Lets talk about the traditions of Muay Thai boxing. I have been training in Muay Thai since the age of 14 and that was a long time ago to say the least. Like all martial arts, Muay Thai is deeply rooted in tradition and there are many. The best known are Mong Kon, Pra Jiad, Whai Khru and Ram Muay. Muay Thai also includes the students education to become a respectful human beings – for example,in their respectful interaction with trainers, the training group, and opponents in the ring.
Mong Kon
The Mong Kon is a headgear worn by the athlete when entering the ring. It is given to him by his training, is meant as good luck charm and should protect him against danger and injuries. Centuries ago the presentation was cause for a celebration, as it was not necessarily commonplace that a person interested in Muay Thai was actually taught. Rather, he was examined by the teacher for a lengthy period of time and it was only after the teacher was convinced of the character and the physical preconditions of the person that he was given the Mong Kon, thereby being accepted as a student. The Mong Kon was carefully manufactured of white and red fabric, material softer than what is used today.
Pra Jiad
The Pra Jiad is a piece of cloth worn around the upper arm during the fight. Some athletes wear the Pra Jiad on only one upper arm, other athletes wear one each on both upper arms. Under his Pra Jaid the athletes may carry an object of personal importance, giving him power and self confidence for the fight. The athlete may for example, carry a strand of hair from a person very close to him.
Some amateur associations now issue colored Pra Jaids to their members to indicate the performance levels of their athletes. This is a modern development WITHOUT any traditional Muay Thai background.
Whai Khru and Ram Muay
Whai Khru and Ram Muay are traditional movements performed by the athletes prior to Muay Thai fight contest. It is often mistakenly assumed that these are buddhist ceremonies. The Thais take much pride in their traditional performaces, which have been handed down for centuries. It is against this backdrop that out of courtesy, foreign fighters must also perform the Whai Khru and the Ram Muay.
In Whai Khru the athlete kneels on the floor in the center of the ring and expresses his respect to his teacher, relatives and friends by three bows. During his last bow the athlete concentrates and focuses his thoughts on somebody very precious to him. Immediately after the Whai Khru the athletes starts with the Ram Muay. Ram Muay combines different dances styles in one exercise. In this way the fighters honor their trainer and their gym. They concentrate on and remember their own skills and tactics, and their trainers advice. Ram Muay helps the contestants to calm their nerves and mentally prepare for the fight. The exercise is also a form of body stretching.
In earlier days, Muay Thai experts could determine the fighters home camp from the Ram Muay, as each camp taught a particular exercise. At the present time, many fighters have their own style, making it difficult to determine a camp.
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