Wai khru has long been an important rite in the traditional martial and performing arts, as well as in astrology , Thai Massage and other traditional arts; students and performers of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong, as well as Thai dance and classical music, will usually perform a wai khru ritual at their initiation as well as before performances to pay respect and homage to both their teachers and the deities who patronize their arts. The practitioner may wear a headband called a Mongkhon and armbands known as Pra Jiad during the ceremony, and the Ram Muay may be accompanied by music. Learn how your comment data is processed. MUAY THAI KIDS. Quick results with 1-on-1 training. The art of Muaythai from past to present has a tradition that every fighter must perform the Wai Khru before every competition. True happiness without greed and selfishness will induce us to forget our own body and time, Therefore, during the Wai Khru the boxers should let their soul leave the body and let the holy spirit take over.
Wi-tok (thoughts) – think of the Hanuman god, 2. The mongkhon is a headpiece that is worn by the fighter for the ritual dance. A table of offerings to the gods and spirits to be invited during the ceremony is arranged, and khan kamnon (ขันกำนล), a bowl of flowers, joss sticks, candles, white cloth and money amounting to six baht, is prepared for worship of the gods. The ceremony is conducted in front of a Buddha image and the student will pledge his loyalty to the instructor. Classes, … Boxers should ‘Wai Khru’ in the way it has been done by our ancestors in the past. The Muay Thai dance is performed by the competing fighters. Championships . It is these two virtues that enable us to carry on fulfilling our tasks. But that was only a small part of the entire process of the Wai Kru Ram Muay. Some even consider it to be sacred. This ceremony is where both the instructor and the student accept one another and the student must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the instructor. Kru Chris Williams brings his experience as a former professional fighter and teaches techniques and concepts in a manner easily understood by average joes like myself. They should never, ever make fun of it.
The problem that often occurs is whether the boxer can reach this spiritual being or not. 5.
The Wai Kru is an integral part of Muay Thai, and of Thai culture by extension. Following this, a select number of students, usually the representatives of each class, will present the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks arranged on phan (traditional Thai pedestalled trays). [1], The wai khru ceremony in its modern form, which is held in most schools today, originated at Triam Udom Suksa School in 1941.
In the Wai Kru, the fighter will first circle the ring three times, then kneel and bow down another three times. The word Kru means teacher. Muay means boxing. Simultaneously, during the chanting of the verses in your mind you must think of the Hanuman god, his bravery, his strength and his power until you can see him in your mind. The first part of the ritual dance is what’s actually known as the Wai Kru. It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand. Monks may be invited to perform a merit-making ceremony, and almsgiving made to monks in the morning before the ceremony. And there is no better manifestation of that significance than the Wai Kru. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. © 2020 - Muay Thai Citizen. Boxers who practice the kah-tah (religions verse) during the Wai Khru believe that these verses will give them supernatural power. A booming Martial Arts program for kids ages 4-12. The musical instruments orchestrated in the background of the Wai Khru rituals and in the competitions consist of the Ta Pong or Glong-Kag (Two face drum), Toe Pee Java (Javanese flute) and the Ching (cymbals). Wai is an action of Thais to show respect to others by putting the hands together like in prayer.Khru means teacher.Ram means dance in the old Thai traditional style.Muay means boxing.. Hence, the Wai Khru and its music is to worship all the gods, especially the god Pra Isuan, the creator and the ruler of the universe. The word Kru means teacher. In return you will feel and have the power and strength of the Hanuman god. The musical ensemble will play the na phat, a formal piece of music symbolizing the summoning of the gods and spirits, and the presiding teacher will perform the offering of the prepared foods. 2020 - All Rights Reserved. Origins and Explanation of the Ritual – Wai Khru Ram Muay. Muay Thai (Thai: มวยไทย, RTGS: muai thai, pronounced [mūa̯j tʰāj] ()), sometimes referred to as "Thai boxing", is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. Specialized trainers in Muay Thai and More. Muay Thai will help you become a champ of your own journey.