles of fighting, in each Kingdom a different style. These fighting systems have clearly been evolving for many hundreds of years and have been known under many different names such as; "Arwut Thai" (meaning Thai Weapons), "Pahuyut" (armed, unarmed combat).

Much later, at the end of the Ayuthaya Period, or around the beginning of the Thonburi Period after a long history of fighting against the Burmese, King Phra Thaksin "The Great" finally pushed all invaders from the Kingdoms of Siam and with this the Chakri dynasty began. The Chakri dynasty with King Rama I on the throne, marked a period when nearly all of the separate Kingdoms of Siam joined together to become the country we now know as Thailand.

At the end of the 1700's, with wars against invaders over,fighters began to compete locally, and often in front of the King to see who had the best style. Most people recognize this period in the history of Muay Thai as fighters used to wrap their hands in cotton twine. Today, people refer to this style of fighting (during this period) as "Muay Kaad Chuak" although at the time, this isn't the term people used. "Muay Kaad Chuak" began to decline around the 1920's, finally ending in 1929 with a death in the ring.

Although the government of the time prohibited this style of fighting (with wrapped hands) people still continued to practice the arts and fight underground. Eventually, by introducing rules, and providing fighters with better protection, competition became safer, and the sport of Muay Thai was born.

Here we provide a list of the most popular styles of "Muay Kaad Chuak". This section will attempt to explain the defining characteristics of each style along with additional background information.

Paak Tai - Southern Styles

Muay Chaiya

Muay Chaiya is the style of the South, created in Chaiya city in the province of Surathani in the South of Thailand. The style was created by a soldier named Por Tan Mar from Bangkok who eventually became a monk in the temple of Wat Tung Jab Chang in Chaiya city, where he remained until his death.

It was during his monkhood that Ajarn Por Tan Mar developed the Muay Chaiya style. He taught the style to the governor of Chaiya ("Praya Vajisata Ya Rat") named "Kam Sriyaphai". The governor had a son called "Kiet Sriyaphai" who learnt Muay Chaiya from his father. Kiet Sriyaphai also learnt other styles from 12 different Ajarn's. He was to become the Master of Muay Chaiya. The last Ajarn of Kiet Sriyaphai was the famous Ajarn Kimsaing who was master of the Paak Klang style.

One of the best students of Ajarn Kiet Sriyaphai, Kruu Tong, has taught many Thai people who are still living today.

It is believed that the style of Muay Chaiya is more than 250 years old. The Muay Chaiya stance is very low and compact, with the center of gravity between the legs. Both knees are bent and all the joints are facing forward, ready to be used as a shield against any incoming attack. In Muay Chaiya, the fists are placed one higher than the other, facing upwards. Proponents of the style usually lead with the right side of the body but can use both sides very well.

Muay Chaiya specializes in blocking with the elbows and knees. Every leg or arm is bent, even when the boxer attacks. Limbs are never extended completely. Some people call it the "Durian Style", named after a fruit covered in very sharp spikes.

The footwork is fast and smooth, and sometimes the body weight is placed entirely on one leg. The Muay Chaiya boxer often moves in a springing motion. The attacks are very quick and come as a series of machine-gun like blows coming from all angles. Muay Chaiya is considered by some teachers to be a hybrid style. This is because the person who developed the style, Ajarn Por Tan Mar, brought the style from Bangkok.

The Muay Chaiya style was developed by a monk, so the style carries many Buddhist concepts amongst its teachings. The Muay Chaiya boxers were trained in meditation and the Thamma (teachings of the Buddha).

The Muay Chaiya boxers wrap only their hands as they want make their primary weapon, the elbow, as effective as possible.

Muay Maa Yang

Muay Maa Yang is another less well known southern style of Muay Thai. The name "Maa Yang" translated from Thai means "The Horse's Walk". The master of this style was called Kruu Tankee.

The classic stance of this style has the boxer with one leg raised up in a guard position, with the same hand held close to the hip, the other hand in front of the face also in a guard position.
Kruu Tankee was well known for his cruelty whilst fighting, so was not a well liked teacher. One story has Kruu Tankee removing the eye of his opponent Kruu Noree (Muay Chaiya Style) who broke Kruu Tankee's forehead with a jumping kick. Kruu Noree continued to fight after losing his eye, but later died of a hemorrhage related to his injuries.

Paak Eesaan - The eastern style

Muay Korat

Muay Korat is named after the place where the style originated; Na Khorat Rachasima which is located in the center of Thailand towards the east. The style of Muay Korat appears to the public around the time of King Rama IV (date needed), but perhaps the Korat people have had this style for more than a thousand years.

The governor of the city of Na Khorat Rachasima, Phra Hemsamahan was since we know the transmitter of Muay Korat. Phra Hensamahan teach the style to Deng Thaiprasert who became the first fighter to represent the Korat style fighting in front of the King, and winning the competition acquiring the title of "Muan Changat Cherng Chok", meaning "The King's Champion".

