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  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    To avoid confusion Chock - Muai was renamed Muay - Thai.

    European boxing was designated as Muai - Sagon ( fist fight of the
    foreigner ) by the Thais. It's introduction led to a further change in
    the Thai rules. In 1919 boxing gloves ( Naum ) were introduced into
    Muay - Thai.

    Traditionally, wagering and the freedom to choose a preferred technique
    had been an inherant part of fist fights. In 1927 it became legal,
    under certain conditions, to bet on Muay-Thai, Muai-Sagon, and
    wrestling. After a temporary regulation ( 1934 ) general fighting rules
    were defined officially by the sports department in 1939.

    For economical reasons the Raschdamnuern Stadium was privatized.
    International standards were addopted in setting up rules for exclusive
    professional Muay Thai events.

    This took place in 1955. Generally fight rules, as commonly observed,
    have remained unchanged from then until now. They were created by the
    department of sports and the university of sports ( Sarintara
    Virodoom ) and were officially published in 1962.


    Kick - Boxing

    In 1972 Osamu Nogushi, a Japanese native, sought to open a Kick-Boxing
    training camp, the Nogushi Boxing Gym, in Bangkok. At that time the
    term Kick-Boxing and/or Thai-Boxing was used by the Thai tourism
    industry to denote the combat sport of Muay-Thai. Mr Osamu Nogushi now
    asserted that Kick - Boxing was of Japanese origin.

    A great many Thais, mainly students and young fighters, were distressed,
    incensed, and furious. A spontaneous demonstration, involving rioting
    against the Nogushi Gym, took place simultaneously with the opening of
    the training camp. After some four hours the government announced the
    immediate deportation of Mr Nogushi and the situation calmed down. The
    training camp was closed and never opened again.

    Afterwards this topic produced vehement discussions and even some
    bloody quarrels among Thais of all persuasions. At first Mr Nogushi´s
    assertion concerning the Japanese origin of Kick-Boxing was universally
    regarded as a presumptuous insult.

    Some also blamed organizers and officials for the profit hungry greed
    which they imagined had led to the opening of Mr Nogushi's
    establishment. Some time later, after Japanese diplomats and
    representatives of Mr Nogushi had formally apologised to Thailand, it
    became known that the Japanese instructor had had no intention of
    disparaging Thai combat sports in any way.

    The Japanese connected with Mr Nogushi had simply wanted to employ
    knowledge of Chock-Muai , and especially knowlege of foot techniques,
    in creating a new type of boxing modeled on the European style. They
    were greatly interested in Thai use of the four elements: fist, foot,
    elbow and knee.

    Their idea of simplifying foot techniques while reducing the ferocity
    of fights was aimed at achieving popularity as an international event.
    In other words, economical conscerns motivated development of a
    fighting style similar to Chock-Muai. At that time Kick-Boxing was
    also not officially designated as Chock-Muai. Therefore the use of this
    expression led often to misunderstandings.

    In order to satisfy all conscerned, clever diplomacy prevailed and a
    fighting competition in defence of honor was organized. Thai native
    Chock-Muai fighters and Japanese Kick-Boxers would compete against
    each other at the Raschdamnuern stadium.

    Ajan Keht Sriejapai was known as a patriot and a most strict Chock-Muai
    teacher. He now appealed to all of his students to use the unmistakable
    and primary Thai language name when referring to their sport. In his
    opinion it was incorrect to use the 'Muai' expression when referring to
    boxing.

    The students followed his lead and since then they have designated the
    national fist fighting sport as Muay-Thai. Nowadays, in its present
    form Muay-Thai is an independant competition sport that developed from
    the weaponless art of Dtie-Muai fighting.


    Competition fighting sport Muay - Thai_

    The rules for fighting competitions and events can be divided into the
    professional and the amateur categories. Still, the procedures are
    quite similar. Muay-Thai fights are held in a ring. One fight lasts
    five rounds with each round lasting three minutes each. The pause
    between the rounds is two minutes. One referee, at least two judges,
    and one time keeper control the fight. The fighters wear cotton
    bandages and boxing gloves ( 4 oz or 6 oz ).

    Fighters are obliged to wear standard Muay-Thai shorts, as well as
    mouth and abdomen protection. Fights are organized into weight
    categories following the European model. The fight can be decided in
    three ways.

    a.) by K.o.
    b.) by T.k.o. ( technical K.o. )
    c.) by points ( a fighter can attain a maximum of 5 points per round )

    Generally forbidden fighting tactics include biting, priming, cursing,
    throwing, attacks against falling opponents, and unfair use of the ring
    or other objects. Fighters are obliged to perform the traditional
    Rammuai Waikru before the fight starts.

    While the use of fist, foot, knee, and elbow techniques is largely
    unlimited, techniques from the period of King Pra Jauw Sueah have
    become the established standard.


    Muai Boran

    The developmental origins of Muai-Thai or Muai Boran have two roots.
    First, Pahuyuth ( stormfight ) and it's connection with natural spirits
    and the magical strengths of deities. Second, Vicha Rob ( war
    knowledge ) dealing with the use of weapons.

    1.) The origin of Pahuyuth ( stormfight ) / Ling Lom ( air monkey ):
    The fighting movements of Pahuyuth are essentially evasive manoeuvres
    and/or defensive techniques. They require a high degree of agility for
    rolls, falls, and turns. Fist, foot, knee, and elbow techniques are
    used for defence or defusing the opponents attack.

    Additionally, so called Maihtay ( dead certain techniques ) are used
    against specific areas of the opponent´s body. These techniques have
    withering effects and are used in tandem with the opponent´s flow of
    movement to bring a fight to an end. The opponent, in these situations,
    is at the technique's mercy. The process of the fight up to the final
    moment is analyzed intellectually by the Pahuyuth fighter who impresses
    the opponent´s techniques on his own mind in order to be able to use
    his Mayhtai.

    The opponent becomes irritated when realising his reflexes are 'wrong'.
    When the moment of 'analyzed momentum' comes the use of Mayhtai will
    result most often in the end of the fight.

    Pra Jauw Sueah ( tiger king ), who established the Rammad Rammuai
    during the years 1707 - 1708, declared prone fighting techniques as
    unfair and unappetizing, so fighting techniques which did not lead to
    death gained interest and popularity. Pahuyuth fighters also began to
    specialize in standing position fighting because of the temptation of
    wagering. They developed the independent standing Thai fighting style,
    Dtie-Muai.

    One fighting technique deriving from Pahuyuth has a defensive
    character ( Muai-Rab ). It consists of acrobatic movements and
    positions similar to the fighting movements of the monkey god Hanuman.
    The names for these techniques come from the connection to him. At a
    later time, Hanuman was honored as a teacher by Dtie-Muai fighters
    through the performance of the Rammuai Waikru.

