Ancient Muay Thai Techniques: The Art Behind the Fight

Ancient Muay Thai Techniques: The Art Behind the Fight

Muay Thai isn’t just a combat sport — it’s a centuries-old martial art rooted in tradition, spirituality, and survival. Known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," today’s Muay Thai has evolved from Muay Boran, an ancient fighting system once used on battlefields by Siamese warriors.

Let’s step back in time and explore some of the ancient techniques that laid the foundation for modern Muay Thai.

🛡️ 1. Mae Mai and Luk Mai – The Core Moves

In ancient Muay Thai, fighters trained two main categories of techniques:

  • Mae Mai (Major Techniques) – These are the fundamental moves. Think of them as the pillars of Muay Boran, including powerful elbows, sweeping kicks, and countering techniques.

  • Luk Mai (Minor Techniques) – More advanced or creative variations built on Mae Mai, often used to surprise or trap opponents.

Together, they made a fighter unpredictable and dangerous.

🦵 2. Hanuman Techniques – Inspired by Myth

Many techniques were named after figures from the Ramayana, like Hanuman — the monkey god. Moves such as:

  • Hanuman Tawai Waen (Hanuman Presents the Ring) – A spinning back elbow with a dramatic flair.

  • Hanuman Thawai Chang (Hanuman Offers the Elephant) – A powerful push kick followed by a leaping knee.

These weren’t just effective — they told stories through movement.

🐘 3. Use of Headbutts & Throws

Unlike today’s sport rules, ancient Muay Thai allowed headbutts, joint locks, and throws. Fighters used anything to gain the edge in close combat.

  • Jarakhe Fad Hang (Crocodile Swings Its Tail) – A spinning back kick used to clear opponents.

  • Hak Nguang Aiyara (Breaking the Elephant’s Trunk) – A brutal downward elbow meant to cut or knock out.

These were raw, battlefield-tested techniques — not designed for points, but for survival.

🙏 4. The Wai Kru & Rituals

Every fight began with the Wai Kru Ram Muay, a ritual dance to honor one’s teacher, gym, and ancestors. It wasn’t just tradition — it was mental preparation, spiritual protection, and a sign of respect.

Even today, the ritual keeps fighters connected to the deeper roots of the art.

🥊 Why It Still Matters Today

While modern Muay Thai has been refined for competition, the heart of Muay Boran lives on:

  • In clinch control and elbows,

  • In the respect shown before and after each match,

  • In the pride every fighter carries into the ring.

Knowing these ancient techniques isn’t just about history — it’s about understanding the soul of Muay Thai.

Train hard. Fight smart. And never forget where it all began.

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