New Muay Thai Book

[terry]

There was a book published this year called "Muay Thai: A Living Legacy" by Kat Prayukvong & Lesley D. Junlakan, published by Spry Publishing Co, Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand. http://www.sprypublishing.com. ISBN: 974-88553-7-6

Anyway, I talked to Kat, and she is planning two more volumes in the series on Muay Thai. I'm wondering if anybody has any constructive feedback or opinions to share about the book that I can pass on. Specifically, what topics would an English-speaking audience like to see covered in more detail? I told her that I would like to see more coverage on the ancestral Thai arts such as Muay Chaiya, Muay Boran and Krabi-Krabong, and I pointed her in the direction of the works of Don Dreger. I'd be happy to pass any suggestions along...

Regards,

Terry

[William]

I haven't seen this book yet. Is it along the lines of Panya Kraitus's Text-Book of Pahuyuth "Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting"?
I agree, I would also like to see some in depth material on KK and some of the older systems.

[terry]

Originally posted by William
I haven't seen this book yet. Is it along the lines of Panya Kraitus's Text-Book of Pahuyuth "Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting"?

Yes, they are both excellent books. In fact Dr. Kraitus was one of the consultants Kat drew upon when researching this book. I think in all fairness that there is more historical information as many more color graphics in Kat's new book. And because she is not a martial artist herself she explains some things in a more basic way, which can be good. Finally, she's planning two more volumes, so the actual Muay Thai technique section will be much larger than appears in volume I.

Terry

[terry]

As I recall I promised somebody that I would get back to them with some information on Muay Boran. In Muay Boran they fight with rope-bound fists but no gloves. Here's an excerpt from Kat's book on the subject:

"It was, perhaps, inevitable that while Muay Thai became standardized and internationalized, absorbing many elements of Western boxing, there were those who looked back fondly to the old days of kaad chuek [covered earlier]. Muay Boran (Ancient Muay) is the term now used to refer to the practice of this bygone form of muay, which, for its devotees, is a much purer, more traditional form of the art. Muay Boran is still taught in Thailand: training is a very long and involved process, for whereas, generally speaking, a Muay Thai teacher instructs his students in the redimentary techniques with a view to enabling them to enter the ring as soon as possible, the Muay Boran instructor stresses traditional aspects and methods, not progressing from one technique to another until he is completely satisfied that the students fully comprehend all it entails, not least the aesthetic and ritual elements. It has been said, with more than a little truth, that Muay Boran students will have to practice walking techniques for a month before they are allowed to progress to the next step.

Without a doubt, the Yaang Sam Khum (The Muay Shuffle) is at the heart of Muay Boran. It is known in Muay Boran circles as Tar Khru (The Teacher's Form) because it is so permeated by the teacher's own methods and techniques that by watching fightyers execute the Yaang Sam Khum alone, it is possible to deduce whose students they are. At the conclusion of the Wai Khru Ram Muay, which is a very extended ritual in Muay Boran, fighters walk protractedly in the Yaang Sam Khum, revealing, as they do so, their own inherent strengths and weaknesses.

Muay Boran very much follows the precedents of its ancient predecessor in that very few actual regulations apply: all parts of the body are potential targets and some techniques are capable of inflicting severe injuries in the hands of a master. Pairings for bouts are also done in the old style, being decided by the mutual agreement of those concerned rather than by following any weight-divisions. it remains a very beautiful, highly ritualized form of muay, yet is both extremely effective if faced with a real-life assault and entering to watch in the ring."

[William]

Thanks Terrie. I got some info a while back from David Rogers on the book but haven't been able to purchase a copy yet. Probably will have to wait till after my move. To much $$$$ going out the door right now. I do have Panya's book though, very thourough on modern Mauy Thai techniques IMHO.