    The fighting tactics of Pahuyuth are made somewhat clear by observing
    their close quarter fighting techniques. As long as the opponent keeps
    his distance a Pahuyuth fighter acts quite defensively, or animates his
    opponent with playful attacking movements.

    Only when the opponent comes within reach does the Pahuyuth fighter
    begin to attack constantly ( Muai - Suhh Wong - Nai ). He combines
    neck holds with typical techniques of the knee ( Djab Dtie Kauw ). The
    elbow in turn uses the centrifugal force from the turn of the body to
    attack the opponent ( Munn - Zock ).

    2.) The origin of Vicha Rob ( war knowledge / weapon fighting ):
    Traditionally, at the beginning of instruction in the field of
    weaponry, body movement was first to be practiced. According to the
    textbook Tamrab Pichaisonkram there existed exercises for sword
    ( Dab ), stick ( Plong ), knife ( Mied ) and arm-shield ( Grarock ).
    These began to be practiced between 1096- 1256 AD.

    From the beginning the use of fist, foot, knee, and elbow techniques,
    as well as the use of weapons, all contributed to this fighting style
    and it's aim of weakening opponents. It was intended as a sort of less
    than ideal solution in case weapons were lost. The idea of weaponless
    techniques centered around concepts of sword and knife use helped to
    develop unique fist techniques. They contrast noticeably to European
    fist techniques ( boxing ).

    Foot techniques derived from use of the long stick ( Dtie - Grabong ).
    Elbow techniques ( Zock ) developed from the techniques of the
    armshield ( Grarock ). Knee techniques simply developed from the
    standing Pahuyuth position.

    Typical of the Die-Muai deriving from Vicha Rob is its attacking
    character ( Muai-Ruck ). The fighting techniques also have this origin.
    Utilisation of defensive techniques is not considered exemplary
    practice for fighters adhering to this style. Victory is achieved using
    attacking combinations from the beginning of the fight.

    A further feature of this fighting method is positioning oneself at
    considerable distance ( Muai - Wong Noog ) from the opponent. This
    tactic is used to attack certain areas of the opponent´s body before
    beginning the decisive attack combination.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Chock - Muai

    The fistfight Chock-Muai developed into a competition sport along two
    seperate paths. The style of King Rama II concentrated on fighting
    demonstrations and was only to be found in the capital. It was called
    Muai - Loung ( fist fight of the state ).

    But rehearsed fights were also popular and during these contests,
    known as Muai - Radt ( middle class fist fight ) or Muai - Watt
    ( temple fist fight ), combatants were permitted to resort to any and
    all tactics.

    Muai - Watt ( temple fist fight ):
    Traditionally the knowledge of the fist fight was spread by Buddhist
    temples. Experienced fighters who retired or decided to convert to
    Buddhism became priests in the temples. The temples were both
    educational establishment and approved schools for masculine youth and
    orphans.

    In general parents sent their children to temple during the daytime
    to learn reading and writing but not necessarily the art of fighting.

    Young persons who were interested in the art of fighting could apply
    to a teacher and/or priest to become a so called Lugsidt
    ( probationary student ).

    Parents who had serious problems to educate their wild and outrageous
    boys sometimes entrusted their educations to the temple priests. These
    temple children ( called Dek - Watt ) then had the opportunity to
    learn the art of fighting.

    The learning pace of the students and their mastery of fighting arts,
    especially concerning the fist fight, naturally depended on the will
    of the teacher. The distinction between Ling Lom and different types
    of Muai - Thai was not yet important because, in these fights,
    everything was permitted.

    During ceremonies at the temple the Dek - Watt were set up as
    challengers to motivate other fighters to participate. Thus the temple
    was able to obtain donations from spectators. Fighting against Dek -
    Watt required one to be well prepared and cautious as the Dek - Watt
    fighting style was sometimes unpredictable and quite outside of what
    might be called a 'technique'.

    The expression Muai - Watt comes from these fighting events organized
    by the temples where Dek - Watt ( temple children ) were installed as
    contestants.

    Present day fighters whose conduct during a fight is unfair or illegal
    ( e.g. biting, spitting, cursing, offending or pulling the hair ) are
    therefore designated as Muai - Watt.

    Muay - Thai

    The fighting sport of Muay-Thai ( then still called Chock - Muai ) was
    only able to achieve something approaching it's present popularity
    during the reign of RamaV ( Pra Jullajom Gauw, 1868 - 1910 ). Rama V
    is also responsable for the abolition of serfdom.

    In contrast to that of Muay-Thai, the popularity of the Muai Thai
    fighting arts ( also called Dtie-Muai, Muai-Boran or Muai Duegdamban at
    that time ) decreased because of a decline in opportunities for
    instruction and a growing detachment from Chock-Muai. It therefore came
    to be practised by only a few. Interest in Chock Muai faltered as well,
    largely due to King Rama V's penchant for Grabieh - Grabong.

    King Rama VI ( Somdet Pra Mongguthglauw ) of the Rattanagosin dynasty
    ( 1910 - 1925 ) is regarded as the founder of Chock-Muai in it's
    present competition sport state. He introduced the traditional
    fistfight as a competition whereas his father had neglected Chock Muai
    because of a preferance for weapon fighting ( Grabieh - Grabong ). The
    development of Chock-Muai to it's Muay-Thai expression can be traced in
    the following groupings:

    1.) The generation of Soun Gurab ( Rose garden )
    King Rama VI, the father of Thai scouting ( Lugsueh ), constantly
    organized Chock-Muai fist fights in the Soun Gurab. He standardized
    the rules for the Muai-Roung and Muai-Watt. These were observed at all
    fighting events. Provincial fighters strove to be chosen to participate
    at the Soun Gurab. They wanted to experience the new rules, and also
    to improve their career standing at home.

    According to the report of Ajan Nag Tephassadin Na Ayuttaya, who
    himself was involved in the instruction of weapon fighting, the
    rules of Chock-Muai were as follows:

    Fighting with bandages was permitted. Therefore the hands were bound
    with cotton ( flocks ) up to the elbows. The bandage was fixed at the
    knuckles and then hardened with rice milk or glue made from flour
    ( Kadd Schueack ). Abdomenal protection was also practiced utilising
    cotton padding held by a belt.

    A fight consisted of five rounds. Round duration was measured using the
    sinking coconut method. The fight took place in a ring under a
    referee's supervision. Fighting was allowed only while the combatants
    remained in a standing position so that throwing or knocking down of
    opponents lost importance. Biting was not allowed. Although fights
    still occassionally resulted in fatalaties, these incidents decreased
    sharply.

