Muay Boran
มวยโบราณ
Muay Boran (มวยโบราณ, "Ancient Boxing") is the traditional battlefield ancestor of Muay Thai. It includes a broader range of techniques including throws, joint locks, and attacks to vulnerable points — chud muay (จุดมวย) — that were removed when Muay Thai became a sport.
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Muay Boran preserves the complete traditional Thai fighting system — mae mai (แม่ไม้, master techniques) and luk mai (ลูกไม้, minor techniques). It appeals to those who want the full art beyond the ring, including devastating techniques not allowed in sport Muay Thai.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Full-range striking including forbidden sport techniques — mae mai (แม่ไม้, master techniques)
Joint locks and breaking techniques — hak (หัก)
Throws and sweeps from clinch — thum (ทุ่ม)
Vulnerable point attacks — chud muay (จุดมวย, pressure points)
Traditional Wai Kru (ไหว้ครู) and cultural ritual
Your First Class
Wear athletic clothing. Expect traditional warm-ups, technique drills on pads, and partner application practice. Classes run 60-90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Muay Boran
Nai Khanom Tom (นายขนมต้ม)
Nai Khanom Tom is a legendary Muay Thai folk hero celebrated every year on National Muay Thai Day (March 17). According to legend, after being captured during the fall of Ayutthaya, he defeated 10 Burmese fighters in succession to win his freedom, demonstrating the power of Muay Thai to the Burmese king.
Buakaw Banchamek (บัวขาว บัญชาเมฆ)
Buakaw Banchamek is one of the most famous Muay Thai fighters in the world, known for his devastating kicks and knees. His K-1 World MAX victories brought Muay Thai to a global audience and inspired a new generation of practitioners.
Tony Jaa
Kru Praeng Chumphon
Related Styles
Muay Thai
Muay Thai (มวยไทย), the "Art of Eight Limbs," is Thailand's national combat sport. It uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees along with a powerful clinch — plam (ปล้ำ) — making it one of the most complete striking arts.
Muay Chaiya
Muay Chaiya (มวยไชยา) is a southern Thai fighting style from Chaiya district emphasizing defensive postures — yang prasan (ย่างประสาน) — tight guard work, and devastating counter-attacks. It uses a distinctive angular stance to protect the body.
Krabi-Krabong
Krabi-Krabong (กระบี่กระบอง) is Thailand's traditional weapon fighting art, using paired swords — krabi (กระบี่) — staff — krabong (กระบอง) — and daab song mue (ดาบสองมือ, double swords). It is the weapons complement to Muay Thai and shares the same footwork and clinch principles.
Lethwei
Lethwei (လက်ဝှေ့), also known as Burmese bare-knuckle boxing, is one of the most aggressive striking arts in the world. It permits headbutts in addition to punches, kicks, elbows, and knees — all without gloves.
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