The Lore You Know: Nak Muay

The true origin of our hidden class, Nak Muay, is shrouded in mystery. Although Muay Thai dates back centuries, its roots and prominent figures are heavily debated amongst modern scholars. What can be agreed on, however, are its traditions and the existence of a man known as the father of Muay Thai. 

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand, and those who practice its craft are called, Nak Muay. Muay Thai is a form of fighting that utilizes the whole body – hands for solid punches, elbows for sharp blows, knees for powerful strikes, and legs for lethal kicks – giving it the second name:  the “art of eight limbs.” This fighting style also consists of three different combat distances, each with their own techniques. The signature tattoos, wards, amulets, and ceremonies of the Nak Muay are there to increase the fighter’s good fortune and to ward off bad luck or whatever evil spirits that may follow them into the ring. 

The origins of Muay Thai are still unclear as much of its history has been lost. However, there is a prominent figure from Muay Thai history that is celebrated every year on, March 17th. The father of Muay Thai, Nai Khanom Tom. 
 

Nai Khanom Tom was a historical hero turned legend. In 1774, Nai Khanom Tom was one of thousands of Thai prisoners that were taken captive by King Mangra, the Burmese King, after the Burmese invaded and destroyed Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Because the Burmese also had their own form of martial arts that was similar to Muay Thai, King Mangra, during a special festival, wanted to see which fighting style was superior. For this trial, Nai Khanom Tom was selected to go head to head against one of Burma’s best champions. Nai Khanom Tom prepared for the fight by performing the ritual of Wai Khru Ram Muay, where the fighter circles the ring in a counter-clockwise direction, prays at each corner, then performs a dance that expresses their respect to their teacher, parents, and ancestors. 

The Burmese were mesmerized by the dance, thinking it to be some sort of black magic, and as such, when Nai Khanom Tom defeated his opponent, the referee deemed it invalid. The king then sent nine other fighters, one-by-one to go against Nai Khanom Tom and he defeated them all without taking a single break in-between. King Mangra was so impressed that he said, “Every part of you is blessed with venom, even with your bare hands you can fell ten opponents,” and granted Nai Khanom Tom his freedom and the freedom of his fellow Thais.

This famous story illustrates the best attributes of Muay Thai: the willingness to face against any odds and to win not only for oneself but for others -- thus proving that the path of the Nak Muay is a tough one, but its rewards, just as great.

References
Khiri. 2016. Thailand’s Art of Eight Limbs. [Online.]
World Muaythai Council. 2018. Nai Khanom Tom Muaythai Legends. [Online] 
Martial Arts Thailand. 2015. Nai Khanom Tom: Father of Muay Thai. [Online]
Wikipedia, 2018. Wai Khru Ram Muay. [Online]
Kombat Group, 2018. History of Muay Thai. [Online]