    2.) The generation of Tah - Schang ( Elephant harbour )
    Because of Rama VI's introduction of new rules, and the fist fight
    competition's removal from public festivals, the sport regained lost
    popularity.

    3.) The generation of Soun - Sanug ( Kinds of pleasure )
    These fighting events attracted foreign fighters who participated
    according to Thai rules.

    As one story goes the first time a Chinese fighter fought a Chock-Muai
    practitioner the contest ended with a duel fatality. The Chinese is
    said to have attacked the Thai's stomach causing intestinal damage.
    Meanwhile the Thai broke the Chinese skull. The fight therefore ended
    in a draw but since then no official fights between these two different
    styles have been held.

    4.) The generation of Lak - Muehng ( City column )
    Businessmen and Chinese betting promoters opened the first training
    camp for Thai and Chinese fighters. Fighters could participate at the
    Soun Gurab with the help of the referee Kun Sunthorn Tawiesit. These
    fist fighters also introduced the custom of writing their names on
    their fight shorts ( Schaya ).

    5.) The generation of Soun Jauw Sched ( Garden of Prince Sched )
    The idea of increasing military finances through social affairs led to
    the opening of the Lumpinie stadium. Young soldiers and recruits now
    had the opportunity to compete as fighters in their spare time.

    In the Raschdamnuern Stadium, however, only civilians and young men
    from Bangkok could participate. It was soon recognized that the
    fighters at the Lumpinie stadium treated each other much more roughly.
    Additionally, the public was enthralled by knee and elbow techniques
    commonly practiced there. Thus, Lumpinie became a very popular Bangkok
    stadium within a very short time.

    6.) The generation of Thai - Boxing ( Thai fist fighting sport )
    Since the inception of fighting events their rules have changed
    constantly. They still vary from one region to another. From 1912
    Mr Viboon Sawatwong Sawatgull began to introduce European boxing from
    England.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Originally posted by fire cobra View Post
    Sieh,

    Im sorry but copying and pasting copy like you are at the moment isnt what I would construe as having a discussion about Muay Thai/Thai Martial Arts.

    Also Ive once again read this info on aother site.

    How about discussing wht your daily or weekly training routine consists of? for exmple do you shadow box? spar? practice technique with a partner?

    I do all of these things most if not every day,as Ive got older the fitness aspects are harder but the strength aspects are easier,at the moment Im trying to work on more technique/variety of technique,but the last few years I have been trying to develop clinching which is very hard without experienced partners.
    ok, that's fine for me.

    I put some text in here as an information. For me there are many intersting things to read. I did not mean to discuss this necessarily.
    Let's talk about your clinch etc in the technique comparison thread.
    I answer in there.

    Leave a comment:


  • fire cobra
    replied
    Originally posted by Sieh Tanonchai View Post
    Pahuyuth - Weapons

    The Tamrab Pichaisonkram can be compared to a handwritten original. It
    was not bound but simply a collection of records concerning different
    topics which grew larger over time. After the fall of the Sukothai
    dynasty the collection was partially destroyed or lost. Records
    relating to Buddhism and fighting arts were kept in Buddhist temples
    until such time as it was determined that any substance that the book
    had once contained was lost.

    At about the same time that the Tamrab Pichaisonkram was gradually
    being split up further works were setting forward the circumstances
    surrounding the lack of cavalry in the Thai history of warfare.

    Thai fighters were exclusively an infantry following a combat style
    known as Pahuyuth, which translates freely as storm fight. Movements
    were unpredictable and elements of the body were used as weapons.
    Battle was preceded by ceremonies conducted for deity worship or in
    order to summon spirits.

    There were three kinds of weapons used in Pahuyuth: long range weapons
    ( Grabong, Njauw, Njiew ), standard weapons ( Dabrop ), and weapons
    for specific protection purposes. Knowledge of long range weapon
    fighting arts was also called Taengschang ( elephant sticking ).

    Techniques for coordinated falls were later added to Pahuyuth. At
    first these were known as Tah Togschang, or techniques for falling
    from an elephant, but later both came to be referred to simply as
    Pahuyuth. The Grarock had developed from the exercise with the
    Grabong ( stick ) and was part of the equipment.

    Pra Ongdamm

    The story of the Thai King Naresurn begins in 1569AD. Owing to
    betrayal and greed the Burmese succeeded in taking the Thai capital of
    Ayuttaya. For the first time in their history the Thais lost their
    freedom, and the 13year old Prince Pra Ongdamm ( later King Naresurn )
    was abducted and taken as a hostage to Burma by the Burmese conqueror,
    King Hongsavadie ( Buraeng Nong ).



    King Hongsavadie treated the young prince as his own son and he was
    priveledged to the same sort of royal upbringing and education as the
    rest of Hongsavadie's family, a fact not lost on the king's grandson,
    Manggayoh Schava, who regarded the interloper with suspicion and envy.
    At any rate, after six years in captivity the young Thai was allowed
    to return to Ayuttaya on reaching his 19th birthday in order to help
    his father, King Pramahatamm Raschatirat, to govern.

    According to the writings of Sir Josh Scott, an English cartographer
    and historian, the Burmese lands were inhabited by three different
    ethnic groups. The northern Burmese were descended from the Thaiyaih
    while the people of central Burma were of Ceylonesian and Indian
    descent. The Southern Burmese were descended from the Mohn ( Chinese:
    Maevjueh ), a people who´s historical origin is unknown. The
    development in such close proximity of these three ethnic groups,
    often at war, occasionally at peace, led eventually to the
    establishment of one nation, and more recently, the modern country of
    Burma.

    The history of Burma is incidentally rife with references concerning
    development of the Thai sword. Many different expressions are used to
    refer to the sword, depending largely on from what time the referance
    comes.

    According to the Tamnan Thaiyaih-Thaiahom ( Thai history ) the Thai
    sword in it's various guises during it's Burmese development was known
    as Dab Iravadie or Dab Thaiyaih. Typically, a Dab Iravadie has a
    shorter hilt than it's Thai cousin as well as a broad blade with a
    slightly curved top. Because of the breadth of the blade ( Tohng Dab )
    it has an additional weight for rotary strokes quite opposite to that
    of the hilt heavy Dab Nanjauw.

    As the sword was used in Burma, strokes were largely limited to the
    diagonal overhead sweeps. During combat, common practice saw neither
    the hilt nor elements of the body used to strike an opponent.

    The development of the Dab Iravadie and it's usage was centered around
    the idea of fighting from horseback. For this reason - one hand was
    of course required to hold on to the horse - the simultaneous use of
    two swords became impractical.


