MaeMai MuayThai

mean Muaythai techniques of using fists, feet, knees, and elbows efficiently in the attack and defense. The skills in Muaythai are acquired by practice and use of fists, feet, knees, and elbows harmoniously. The techniques used in teaching Muaythai vary from teacher to teacher, depending on the style each teacher can adapt. A style invented by a teacher will be given a name according to the action. When time goes by, the styles have considerably increased. They are therefore grouped and rhymed for the students to memorize. In the past, Muaythai boxers did not put on gloves. They fought with bare hands or hands wrapped with cotton yarn. The fighters could use their hands to throw, break or twist the opponents. They made use of a wide range of fighting techniques rather than strength. There emerged a lot of fighting styles accordingly. Later, the boxers are required to put on gloves like the international-style fighters and numerous rules and regulations have been issued to protect the fighters from any dangers and to facilitate the scoring system. Certain fighting styles are banned in the competition because they are regarded as a foul whereas boxers are unable to use certain skillful styles due to the guards or protectors put on their bodies. These styles were finally forgotten.
Muaythai techniques are grouped differently according to the teachers. In many Muaythai manuals, the techniques are obviously classified according to the features. The attack and counterattack is called Khon Muay or Muaythai strategy. The use of fists, feet, knees, and elbows is called Cherng Muay, Mae Mai and Look Mai, Mai Khru and Mai Kred, or simply Muaythai maneuvers. Mai Khru is the main technique that all students must learn. When it is acquired, it can be split into numerous Mai Kred or techniques

TBA Wai Kru (Simple Version)

1. The fighter stands in his own corner and prays. The trainer places the Mong Kon (ceremonial head-band) around the fighter's head and prays, finally blowing his spirit into the fighter.
2. The fighter goes to the center of the ring and kneels down facing the direction of his home and places their hands in a Wai (praying) position. The fighter thinks of his religion, father & mother, teacher and someone who has passed away.
3. Bow three times in respect, first for country (chat), religion (sassana) and then for king (ramma) then return to the Wai position.
4. Bend over, opening your hands, and roll your hands down and in a circular motion. "Like an eagle," says Ajarn Chai. As your hands come together extended straight in front of you the index fingers and thumbs come together to form a diamond. Then, while maintaining the diamond hand position, swoop your hands into your stomach. Then extend the same structure out and up over your head to a vertical position as you look through the diamond. Finish the motion by bringing your hands straight down and into a kneeling Wai position. Repeat this three times.
5. Rise to a kneeling position by picking up your right leg. Hands move into an overhand guard position reminiscent of Krabi-Krabong
6. Rise to a standing position to perform the Yam Sang Kung (three step dance). Ajarn Chai's version of this dance is heavily influence by the defensive hand and body mechanics of Krabi-Krabong.
7. While performing the Yam Sang Kung make your way to each corner, stopping at each point to pay respects. (Note: Do not stamp your feet in your opponent's corner as this is a signal that you intend to kill your opponent--unless you have an armed escort to make sure you make it out of the stadium alive.)
8. Return finally to your own corner to pay respects last in that corner.