Another student of the art, taught by Phra Hemsamahan, was Kruu Bua Wathim. This is considered the real master of the Muay Korat system. Kruu Bua became a soldier and taught cadets in the Army all his life. His real name was Kruu Bua Ninarcha, meaning "The Black Horse".

Muay Korat is considered to be the Muay Thai of the East. The stance in Muay Korat is quite different from other styles. The stance is quite long and very narrow with both feet almost in one line, both pointing forward. The hands are placed one in front of the other, lined up together in front of the nose. The front, or lead leg is straight and the knee is locked. The back leg is also straight, tensed and ready to kick upwards, or to use footwork to change the angle against the opponent. The back leg heel is also up off the floor. The body's center of gravity is close to the front leg with the head positioned over the front foot, body leaning forward.

Muay Korat kicks and punches are completely straight. The kick travels in an upwards arc, twisting a little bit to reach your opponents head or neck.

This style of Muay Thai prefers to intercept an attack by simultaneous block and strike, or to choose to evade an attack by moving out of range. Rarely does the Korat style teach students to block and then attack. The kind of footwork used is "Suua Yang", which means "Tiger Walk". These techniques are closely guarded. The most powerful weapon in Muay Korat is called "Viang Kwai", means "Swing of the Buffalo". This technique is executed after a kick and uses the knuckles to strike the opponent behind the ear. Another famous attack is called "Taa Krut" which is used as a counter-attack, launching two strikes simultaneously.

In ancient times, the boxers of Muay Korat followed a Buddhist Code known as "Sin Haa", the five precepts. Meditation was a very important part of their training, followed by a strong respect for seniors and the golden rule of not to fight in the ring with other Muay Korat boxers.
Paak Klang (The central style of Muay Thai, also known as Bangkok Style)

Muay Paak Klang is the Bangkok or central style. Perhaps Muay Lopburi was part of Muay Paak Klang.

The master of this famous style was "Ajarn Kimsaing" who was from Ayuthaya. Ajarn Kimsaing learned Muay Ayuthaya from Kruu Kiao. He then moved to Bangkok to study international boxing and Muay Paak Klang with "Luang Vitsam Darunkon".

The stance in Muay Paak Klang is not so wide. The arms are held low and the fists are clenched facing upwards. Both arms are placed at the same height, parallel to each other pointing forward, with the left hand held forward slightly.

Sometimes the front foot is held off the ground, extended outwards, but pointing down towards the opponent. The footwork in this style is very interesting; when the Muay Paak Klang boxer steps, his feet come together with his hands held in front of his face in a high guard position, then the boxer steps outward again, feet separating and the guard lowering again.

The style is sometimes known as the "Ghost steps" as Muay Paak Klang boxers move so quickly and smoothly with little effort, seemingly covering ground in many places at the same time.

The master of this style, Ajarn Kimsaing was the last Ajarn of the very famous teacher of the Muay Chaiya style; Ajarn Kiet Sriyaphai.

Muay Paak Klang boxers wrap their hands down to the middle of the forearm.

Paak Klang - Muay Lopburi

This style born in the Ayuthaya Period when King Narai was on the throne. At this time a lot of foreigners were working with the King, so it is believed that Ajarn Muun Men Mat learned deadly skills from them.

The typical stance of Muay Lopburi looks almost identical to that of a western boxer around the 1900's, the classic upright stance with both arms extended outwards, both forearms pointing forwards. This style is based in very accurate and deadly punches. The most dangerous weapons of Muay Lopburi were the upper cuts to the opponents adam's apple and the thumb strikes to the eyes. This style was nominated as one of the most clever and tricky styles of the era. Sometimes the boxers would fake an injury waiting for an opportunity to attack. Some say that this style was part of another style called "Muay Paak Klang" or the central style.

Muay Lopburi wrapped the arm only halfway in cotton twine, and sometimes no wraps were used.

Sadly, this style has been lost completely. The premier Ajarn (teacher) of this dangerous style was called "Muun Men Mat", meaning "Ten Thousand Accurate Punches". Legend has it that Ajarn Muun Men Mat didn't teach Thai people his art because in one of his last fights he killed a man with a fatal blow. After this he decided to stop teaching and lived in a Buddhist Temple helping Monks. This was in the Ayuthaya Period.

Paak Klang - Muay Ayuthaya

The master of the Muay Ayuthaya style is called "Kruu Kiao", which means "the green teacher". He was from Ayuthaya and was the teacher of Ajarn Kinsaing who later became the master of Muay Paak Klang.

One of the characteristics of this style is the stance of the boxer, who has the left shoulder raised up, close to the chin, protecting the face. Muay Ayuthaya used to attack with two weapons at the same time in order to counter other styles effectively. One of the most common counters against Muay Chaiya was left-roundkick and a short chopping downward right-cross.

This style was not very famous but became well known because the master of Muay Paak Klang learned Muay Ayuthaya before going to Bangkok.