    Somdet Pra Naresurn

    In 1581 the Burmese king Hongsavadie died and his son, Pra Jauw
    Nanntaburaeng, was crowned to rule in his stead. Rulers of all
    secondary cities were supposed to attend this corronation, and the
    absence of the king of the city of Kang was regarded as a gross afront
    in retaliation for which Pra Jauw Nanntaburaeng ordered an attack.

    The troops descending on Kang were made up of Burmese under the
    command of Prince Mangscheising, Mohn under the command of Prince
    Nadjinnong, and Thai commanded by Prince Pra Ongdamm. All three
    princes had formerly studied together under the same teacher at a
    Burmese school of combat.

    Each prince was therefore anxious to display his own superiority as
    the impending battle neared. Their individual desires to better one
    another grew so strong that they eventually decided against a joint
    attack, instead organizing a competition whereby each should have
    seven days time in which to attempt occupation of the city. It was
    Prince Pra Ongdamm's approach, with it's tactical inclusion of Thai
    fighting systems, which finally brought about a successful conquest.
    Unfortunately, it also brought about distrust on the part of the
    Burmese king.

    This distrust led eventually to an assassination attempt against Pra
    Ongdamm in retaliation for which he instigated a ritual of Rahng
    Sinotock. Held on June 14th, 1584, this ceremony declared independance
    for the Thais of the city of Kraeng.

    After his independence declaration Prince Pra Ongdamm made a strong
    effort to form an alliance encompassing all of the divergent Thai
    groupings, but due largely to his youth, this did not prove to be an
    easy task. The city kings thought him to young to be such a strong
    and capable commander and he was forced to prove his leadership
    abilities again and again.

    It was he who originally altered the ritual Pithie Duem Namsabahn,
    holding it in it's varied form of Nam Pipatsattaja ( holy water oath )
    in which the sharing of Buddhist holy water replaced that of rice
    wine, and the swearing of eternal independence, freedom, and unity for
    the Thai nation was incorporated.

    The ritual Nam Pipatsattaja was repeated many times at meetings of the
    seperate Thai peoples. Traitors and those who refused to take the
    oath were summarily executed.

    Pra Ongdamm also made use of the Saiyasart derivative ritual Dtad
    Maihkohmnam in order to cheer up his soldiers.

    As a natural warrior, Pra Ongdamm endeavored to harvest maximal
    results from his uncanny battlefield abilities. He always placed
    himself among his soldiers with whom he fought side by side for
    liberation from the Burmese and for Thai unity.

    Records from this time confirm that he was the only member of any
    royal family since the Glie Gauw Piehnong who had fought on the front
    lines with his soldiers.

    One well known story of his bravery relates how, holding his famous
    Dab Kabkay ( fortress conquest sword ) in his teeth, he attempted to
    climb the walls of a Burmese fortress ( Kay Prayanakorn ). In the
    course of this action he was injured several times by Burmese spears
    and eventually fell to earth. Undaunted, he rose and continued, being
    forced to take his sword in hand in order to achieve his conquest and
    prevent further injury.

    His willingness to fight rather than to direct battles from a safe
    vantage point brought boundless respect from his legion of followers.

    Until 1590, the year that Pra Ongdamm was crowned Pra Naresurn, king
    of the Thais, he continued to fight for the freedom and unity of his
    people. Thereafter as king of independant Thailand he proved himself
    a skilled diplomat in bringing about the grounding of many combat
    centers offering training to Thai soldiers in a variety of different
    systems and disciplines. The time of Pra Ongdamm is historically
    regarded as a climax in the evolution of Thai combat.


    Yuttahatti

    In 1592, in the district of the town of Tambon Dtahpangruhh, King
    Naresurn was faced with what in retrospect was in all likelihood his
    most important fight atop a combat elephant ( Yuttahatti ). His
    opponent on the day was the Burmese Prince Pra Maha Upparascha who
    was commanding his troops in an attack on Ayuttaya.

    At Tambon Dtahpangruhh he attacked a small army under King Naresurn's
    command. During the ensuing battle king Naresurn's elephant became
    seperated from his troops. He found himself in the midst of the
    Burmese army where he came upon the Burmese prince relaxing in the
    shade of a tree.

    From his precarious position he hailed the Burmese prince and
    challenged him to a duel. The Burmese prince, a man conditioned by
    the idiosyncrasies of royal honor and battlefield diplomacy, felt
    powerless to reject the challenge.

    King Naresurn addressed his adversary:

    " You, my revered brother prince, why do you rest here in the shade?
    The battle is not yet decided. Many are injured and dying pitiful
    deaths to satisfy our vanities. As a man born to a royal family I
    challenge you to a duel ( Yuttahatti ). At stake shall be our honor
    and the battle's outcome. Such special duels, where we demonstrate
    our own power, will not exist in the future."

    Both of them had acquired essentially the same knowledge from the same
    teacher as schoolmates in their youth, so that they were well
    aquainted with each other's strengths and weaknesses. King Naresurn
    was, at any rate, correct in his assertion that such a unique duel, at
    least in Thai history, would never occur again.



    As the duel commenced, Prince Pra Maha Upparascha´s elephant rammed
    the elephant of King Naresurn while the Burmese stabbed at his Thai
    adversary with his Ngauw ( stick with a blade fixed at one end ). King
    Naresurn took evasive action, losing some balance in a move close to
    his own elephant's head, and the Ngauw only succeeded in impailing his
    hat ( Pra Mahla ).

    As he tumbled from his elephant´s back, King Naresurn expertly
    transferred the energy captured in his fall into a powerful thrust of
    his own Ngauw. Stabbing upward he struck the Burmese prince at the
    hip, the blade proceeding diagonally upward through his body and
    exiting at the opposite shoulder. The prince died instantly.

    The Burmese soldiers paniced following the loss of their leader and
    the Thais were subsequently able to free their encircled king.

    Ever since, king Naresurn´s hat has been called Pra Mahlabieng ( the
    hat that was cut by the Ngauw ). His Ngauw ( Prasaeang Kohhngauw ) is
    called Jauw Praya Saennponplai ( prince who is victorious over the
    enemy ) and his elephant Jauw Praya Cheiyanupab ( prince of all the
    powerful ones ) is know alternately as Jauw Praya Prabhongsavadie
    ( prince of the victors of the city of Hongsavadie ).


    Pithie Pratomgramm

    Although his kingdom neighboured Thailand and though he was
    subbordinate to the Thais at one time, the Cambodian King Praya Lawaek
    began to attack and plunder Thai cities following the fall of Ayuttaya.

