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I thought this would be a good idea since knowbody ever talks about this aspect of Muay Thai. People talk mostly about training and conditioning but to those that don't know Muay Thai has many traditions, and one of which is know as the Ram Muay/Wai Kru. I thought I would take this time out to maybe educate those of you that don't know about this "pre fight dance", or would like more info: Hope you find this useful.
The origins of the Ram Muay claim to be a form of spiritual awakening, drawing power from the elements and surrounding the sacred ground of the contest (the ring), with the aura of the fighter in an attempt to gain victory over his opponent in combat.
In earlier days the Ram Muay was a form of warm-up exercise as the fights were held on ground and not in a ring as today. A fighter would walk around the sacred fighting ground and look for stones, damp patches of ground, hidden holes or areas that were sandy. He would also be looking for which direction the sun was so that he could use the light and the shadows to his advantage.
To start the Ram Muay the fighter will always enter the ring over the ropes never underneath. Then they will begin to move counter clock wise in the ring sealing it off from evil sprits, outside distractions and negative influences. They then sit in the center of the ring facing the direction of home or there camp. They then begin to bow 3 times to pay respect to whatever religion they are as well as parents, family and ancestors.
Finally, the fighter will then stand up and begin the Ram Muay by performing a dance-like motion portraying many aspects of the Ramakein ( The story of Rama) including a display of the Garuda bird, the 'Elephant stomp' , the 'Four Faces of Brahma', the Making of the Garlands', Hanuman (the monkey god), Rama, any many other members of the cast. Often times, if you watch the performance of Thai fighters as they go through the Ram Muay ritual, you will notice, many variations in the movements of the Ramakein.
The ritualistic gestures are also there to help steady the nerves of the fighter, while at the same time, give the fighters a warm-up exercise. While moving around the ring the fighter will quietly chant secret 'mantras (word spells) in order to fill the ring with his 'aura' and so dominate his opponent. As the fighter reaches a corner he will give a little pray ( telling the spirit of his opponent that the corner will not save him) and will bow to the corner touch the corner post with both hands clenched in prayer, three times invoking the strengths of his teacher, parents and his god.
I think that should do it for now, as far as the items worn by the fighters you will typically see them wearing a Mongdon (head ring) which is property of the gym and usually blessed by a Monk before each fight. Also, armbands, which are used as protective charms, usually containing good luck charms inside.
Thanks.
The origins of the Ram Muay claim to be a form of spiritual awakening, drawing power from the elements and surrounding the sacred ground of the contest (the ring), with the aura of the fighter in an attempt to gain victory over his opponent in combat.
In earlier days the Ram Muay was a form of warm-up exercise as the fights were held on ground and not in a ring as today. A fighter would walk around the sacred fighting ground and look for stones, damp patches of ground, hidden holes or areas that were sandy. He would also be looking for which direction the sun was so that he could use the light and the shadows to his advantage.
To start the Ram Muay the fighter will always enter the ring over the ropes never underneath. Then they will begin to move counter clock wise in the ring sealing it off from evil sprits, outside distractions and negative influences. They then sit in the center of the ring facing the direction of home or there camp. They then begin to bow 3 times to pay respect to whatever religion they are as well as parents, family and ancestors.
Finally, the fighter will then stand up and begin the Ram Muay by performing a dance-like motion portraying many aspects of the Ramakein ( The story of Rama) including a display of the Garuda bird, the 'Elephant stomp' , the 'Four Faces of Brahma', the Making of the Garlands', Hanuman (the monkey god), Rama, any many other members of the cast. Often times, if you watch the performance of Thai fighters as they go through the Ram Muay ritual, you will notice, many variations in the movements of the Ramakein.
The ritualistic gestures are also there to help steady the nerves of the fighter, while at the same time, give the fighters a warm-up exercise. While moving around the ring the fighter will quietly chant secret 'mantras (word spells) in order to fill the ring with his 'aura' and so dominate his opponent. As the fighter reaches a corner he will give a little pray ( telling the spirit of his opponent that the corner will not save him) and will bow to the corner touch the corner post with both hands clenched in prayer, three times invoking the strengths of his teacher, parents and his god.
I think that should do it for now, as far as the items worn by the fighters you will typically see them wearing a Mongdon (head ring) which is property of the gym and usually blessed by a Monk before each fight. Also, armbands, which are used as protective charms, usually containing good luck charms inside.
Thanks.
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