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Muay Thai of Thai Boxing over 1000 years old. It is also known as “The Science of 8 Limbs”. That is because it uses both hand and foot techniques and knee and elbow techniques. Some sources say that Thai Boxing originated from Chinese Boxing (Kung Fu) from the migration of people from China to what is now Thailand. It has changed considerably most likely through incessant fights between Thailand and Burma. A legendary fighter named Nai Khanom Tom who was captured by the Burmese won his freedom after winning barehanded against 12 Burmese fighters using Muay Thai and is deemed as a national hero.

Muay Thai is deeply spiritual. Before each match the fighters need to follow a number of steps. Each step has a very strong meaning inside of the circles of the Thai culture. In Thai Boxing these ritual steps are called Wai Khruu (why crew). One translation means,” Paying respect to teacher” or your instructor and another means,” Getting rid of fear from the heart”. In other words it is a way to center oneself before a match. The Wai-Khruu begins with the fighter paying homage to both the crowd and his teacher then followed by Ram Muay.

Ram Muay (ram moo-ee) is apart of the Wai Khruu. It is a flowing dance-like movement can represent many things such as an eagle, a hunter, a warrior vanquishing foes, or Muay Thai itself. Every gym or fighter-stable has its own version of Ram Muay. The dance of the Wai Khruu is a very good way of warming up and stretching the muscles before the impending fight. One can usually tell where the fighter has hailed from based on his/her dance. There are 3 reasons why Ram Muay is performed:

1. To pay homage to:
   1. The Creator
   2. Nation or country
   3. The Instructor or Teacher
   4. Family
2. To invoke a blessing upon the performer: center oneself: calm fears and nervousness
3. To show the origin of the performer; what camp he/she belongs to

The whole ritual of Wai Khruu is conducted with traditional Thai music.

Music is very important to the combative aspect of Muay Thai and the Thai weapons-based martial art called Krabi-Krabong (kra-bee kra- bong). It helps to keep the right speed as well as the rhythm. The instruments that they used are: drums (Kong), cymbals of three different sizes, and sometimes a pipe (Java Pipe). The person that plays the drums is the more experienced; He used the same techniques of Muay Thai and Krabi-Krabong to play. He hit the drums with the knees, head and elbows as well as with the instruments. When performing Ram Muay it is important to “feel” the music and rhythm. That is, to actually dance. Allow your body and mind to relax into the ritual. When done with this attitude the pre-fight jitters seem to almost magically disappear.

TBA Wai-Khruu As mentioned above every gym has a different and distinct way of performing the Wai Khruu. Below is a brief explanation of the “Long Ceremony” taught by Ajarn Chai Sirisute.

1. Kneel facing the opposite corner with both hands up in front of you in a prayer-like position
   
   
2. Starting with your left hand, place it on the ground in front of you, bow down and place your forehead in the center of the triangle you have created with your hands on the ground. Your right hand stays by your head while bowing
   
   
3. Sit up right with both hands together. Repeat 2 more times. Each time paying respects to The Creator, your country, your instructor and/or family
   
   
4. Bow with both hands in front of you. While your body is parallel to the ground spread your arms out to the side and row or flap your arms as if you were a giant eagle or graceful swan. Continue this motion all the way to the front. When your hands meet in the front roll your arms in an outward manner a number of times (about 6). Pull your elbows back to your sides. Then raise your body and arms up and look skyward through the triangle you make with your hands. Bring your arms back down to the original position.
   
   
5. Spread your left knee to the left and repeat the above movements. When you bring your arms back down from looking skyward bring your knees together to the center at the same time.
   
   
6. Spread your right knee to the right and repeat the above movements. When you bring your arms back down from looking skyward bring your knees together to the center at the same time.
   
   
7. From the prayer position step with your left foot directly in front of you. Your rear knee should be on the ground directly behind with your toes pointed skyward. Spread your arms out to the side and row or flap your arms as if you were a giant eagle or graceful swan. Continue this motion all the way to the front. When your hands meet in the front roll your arms in an outward manner a number of times (about 6). Pull your elbows back then push your arms upward while shifting your body to the rear leg. Your front leg is now straightened with the toes flexed. Look skyward through the triangle you make with your hands. (This is a good stretching movement and sometimes is repeated a couple of times)
   
   
8. Shift and turn your body 180 degrees so you are facing behind you. Your right leg should be in front and your left in the rear with toes pointed skyward. Repeat the flying motion.
   
   
9. Shift your right leg 90 degrees to your right and repeat the flying motion.
   
   
10. Shift and turn your body 180 degrees so you are facing behind you and repeat flying motion for the final time.
    
    
11. Once you have finished the final motion in this fourth turn stand and swing your rear leg to the front and out (usually you will have to pivot completely around). Your hands should be in the position as if cover a strike from above and holding a sword low and to the front (Krabri Krabrong). Your right hand should be on or near your raised right leg and your left hand covering your hand. Place your right leg down and shift positions of your hands and lead with your right leg… step…slide step…lift your left leg, thigh parallel to the ground toes flex, and swing your left raised leg forward and out place your left leg down then step…slide step…lift now your right leg…

Repeat the dance movement to the center ropes or the ropes facing the crowd pay homage/thanks. Turn and dance to the opponent’s corner pay homage/thanks. Turn and dance back to your corner. Pay homage and thanks then your corner person or instructor takes the mongkon (a head piece that is worn during Wai Khruu) off of your head and you are ready to begin the match.

I hope this information helps your understanding in this brutal yet beautiful martial art.

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