    At the end of the Burmese-Thai wars, King Naresurn, as he had
    promised, participated in the ritual of Pithie Pratomgramm ( cleaning
    the tongue ). He then swiftly turned his attention to Cambodia,
    attacking the capital, Lawaek, and arresting King Praya Lawaek in
    order to question him on his dubious actions:

    "You are a king who governs his own country as I do. If you greedily
    covet my lands why do you not fight and strive to conquer, taking them
    for your own? This is the right and usual way for kings to behave,
    but instead you constantly raid our provinces. What do you think we
    should do about this?

    King Praya Lawaek recognized his sins and asked for his life but his
    please were refused because of King Naresurn's vow to execute him.
    After the ceremony of Pithie Pratomgramm he guaranteed the well-being
    of Praya Lawaek's family.

    A two storied pagoda was built at the place of the ceremony. It
    depicted King Naresurn on the upper floor seated upon a makeshift
    stool. On the lower floor was the executed King Lawaek, decapitated,
    shown along with his severed head. The executioner collects the
    streaming blood of the dead king in a vessel. He then carries it to
    the top floor where he poures it over the feet of king Naresurn.

    This representation was understood to show satisfaction gleened from
    reparations paid for one's sins. As was necessary at that time, this
    ritual also acted as a deterrent for enemies and traitors and
    represented the decision making power of the Thais leader. Later, the
    execution itself became a part of the ceremony.
    Sieh,

    Im sorry but copying and pasting copy like you are at the moment isnt what I would construe as having a discussion about Muay Thai/Thai Martial Arts.

    Also Ive once again read this info on aother site.

    How about discussing wht your daily or weekly training routine consists of? for exmple do you shadow box? spar? practice technique with a partner?

    I do all of these things most if not every day,as Ive got older the fitness aspects are harder but the strength aspects are easier,at the moment Im trying to work on more technique/variety of technique,but the last few years I have been trying to develop clinching which is very hard without experienced partners.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Pahuyuth - Weapons

    The Tamrab Pichaisonkram can be compared to a handwritten original. It
    was not bound but simply a collection of records concerning different
    topics which grew larger over time. After the fall of the Sukothai
    dynasty the collection was partially destroyed or lost. Records
    relating to Buddhism and fighting arts were kept in Buddhist temples
    until such time as it was determined that any substance that the book
    had once contained was lost.

    At about the same time that the Tamrab Pichaisonkram was gradually
    being split up further works were setting forward the circumstances
    surrounding the lack of cavalry in the Thai history of warfare.

    Thai fighters were exclusively an infantry following a combat style
    known as Pahuyuth, which translates freely as storm fight. Movements
    were unpredictable and elements of the body were used as weapons.
    Battle was preceded by ceremonies conducted for deity worship or in
    order to summon spirits.

    There were three kinds of weapons used in Pahuyuth: long range weapons
    ( Grabong, Njauw, Njiew ), standard weapons ( Dabrop ), and weapons
    for specific protection purposes. Knowledge of long range weapon
    fighting arts was also called Taengschang ( elephant sticking ).

    Techniques for coordinated falls were later added to Pahuyuth. At
    first these were known as Tah Togschang, or techniques for falling
    from an elephant, but later both came to be referred to simply as
    Pahuyuth. The Grarock had developed from the exercise with the
    Grabong ( stick ) and was part of the equipment.

    Pra Ongdamm

    The story of the Thai King Naresurn begins in 1569AD. Owing to
    betrayal and greed the Burmese succeeded in taking the Thai capital of
    Ayuttaya. For the first time in their history the Thais lost their
    freedom, and the 13year old Prince Pra Ongdamm ( later King Naresurn )
    was abducted and taken as a hostage to Burma by the Burmese conqueror,
    King Hongsavadie ( Buraeng Nong ).



    King Hongsavadie treated the young prince as his own son and he was
    priveledged to the same sort of royal upbringing and education as the
    rest of Hongsavadie's family, a fact not lost on the king's grandson,
    Manggayoh Schava, who regarded the interloper with suspicion and envy.
    At any rate, after six years in captivity the young Thai was allowed
    to return to Ayuttaya on reaching his 19th birthday in order to help
    his father, King Pramahatamm Raschatirat, to govern.

    According to the writings of Sir Josh Scott, an English cartographer
    and historian, the Burmese lands were inhabited by three different
    ethnic groups. The northern Burmese were descended from the Thaiyaih
    while the people of central Burma were of Ceylonesian and Indian
    descent. The Southern Burmese were descended from the Mohn ( Chinese:
    Maevjueh ), a people who´s historical origin is unknown. The
    development in such close proximity of these three ethnic groups,
    often at war, occasionally at peace, led eventually to the
    establishment of one nation, and more recently, the modern country of
    Burma.

    The history of Burma is incidentally rife with references concerning
    development of the Thai sword. Many different expressions are used to
    refer to the sword, depending largely on from what time the referance
    comes.

    According to the Tamnan Thaiyaih-Thaiahom ( Thai history ) the Thai
    sword in it's various guises during it's Burmese development was known
    as Dab Iravadie or Dab Thaiyaih. Typically, a Dab Iravadie has a
    shorter hilt than it's Thai cousin as well as a broad blade with a
    slightly curved top. Because of the breadth of the blade ( Tohng Dab )
    it has an additional weight for rotary strokes quite opposite to that
    of the hilt heavy Dab Nanjauw.

    As the sword was used in Burma, strokes were largely limited to the
    diagonal overhead sweeps. During combat, common practice saw neither
    the hilt nor elements of the body used to strike an opponent.

    The development of the Dab Iravadie and it's usage was centered around
    the idea of fighting from horseback. For this reason - one hand was
    of course required to hold on to the horse - the simultaneous use of
    two swords became impractical.


    Somdet Pra Naresurn

    In 1581 the Burmese king Hongsavadie died and his son, Pra Jauw
    Nanntaburaeng, was crowned to rule in his stead. Rulers of all
    secondary cities were supposed to attend this corronation, and the
    absence of the king of the city of Kang was regarded as a gross afront
    in retaliation for which Pra Jauw Nanntaburaeng ordered an attack.

    The troops descending on Kang were made up of Burmese under the
    command of Prince Mangscheising, Mohn under the command of Prince
    Nadjinnong, and Thai commanded by Prince Pra Ongdamm. All three
    princes had formerly studied together under the same teacher at a
    Burmese school of combat.

    Each prince was therefore anxious to display his own superiority as
    the impending battle neared. Their individual desires to better one
    another grew so strong that they eventually decided against a joint
    attack, instead organizing a competition whereby each should have
    seven days time in which to attempt occupation of the city. It was
    Prince Pra Ongdamm's approach, with it's tactical inclusion of Thai
    fighting systems, which finally brought about a successful conquest.
    Unfortunately, it also brought about distrust on the part of the
    Burmese king.

