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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Southeast Asia

Krabi / daab

The Thai sword. In krabi krabong fighters often use two at once (daab song mue).

Krabi / daab
Krabi / daab WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

กระบี่ · krabi; daab; daab song mue (two swords)

Origin and history

The krabi is the Thai sword, used in the weapon art krabi-krabong together with staffs, polearms and shields. The art was taught to soldiers and royal guards and is now preserved in schools, festivals and demonstrations.

Martial arts that use it

Krabi Krabong

Construction

A single-edged, slightly curved blade of about 60–75 cm with a long handle that can be held in both hands; it is often used in pairs (daab song mue). Training is done with blunt or wooden versions.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

Each krabi-krabong performance begins with the wai kru, a ritual dance of respect to teachers, as in muay thai.

More weapons

Dha Talwar Khanda Kampilan Longsword Arming sword

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Krabi (sword)
  2. Wikipedia — Krabi%E2%80%93krabong