Paak Nuua (The northern style of Muay Thai)

Paak Nuua - Muay Lampang

In the era of King Rama V when the Lanna Kingdom (the northern most provinces) was united with, and became part of the Kingdom of Siam (later to become Thailand), legislation prohibited the practise of martial arts in the north. While people in Bangkok were permitted to train with weapons, people in the north (Lanna) could not, and so with time these skills dissapeared from the area.

Muay Paak Nuua boxers were famous for having extensive knowledge about vital points in the body. Muay Lampang boxers would often strike using the hands in a pincer-like action, grabbing and exerting pressure on vulnerable parts of the body.

Paak Nuua - Muay Uttaradit

Muay Ta Sao is an style of Muay with witch Phraya Pichai Daab Haak defeat many opponents.The guard in the Muay Ta Sao is long and the weight it goes in the back, so the front foot is barely touching the floor. It is a fast and quick style were the long range is preferred when fighting. The front hand is far from the face and the front shoulder is elevated, the rear hand is lower resting on the side of the mandible. The stance is almost sideways and the feet are positioned one in front of the other.The main philosophy in the Muay Ta Sao style is to finished the opponent as soon as possible; His attacks are extremely explosive and effective.
In the city of Uttaradit this style is still alive today. Some low profile schools are hidden in the outskirts but practice goes everyday. They don’t teach foreigners except under special circumstances. And it is almost impossible to find them. Don’t try without invitation. They are very strict about their knowledge.

New Styles of Muay Thai

In Thailand today, newer styles have been developed from these ancient styles mentioned above. Muay Chaiyut, Muay Nawarat and Muay Sangha are some of them.

Ancient Muay Thai Part I

"Muay Boran" means Thai Boxing old-style.

Muay Boran literally means ancient boxing, or boxing old-style. It is a traditional form of Muay Thai still taught in Thailand. As Muay Thai boxing became standardised and internationalised, absorbing many elements of Western boxing some looked back fondly to the days of fewer rules and Muay Kaad Chuek (bound-fist fighting). And so, Muay Boran is essentially an effort to preserve the boxing techniques from Muay Thai's history before the introduction of formalised rules and gloves in the 1930s. Muay Boran is the predecessor to modern day Muay Thai boxing.

Many other ancient techniques are now forbidden in Muay Thai for safety reasons.Even in Thailand it is difficult to find school's that teach Muay Boran. Most camps and gyms prefer to focus on modern Muay Thai, which is more easily exploitable as a form of income. Some schools outside of Thailand who claim to offer Muay Boran instruction simply teach Muay Thai and sell it under the name of Muay Boran.

Muay Kaad Chuek - No gloves boxing

During the Ayuthaya era came the introduction of Muay Kaad Chuek. That is the use of unrefined hemp wrappings to protect the fingers and wrists. A length of around 20 metres was enough to bind one hand. The use of Muay Kaad Chuek quickly spread, as a bound fist is tougher, stronger and better protected against injury than an unbound one. It is said that before a contest fighters immersed their fists in water. This would cause the binding to harden when it dried, making it capable of producing serious injury. Some people go further and claim that fighters dipped their hands in glue and ground glass. Such a contest would certainly have made a gory sight! To this day an annual Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Laos is held in Nong Khai near the NE border with Laos, on the Thai side of the Mekong River. A Muay Kaad Chuek contest with Burma is staged in the Mae Sot, western Thailand, during the Sonkran (Thai New Year) festivities (April 12-14). Boxers fight until knockout. If both competitors remain standing at the end of the bout a match is declared a draw.

The Battlefield

Historically, the purpose of Muay Thai was to help a warrior survive a battle. It's style is efficient in that it maximizes the damage the body's natural weapons can impact on an opponent. Muay Boran emphasizes combinations of powerful elbow and knee techniques thrown at full force and speed, the idea being to completely overcome one's adversary as quickly as possible.

Muay Thai - Wai khru

Wai khru ram muay (Muay Thai Traditional Dance) is an action of respect in Thai culture that is performed by participants in Muay Thai competitions. Wai is an action of Thais to show respect to others by putting the hands together like in prayer. Khru means teacher. Ram means dance in the old Thai traditional style. Muay means boxing. Usually Thais prefer to call it short Ram Muay or Wai Khru. Ram Muay is the way to show respect to the teachers and the trainers. Also, in past muay Thai was usually fought in front of the king, so Ram Muay was also to apologize to the King for the brutality in fighting.
The fighter first performs the Wai Khru, circling the ring three times before kneeling and bowing three times as a sign of respect to God and man. He also bows to Buddha to ask for protection for himself and his opponent and for an honourable fight.
The fighter then performs the Ram Muay, whose simple movements demonstrate a fighter's control and style. Each fighter performs the Ram Muay on each side of the ring to demonstrate his prowess to the audience. The Ram Muay is a personal ritual, ranging from the very complex to the very simple, and often contains clues about who trained the fighter and where the fighter is from.
The practitioner may wear a headband called a Mong Kon and armbands known as Pra Jiad during the ceremony, and the Ram Muay may be accompanied by music. The Mong Kon is unique to Thai boxing and not worn in Cambodia or Burma.