    This distrust led eventually to an assassination attempt against Pra
    Ongdamm in retaliation for which he instigated a ritual of Rahng
    Sinotock. Held on June 14th, 1584, this ceremony declared independance
    for the Thais of the city of Kraeng.

    After his independence declaration Prince Pra Ongdamm made a strong
    effort to form an alliance encompassing all of the divergent Thai
    groupings, but due largely to his youth, this did not prove to be an
    easy task. The city kings thought him to young to be such a strong
    and capable commander and he was forced to prove his leadership
    abilities again and again.

    It was he who originally altered the ritual Pithie Duem Namsabahn,
    holding it in it's varied form of Nam Pipatsattaja ( holy water oath )
    in which the sharing of Buddhist holy water replaced that of rice
    wine, and the swearing of eternal independence, freedom, and unity for
    the Thai nation was incorporated.

    The ritual Nam Pipatsattaja was repeated many times at meetings of the
    seperate Thai peoples. Traitors and those who refused to take the
    oath were summarily executed.

    Pra Ongdamm also made use of the Saiyasart derivative ritual Dtad
    Maihkohmnam in order to cheer up his soldiers.

    As a natural warrior, Pra Ongdamm endeavored to harvest maximal
    results from his uncanny battlefield abilities. He always placed
    himself among his soldiers with whom he fought side by side for
    liberation from the Burmese and for Thai unity.

    Records from this time confirm that he was the only member of any
    royal family since the Glie Gauw Piehnong who had fought on the front
    lines with his soldiers.

    One well known story of his bravery relates how, holding his famous
    Dab Kabkay ( fortress conquest sword ) in his teeth, he attempted to
    climb the walls of a Burmese fortress ( Kay Prayanakorn ). In the
    course of this action he was injured several times by Burmese spears
    and eventually fell to earth. Undaunted, he rose and continued, being
    forced to take his sword in hand in order to achieve his conquest and
    prevent further injury.

    His willingness to fight rather than to direct battles from a safe
    vantage point brought boundless respect from his legion of followers.

    Until 1590, the year that Pra Ongdamm was crowned Pra Naresurn, king
    of the Thais, he continued to fight for the freedom and unity of his
    people. Thereafter as king of independant Thailand he proved himself
    a skilled diplomat in bringing about the grounding of many combat
    centers offering training to Thai soldiers in a variety of different
    systems and disciplines. The time of Pra Ongdamm is historically
    regarded as a climax in the evolution of Thai combat.


    Yuttahatti

    In 1592, in the district of the town of Tambon Dtahpangruhh, King
    Naresurn was faced with what in retrospect was in all likelihood his
    most important fight atop a combat elephant ( Yuttahatti ). His
    opponent on the day was the Burmese Prince Pra Maha Upparascha who
    was commanding his troops in an attack on Ayuttaya.

    At Tambon Dtahpangruhh he attacked a small army under King Naresurn's
    command. During the ensuing battle king Naresurn's elephant became
    seperated from his troops. He found himself in the midst of the
    Burmese army where he came upon the Burmese prince relaxing in the
    shade of a tree.

    From his precarious position he hailed the Burmese prince and
    challenged him to a duel. The Burmese prince, a man conditioned by
    the idiosyncrasies of royal honor and battlefield diplomacy, felt
    powerless to reject the challenge.

    King Naresurn addressed his adversary:

    " You, my revered brother prince, why do you rest here in the shade?
    The battle is not yet decided. Many are injured and dying pitiful
    deaths to satisfy our vanities. As a man born to a royal family I
    challenge you to a duel ( Yuttahatti ). At stake shall be our honor
    and the battle's outcome. Such special duels, where we demonstrate
    our own power, will not exist in the future."

    Both of them had acquired essentially the same knowledge from the same
    teacher as schoolmates in their youth, so that they were well
    aquainted with each other's strengths and weaknesses. King Naresurn
    was, at any rate, correct in his assertion that such a unique duel, at
    least in Thai history, would never occur again.



    As the duel commenced, Prince Pra Maha Upparascha´s elephant rammed
    the elephant of King Naresurn while the Burmese stabbed at his Thai
    adversary with his Ngauw ( stick with a blade fixed at one end ). King
    Naresurn took evasive action, losing some balance in a move close to
    his own elephant's head, and the Ngauw only succeeded in impailing his
    hat ( Pra Mahla ).

    As he tumbled from his elephant´s back, King Naresurn expertly
    transferred the energy captured in his fall into a powerful thrust of
    his own Ngauw. Stabbing upward he struck the Burmese prince at the
    hip, the blade proceeding diagonally upward through his body and
    exiting at the opposite shoulder. The prince died instantly.

    The Burmese soldiers paniced following the loss of their leader and
    the Thais were subsequently able to free their encircled king.

    Ever since, king Naresurn´s hat has been called Pra Mahlabieng ( the
    hat that was cut by the Ngauw ). His Ngauw ( Prasaeang Kohhngauw ) is
    called Jauw Praya Saennponplai ( prince who is victorious over the
    enemy ) and his elephant Jauw Praya Cheiyanupab ( prince of all the
    powerful ones ) is know alternately as Jauw Praya Prabhongsavadie
    ( prince of the victors of the city of Hongsavadie ).


    Pithie Pratomgramm

    Although his kingdom neighboured Thailand and though he was
    subbordinate to the Thais at one time, the Cambodian King Praya Lawaek
    began to attack and plunder Thai cities following the fall of Ayuttaya.

    At the end of the Burmese-Thai wars, King Naresurn, as he had
    promised, participated in the ritual of Pithie Pratomgramm ( cleaning
    the tongue ). He then swiftly turned his attention to Cambodia,
    attacking the capital, Lawaek, and arresting King Praya Lawaek in
    order to question him on his dubious actions:

    "You are a king who governs his own country as I do. If you greedily
    covet my lands why do you not fight and strive to conquer, taking them
    for your own? This is the right and usual way for kings to behave,
    but instead you constantly raid our provinces. What do you think we
    should do about this?

    King Praya Lawaek recognized his sins and asked for his life but his
    please were refused because of King Naresurn's vow to execute him.
    After the ceremony of Pithie Pratomgramm he guaranteed the well-being
    of Praya Lawaek's family.

    A two storied pagoda was built at the place of the ceremony. It
    depicted King Naresurn on the upper floor seated upon a makeshift
    stool. On the lower floor was the executed King Lawaek, decapitated,
    shown along with his severed head. The executioner collects the
    streaming blood of the dead king in a vessel. He then carries it to
    the top floor where he poures it over the feet of king Naresurn.

