The Traditional Martial Art: Muay Boran Class

The ancient art of Muay Boran is only taught at but a hand full of places in Thailand, however Tiger offers classes three times a week. Kru Waigoon "Oh" Promsuwan is a bit of an institution here at Tiger Muay Thai, heading up the Muay Boran classes at Tiger. Muay Boran is the term for the unarmed martial arts of Thailand prior to the introduction of modern equipment and rules in the 1930s. It is thus the direct ancestor of modern Muay Thai. Kru Oh has well over 20 years of experience in Thai martial arts having trained with many masters of different muay boran and krabi krabong styles. Oh has tested his techniques in many fights including “kard chuek” (fists wrapped in hemp rope) fights and MMA competitions (where he won the Naksu 60kg tournament). Muay boran utilizes all kinds of striking attacks as well as joint locks, throws and even ground grappling. Muay boran was originally developed for self defense and also taught to the Thai military for use in warfare. Matches between exponents of the art then began to be held. These soon became an integral part of Thai culture with fights being held at festivals and fighters from the different areas of Thailand testing their styles against each other. Fighters began to wrap their hands and forearms in hemp rope which not only protected their fists from injury but also made their strikes more likely to cut an opponent. Muay boran fighters were highly respected and the best were enlisted into the King’s royal guard. Kru Oh has fought in Muay Thai, Muay Boran, MMA, Boxing and has had over 60 bare knuckle fights. No wonder he is one of the most popular trainers with both staff and clients alike, he is also one of the best. Produced by Jeff Sainlar www.jeffsainlar.com http://www.tigermuaythai.com/ http://www.fightingthai.com/