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Muay Boran

The ancient roots of Muay Thai.

The old fighting forms of Thailand from which modern Muay Thai grew, with more techniques and regional styles.

Fact file

Country
Thailand
Type
Striking
Main federation
International Muay Boran Academy — IMBA
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica

History

Muay boran, "ancient boxing", is the name for the old Thai fighting styles from before modern Muay Thai rules. Fighters bound their hands with hemp rope (kard chuek) and fought with fewer restrictions.

There were regional styles, such as Muay Chaiya in the south, Muay Korat in the northeast and Muay Lopburi in the centre, each with its own guard and favourite techniques. Today muay boran is kept alive in schools and demonstrations.