    This representation was understood to show satisfaction gleened from
    reparations paid for one's sins. As was necessary at that time, this
    ritual also acted as a deterrent for enemies and traitors and
    represented the decision making power of the Thais leader. Later, the
    execution itself became a part of the ceremony.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Originally posted by fire cobra View Post
    Sieh,

    I found the article you posted interesting,but I have read it or parts of it before a long while ago,cant remember where or when.

    Im willing to have a conversation with you,what would you like to discuss?.
    Great. I would suggest to discuss anything what comes up, like history, technique, things to be seen (points of view) having in mind to see differences ("nobody is better"). Could be in this thread or any other.
    I will look for something to start sooner than later, ok?

    Leave a comment:


  • fire cobra
    replied
    Originally posted by Sieh Tanonchai View Post
    You saw my question I had, I expected a little "help":
    "Just one first question since I appreciate a discussion with you.
    In case I do not want to prove my knowledge with names of persons etc what would be the way to have a technical and subject orientated conversation with you? Your answer would help me a lot to improve."

    I am open for nearly all kind of conversation, but there is one thing I am not willing to accept. I am convinced, I really base my life on this, I am convinced everything you learn should be doublechecked by yourself. Either you know why this is right or wrong, or you don't. In case you don't know it (and you consequently can not really justify it), you simply believe. Knowledge ends where believing starts, you heard of it? It took me some time to understand as I heard it the first time, it is very true. Not new, but true.
    And I am not willing to believe what anyone tells me unless I checked it (during a conversation I doublecheck just in my mind and see if the information fits into "my matrix".). No matter who he is, what name he has, what great something he did, if he gives me an information I verify for myself with my limited knowledge if this is reasonable.
    All what I say is based on this of course. This is why it is meaningless who told me, my teacher or his teacher. Who cares? If the things I say are wrong, it is easy to rip me apart, if the things I say are right, you will have difficulties either to rip me apart or by practicing/fighting. If you think you know everything anyway than I am sorry, there is nothing I can do, neither I want to do.
    If someone thinks he knows better, it is fine for me. My teacher is a Pahuyuth teacher consequently my way of boxing is based on this knowledge. Sure I fight different from a sport MT, but it is not better nor worse, it is different. Many things are done differently, who cares why? If I (or anyone else) see something what helps my teacher, fellows and me appreciate. If it is good and improves my knowledge I can keep it, if I see it do not pass my practicing "test", I drop it.
    And the best is: Each one decides for himself, it is not the teacher/master/trainer who decides what you can keep and what you have to drop.
    I learned this approach, from my teacher. Before I knew him I was told by many people (and still there is one sometimes coming in my life) to do so because they said so. Actually the attitude of some people in this board remind me of them. But this is not the way to learn, at least not my way, and I am no soldier.
    Let us have our board-fighting based on knowledge, not based on names, names of our teachers or names of people we know. It doesn't make the given knowledge better or worse, at least not for me.

    Could this be the base from where we have an interesting time ?

    Sie T.
    Sieh,

    I found the article you posted interesting,but I have read it or parts of it before a long while ago,cant remember where or when.

    Im willing to have a conversation with you,what would you like to discuss?.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Originally posted by kyuss View Post
    Nobody is going to discuss anything with you since you lack integrity. We asked you to reveal your sources and who learned from and how long to determine if you are a loose cannon joker masquerading as someone with any knowledge. But you refuse at every turn. Maybe you should cite the source material and books this post was taken from so it doesnt read as plagarism.

    If you want to have "intellectual" or "theoretical" conversations then answer the questions put to you or refrain from trying to force a conversation with others than is not going to happen. Then maybe people will feel comfortable talking with someone who might potentially be off his rocker.
    You saw my question I had, I expected a little "help":
    "Just one first question since I appreciate a discussion with you.
    In case I do not want to prove my knowledge with names of persons etc what would be the way to have a technical and subject orientated conversation with you? Your answer would help me a lot to improve."

    I am open for nearly all kind of conversation, but there is one thing I am not willing to accept. I am convinced, I really base my life on this, I am convinced everything you learn should be doublechecked by yourself. Either you know why this is right or wrong, or you don't. In case you don't know it (and you consequently can not really justify it), you simply believe. Knowledge ends where believing starts, you heard of it? It took me some time to understand as I heard it the first time, it is very true. Not new, but true.
    And I am not willing to believe what anyone tells me unless I checked it (during a conversation I doublecheck just in my mind and see if the information fits into "my matrix".). No matter who he is, what name he has, what great something he did, if he gives me an information I verify for myself with my limited knowledge if this is reasonable.
    All what I say is based on this of course. This is why it is meaningless who told me, my teacher or his teacher. Who cares? If the things I say are wrong, it is easy to rip me apart, if the things I say are right, you will have difficulties either to rip me apart or by practicing/fighting. If you think you know everything anyway than I am sorry, there is nothing I can do, neither I want to do.
    If someone thinks he knows better, it is fine for me. My teacher is a Pahuyuth teacher consequently my way of boxing is based on this knowledge. Sure I fight different from a sport MT, but it is not better nor worse, it is different. Many things are done differently, who cares why? If I (or anyone else) see something what helps my teacher, fellows and me appreciate. If it is good and improves my knowledge I can keep it, if I see it do not pass my practicing "test", I drop it.
    And the best is: Each one decides for himself, it is not the teacher/master/trainer who decides what you can keep and what you have to drop.
    I learned this approach, from my teacher. Before I knew him I was told by many people (and still there is one sometimes coming in my life) to do so because they said so. Actually the attitude of some people in this board remind me of them. But this is not the way to learn, at least not my way, and I am no soldier.
    Let us have our board-fighting based on knowledge, not based on names, names of our teachers or names of people we know. It doesn't make the given knowledge better or worse, at least not for me.

    Could this be the base from where we have an interesting time ?

    Sie T.

    Leave a comment:


  • kyuss
    replied
    Nobody is going to discuss anything with you since you lack integrity. We asked you to reveal your sources and who learned from and how long to determine if you are a loose cannon joker masquerading as someone with any knowledge. But you refuse at every turn. Maybe you should cite the source material and books this post was taken from so it doesnt read as plagarism.

    If you want to have "intellectual" or "theoretical" conversations then answer the questions put to you or refrain from trying to force a conversation with others than is not going to happen. Then maybe people will feel comfortable talking with someone who might potentially be off his rocker.

    Funnier still, the person who answered this thread has one post which means he found this forum, defend.net and went through all the forums and threads and found this one the most interesting! Yeah, right!

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    replied
    Originally posted by flonytre View Post
    Great little topic.
    And Nice work--thank you for sharing- for me this makes perfect sense though.
    Thanks, nice to hear.
    I am not sure why this thread is read but nobody says anything until now.
    Shyness is not typical or fighters, isn't it?

    Groaning seems to become a sport for one or the user user. I thought the discussions in this board are based on fighters skills, knowledge and sincerity.

