It’s important to understand what the word “tradition” encompasses. We often think of a tradition as something sacred or stuck in time, but the term is much broader than that. Traditions are defined as anything that’s been passed down through generations. They don’t have to be formal or serious; they’re just the things we keep doing because they matter to us, whether a sacred ritual or a family recipe.
So when it comes to a sport that still largely operates on a grassroots level, combined with its 500-year history, there’s more than enough lore to go around.
Family Titles
Most fighters will grow up referring to their trainers as either Dad or Uncle, and gym mamas are almost always referred to as Mom, but sometimes Auntie too. Calling your trainer Arjan or Kru is common in more formal settings, like at big gyms in Bangkok or when starting to work with more established trainers at a later stage in their career, like when contracts get bought out.
These monikers aren’t just a formality; Thai fighters see their gyms as extended families. Many children in Isaan grow up at their gyms, having spent more time with their gym family than their actual family. These familiar bonds continue through adulthood. Many fighters will travel home and spend a few days at their old gym, bringing gifts and even sending money. On both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, fighters commonly celebrate with their gym dads and moms.
Taking it Easy
Ever wonder how Thai fighters can amass hundreds of fights? Tuanpay Chor. Chatchai, who is still fighting today, has fought professionally over 1,000 times. He once won a televised four-man tournament in Cambodia and then won another four-man tournament at Max Muay Thai just a few days later. So what’s his secret? Whether you call it a tradition or a custom, fighters know to ‘read the ring’ when they fight. This means a few things, namely, lower stakes and less effort.
Fighters often talk to each other during fights, saying things like, ‘No elbows, I’ve got a big fight tomorrow.’ This is almost always respected, as every fighter has been in a similar situation. Elbows aren’t thrown as much upcountry because when fighting on average three to four times a month, no one wants to deal with a cut. Fighting is a job, and in Thailand, fighters need to work. A nasty cut signifies unpaid leave.
In a fight that has a lot riding on it, such as being televised, promoted at a stadium, having a lot of money being gambled, or when fighting for a title, this tradition is never followed. However, even in high-profile fights, once one of the fighters has ceded the fight, usually in the fifth round, the other fighter will hold back in a display of sportsmanship.
Dress Code
Did you know Muay Thai has a dress code? When cornering upcountry, bare feet are surprisingly preferred to sandals when in the ring. It doesn’t make sense to most, but it’s a rule. Of course, closed-toe shoes are preferred, but most people just wear sandals out of convenience. At the stadiums, cornermen must wear closed-toe shoes and must have on long pants.
All televised and stadium fights and some bigger promotions will require the fighters to wear a Mongkhon, Pra Jiad (armbands), and ankle support. Fighters must always wear either red or blue Muay Thai shorts, depending on which corner they are in. While the stadiums are strict with the colors and especially sponsors, upcountry offers more flexibility. Black can be worn for either red or blue corners, and colors like pink and green are approved alternatives to the traditional red and blue.
Funeral Fights
In Thailand, fights can be hosted anywhere: in your neighbor’s backyard, under an overpass, in a rice field, and also at funerals. Fights can happen as part of the funeral proceedings, on one of the nights before the cremation, or during the cremation ceremony itself. If the event takes place during the cremation ceremony, the fights will be paused for the actual cremation.
While it’s not as widespread as it once was, funeral Muay Thai fights do still happen, especially in rural areas with strong ties to what is viewed as more ‘traditional’ Muay Thai culture.
A more common tradition is performing the wai kru in front of the crematorium directly before the cremation takes place. While it is commonly performed for former fighters, the wai kru or ram Muay can be done for anyone. Fighters will be paid accordingly.
When You’ve Got to Go…
Many fighters admit to peeing in their cups directly before a fight. Some say it helps them relax before the fight, while others just have to pee. Golden Era legend and Rajadamnern Champion Rotnarong Daopadriew admitted that he can’t fight unless he pees in his cup a little. Some fighters even pee in their chairs while waiting on stage.
Intrigued by more unique Muay Thai traditions? 🥊 Discover superstitions like avoiding eggs before fights and the significance of offerings to spirit houses in Part 1. Read it here!