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Boran Man · 06-30-2005, 01:52 AM

Dear All,

Truly sorry if I have created any tension. I have no hidden agendas. My only intention is to shed light on the truth of Muay Boran. I am not an expert, only a student. What I have written is based on my understanding, research, and conversations with a number of Muay Boran teachers - which there are not many left. I am fully aware of Kru Bua and Kru Tong Lor. I have met their students and descendants.

I love the art of Muay Thai, and do not want to see it degraded.

That said, I am not saying Modern Muay Thai sucks. It has strong roots in Muay Boran and over time has evolved into what I consider one of the strongest systems. Time and again, Modern Muay Thai has proved itself effective. I have full respect for it. What I am trying to say, however, is that it is different from Muay Boran. It is an evoloution from the art, but not the art itself. To try to do alot of look mai and say it is Muay Boran is not correct. If the mae mai is not there, everything is off - timing, stance, position, etc.

And of course, I am happy that Westerners are practicing Muay Thai. I believe in Globalization - and sharing. Apparently, I've done some studying in the US, it is only fair for us to share Muay Thai knowledge with Westereners. What I want to make clear, however, is that there is a GROWING number of BOTH Thais and Westerners who claim to have some 6 deadly secrets of Muay Thai. That is not true. Please let us respect the art. To have learned Modern Muay Thai is a great thing - it is already extremely effective in its own right. But to try to market one'self and start wearing gold slashes and hats and claim secrets is total bull. If you want to market yourself as having learned Muay Boran, please do it right. Go learn it.

As for Western Boxing, it is a great art and sport. I like to watch it and study it. I cannot remember sayign anything bad about it. A great Western Boxer can beat and less competent Muay Thai fighter - no doubt. The stances in Muay Boran (low stance) and Western Boxing are both rationale and similar in ways. But I think both Thais and Westerners are smart enough to figure it on their own without having to copy one another.

Think of Muay Boran as like Ju Jit Su - created for the battle fields. Is it necessarily better than Judo, it depends on who the practitioner is. I am just saying that Judo and Ju Jit Su are different.

And no - I am not into violence or dancing. I like to practice Muay Boran, because I am amazed at what it has to offer. That's for me. Everyone has their own path.

Let's all tone down together. My hope is to spread the truth. But if it's getting overly violent here, I see no point. If we can all talk nicely and learn together, I will be to share more of what I learned, saw, and heard. But if violence is what you want, this is not my place.

06-30-2005, 01:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
Boran Man Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3	Misunderstanding Dear All, Truly sorry if I have created any tension. I have no hidden agendas. My only intention is to shed light on the truth of Muay Boran. I am not an expert, only a student. What I have written is based on my understanding, research, and conversations with a number of Muay Boran teachers - which there are not many left. I am fully aware of Kru Bua and Kru Tong Lor. I have met their students and descendants. I love the art of Muay Thai, and do not want to see it degraded. That said, I am not saying Modern Muay Thai sucks. It has strong roots in Muay Boran and over time has evolved into what I consider one of the strongest systems. Time and again, Modern Muay Thai has proved itself effective. I have full respect for it. What I am trying to say, however, is that it is different from Muay Boran. It is an evoloution from the art, but not the art itself. To try to do alot of look mai and say it is Muay Boran is not correct. If the mae mai is not there, everything is off - timing, stance, position, etc. And of course, I am happy that Westerners are practicing Muay Thai. I believe in Globalization - and sharing. Apparently, I've done some studying in the US, it is only fair for us to share Muay Thai knowledge with Westereners. What I want to make clear, however, is that there is a GROWING number of BOTH Thais and Westerners who claim to have some 6 deadly secrets of Muay Thai. That is not true. Please let us respect the art. To have learned Modern Muay Thai is a great thing - it is already extremely effective in its own right. But to try to market one'self and start wearing gold slashes and hats and claim secrets is total bull. If you want to market yourself as having learned Muay Boran, please do it right. Go learn it. As for Western Boxing, it is a great art and sport. I like to watch it and study it. I cannot remember sayign anything bad about it. A great Western Boxer can beat and less competent Muay Thai fighter - no doubt. The stances in Muay Boran (low stance) and Western Boxing are both rationale and similar in ways. But I think both Thais and Westerners are smart enough to figure it on their own without having to copy one another. Think of Muay Boran as like Ju Jit Su - created for the battle fields. Is it necessarily better than Judo, it depends on who the practitioner is. I am just saying that Judo and Ju Jit Su are different. And no - I am not into violence or dancing. I like to practice Muay Boran, because I am amazed at what it has to offer. That's for me. Everyone has their own path. Let's all tone down together. My hope is to spread the truth. But if it's getting overly violent here, I see no point. If we can all talk nicely and learn together, I will be to share more of what I learned, saw, and heard. But if violence is what you want, this is not my place.