    Sieh T.

    Leave a comment:


  • flonytre
    replied
    Great little topic.
    And Nice work--thank you for sharing- for me this makes perfect sense though.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sieh Tanonchai
    started a topic Historical issues about Muai / Muay

    Historical issues about Muai / Muay

    FYI
    kind discussions are welcome.

    Between 916 AD and 1006 AD, Pra Pansa, king of the city of Autong
    ( Ayuttaya ), which was later to be capital, organized Pahuyuth
    competitions for the first time. The events were designed to take
    place as public festivals with gambling on the outcome playing an
    important role. Contests were friendy; killing of opponents was not
    incorporated.

    Gambling has always been important to the Thais. Even today it is a
    natural component of combat sports. This early form of competition
    was known as Muai or Panan-Muai.

    MUAI means 'the fighting competition' and, as stated, it gave gambling
    legal and communal outlet. PANAN means 'to bet'. In northern Thai
    folklore, known as Pongsavadan Noueh, the terms Muai and Panan Muai
    are acknowledged by the phrase: "Aou Kon Plam Panan Mueng," or, "Let
    the people wrestle with each other that we may bet for the city."
    These early contests, however, focused only on questions of technical
    superiority.



    Muai-Thai, later embraced as competative sport, recognizes King Pra
    Pansa as it's founder. His gatherings included additional contests
    of skill where wagers were placed. These included cockfights, or Muai
    Gai , later called Dtie Gai and Schoon Gai ( chastisement of the
    cock ), battles between fighting fish ( Muai Bpla-Gad ), and contests
    between cobras and mongeese ( Muai Ngu; later Muai Nguhauw Gabb
    Pangpon ). Chinese Gang Fu ( Kung Fu ) fighters took a leading role in
    the proceedings, cumulatively referred to by the promoter as Muai Jek
    ( fight with Chinese). Muai Jek means the fight with Chinese.


    Panan - Muai

    Originally the Panan-Muai, or Muai, had no rules and no ring. The
    arena was probably a fenced off, barren, and essentially flat ground
    with four knee-high columns at the corners ( Lag Muai ).

    The coaches sat on wooden columns taking bets on their fighters. Two
    additional columns were set up as alternate betting offices.
    Spectators either had to sit on the ground or stand beside the
    columns.

    Bets taken by the different offices were binding only if both parties
    agreed by giving a recognized hand signal. Naturally, inaccurate bets
    could not be called in.

    Usually, a promoter who made a living from this unusal buisiness acted
    as referee, time keeper, and judge, deciding on the winner of the
    fight. However, in the event that the competition was promoted by the
    royal house, civil servents were chosen to act as referees. They were
    not permitted to place wagers.

    Before the fight both fighters performed a dance ceremony in worship
    of their ancestors' spirits, their teachers, and deities. This
    traditional practice, known as Ram Vaih Kru ( one form of teacher
    aknowledgement ), continues to the present day.

    The mood surrounding Panan-Muai was that of a public festival. It was
    accompanied musically by spectators who played instruments to
    stimulate the fighters. Practices relating to Panan-Muai continue to
    this day and are described in the Tamnan Noue ( folklore of northern
    Thailand ).



    The music acted to ease the mood of the competition, providing a light
    release for the audience. At the same time, it helped to dictate
    events in the fight itself by giving acoustic signals to the com-
    batants. At the beginning of the competition, for example, during the
    Ram Vaih Kru or as the combatants moved carefully towards each other
    in the fight's formative stages,the music played a calm, serene tune.
    As the action increased however, or indeed if those in attendance felt
    that the pace was too slow, then the rythm and intensity of the music
    would become more frantic.

    The orchestra consisted of three instruments:


    1. Bpie Sachawa ( Indonesian flute ),

    2. Glongkaeck ( Indian drum ), including Gongkaek Dtoupuh ( high
    pitched "male" drum) and Gongkaek Dtoumiah ( deep pitched "female"
    drum ).

    3. Sching ( bells of copper ).


    The 21st king, Somdet Pra Jauw Prasarttong ( 1630 - 1655 ),
    constructed a small palace called Peiyon Mahaprasat for the purpose of
    weapon fights demonstrations and, initially, as a training area for
    his bodyguards. The idea for the demonstrations had first come to his
    mind as he searched for suitable candidates to serve in the Ongkarak,
    or royal bodyguard.

    He is therefore recognized as the founder of Thai competition sports.
    During his reign, for the first time, participants used imitation
    weapons made of rattan or bamboo in order to avoid serious injuries.
    Fighters were further permitted to use weapons of their own choice,
    even wholly unconventional ones. Such ingenuity often resulted in the
    combatant receiving an additional reward regardless of the contest's
    outcome.

    In the reign of Somdet Pra Jauw Prasarttong during the time of
    Ayuttaya, the expression Dtie-Muai was additionally introduced to
    conotate Muai. During this period the first equiptment developed for
    use in such contests in the form of hand bandages ( Pahh Pan Muehh )
    and fighting movements centered on landing effective fist punches came
    into vogue.

    By involuntarily removing Pahuyuth hold, fall and roll techniques
    intended for wrestling a new, independent style was formed. The
    standing fistfight came about through neccessity as the new hand
    bandages made wrestling grips almost impossible.

    Additional hardening techniques applied to bandages, as well as
    applications of sand and glass splinters, caused greater injury
    dangers for the fighters conscerned. But the manipulation of bandages
    for increased effect of the fist is seen as key to the developement
    of Dtie-Muai as a universal Thai fist fight.

    According to Ayuttaya records, the first fist fighting techniques
    ( Mad ) of this period could be distinguished from their forerunner,
    Pahuyuth, in that the palms of the hands were not used. This
    difference is often taken to indicate that Muai Boran ( Muai - Thai )
    first developed around 1630AD.

    From 1673, diplomatic relations existed between the Thai, ruled by
    Ayuttaya's 24th king, and the France of Louis XIV. It was not
    uncommon for French businessmen and sailors to occassionally quarrel
    with their Thai associates and, in so much as these quarrels sometimes
    found physical expression, the French could not help but be impressed
    by Thai fighting arts, although as Europeans of the day they
    considered kicking unacceptable in a fight between men. They took
    Dtie-Muai, the fistfight, back to France ( without the Ram - Muai, the
    dancelike movements ).

    Among the French it became known as Savaté, a contest comparable to
    the native European boxing but additionally allowing kicks. These
    kicks are limited to targets below the waist. Knees and elbows are
    not used as weapons of attack.

    Historians are not in agreement as to whether Savaté is actually an
    alteration of Dtie-Muai or an independent development stimulated by
    French presence in Thailand.
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