In recent years, Thailand has capitalised on the increasing prominence of Muay Thai globally, and every year, thousands flock to the country to try this martial art for themselves. Although the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’ has become famous worldwide, its predecessor, Muay Boran, is still relatively unknown outside martial arts circles.
If you’re interested in learning the differences between the two crafts and potentially even throwing a few hands yourself, you’re in the right place. The team at South East Asia Backpacker have years of experience partnering with the top Muay Thai and Muay Boran schools across the country. We can help you understand the difference between the disciplines and judge which best suits your training aims!
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Muay Boran vs. Muay Thai – A Complete Guide
History: Muay Boran as the Precursor to Muay Thai
Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and one that has earned its place among the world’s most lauded martial arts. Famous for its use of eight limbs, (both knees, elbows, hands and feet), it differs from other martial arts owing to its all-encompassing approach where the entire body is used as a weapon.
What many don’t know is that Muay Thai was not simply born in the format that we are familiar with today. It evolved from the ancient martial art Muay Boran. The predecessor to Muay Thai has its origins as far back as the 16th century when it was used for combat in warfare. Also known as the ‘Science of Nine Limbs’, it is not as well known as Muay Thai but has whipped up a dedicated following that values it for its cultural importance.
Although Muay Thai undoubtedly has its roots in Muay Boran, this combat sport is now quite different from its predecessor, in terms of regulation, fighting style, technique and cultural prominence. For the most successful Muay Thai fighters, the sport is most definitely a career path, leading to international fights and hefty financial rewards.
Technique and Fighting Styles
The techniques used in Muay Thai may have their roots in Muay Boran but they’ve evolved to better suit modern combat sports. For example, in Muay Boran, it is acceptable to attempt to ‘deaden’ an opponent’s limb, however, this kind of manoeuvre would not be allowed in Muay Thai which focuses on efficient strikes without causing permanent damage. This demonstrates the shift from life-or-death self-defence practices and newer striking techniques aimed at preserving the athlete’s competitive career in the sport.
The stance used in both martial arts varies. Muay Boran tends to employ a wider stance with bent knees, whereas in Muay Thai, a narrower stance allows greater movement. Both use clinching techniques however, in Muay Thai, their purpose is to control an opponent and deliver the opportunity to get knee kicks. In Muay Boran, the clinches go further, incorporating joint locks and throws.
Rules and Regulations
As Muay Boran emerged as a combat style, there are fewer rules and pretty much anything goes when it comes to attack. Forbidden tactics in Muay Thai are happily allowed within Muay Boran, including a broader scope of grappling techniques as well as joint locks. Unlike in Muay Thai, it has long been acceptable to headbutt in Muay Boran—in fact, this is the ninth point referenced in its nickname ‘Science of Nine Limbs’—however, it’s falling out of favour due to safety concerns.
Traditionally, Muay Boran fighters would have wrapped their hands in hemp rope rather than use boxing gloves and there would have been no ring for combat. Muay Thai on the other hand, has a bigger emphasis on safety with all fighters wearing gloves, transforming it into a competitive sport. There are determined round lengths, weight classes and also a list of permitted strikes.
In Muay Thai, if you go down, the referee will ensure the fight pauses, however, in Muay Boran there is a whole extra set of techniques for ground combat, known as ‘takedowns’. Groin attacks are fair game in Muay Boran whereas they are illegal moves in Muay Thai.
Cultural Importance and Rituals
Wai Kru is an important part of any Muay Thai fight and refers to the ritual which occurs before the clash commences. As well as a spiritual practice, Wat Kai demonstrates respect for the teacher and the art itself, as well as, mentally readying the fighter for combat.
While Muay Boran doesn’t encompass Wai Kru, it is believed to be a more ‘holistic’ martial art than Muay Thai, as it values spirituality, meditation and other traditions.
Muay Thai is undoubtedly a pillar of Thai culture. Professional fighters are heralded as national heroes and the sport invokes a sense of patriotism and pride. Just look at the recent controversy over the naming of the sport in the SEA Games!
There are camps dedicated to teaching the art of Muay Thai and many of them offer longer retreats aimed at international students. With recent changes to the Education Visa, it is now easier than ever to practice Muay Thai over a long period.
Read 👉 Muay Thai Visas – The Lowdown and Getting Muay Thai Insurance
While Thailand’s combat sports have always held huge cultural significance, Muay Thai became a cornerstone of the Thai Tourism Authority’s ‘soft power’ plan for tourism in 2024. This plans to attract tourists using the country’s unique cultural identity.
As you can see, there has been success pushing Muay Thai into the mainstream which is not the case for Muay Boran. Despite this, Muay Boran still has plenty of admirers who value the opportunity to learn about Thailand’s history through this combat sport. Plus, it is important to remember that although not as famous, there would be no Muay Thai without Muay Boran!
Muay Thai vs. Muay Boran: Which Should You Learn?
Every year, thousands of travellers flock to Thailand to practice Muay Thai and Muay Boran. While Muay Thai has long been the most popular, there are definite benefits of each!
4 Reasons to Train Muay Boran
- Tradition: Muay Boran is a great option for martial arts purists. Rooted in Thai history and culture, it is a great option if you are interested in ancient martial arts.
- Self-defence: As Muay Boran was not designed to be a sport but a weapon of war, it can be used for self-defence. Unlike Muay Thai, there are fewer rules, meaning that more dangerous techniques can be used – useful for serious self-defence situations in real life.
- Wider Range of Techniques: Muay Boran offers students the opportunity to play with a range of fighting techniques, including joint locks, throws, and grappling.
- The Foundations of Muay Thai: Muay Boran is a great complementary discipline to Muay Thai, as this is what the competitive sport evolved from.
- Hone your Muay Thai skills, in beautiful Phang Nga.
- Choose from budget rooms to luxury beachfront resorts.
- Unique opportunity to learn the ancient art of Muay Boran.
4 Reasons to Train Muay Thai
- Fitness: Muay Thai is a high-intensity, cardio-based workout. This offers students a fun way to increase their fitness, lose weight and tone up. As well as these benefits, it has also been proven to increase muscle strength and endurance.
- Safety: Unlike Muay Boran, there are strict rules in Muay Thai which are designed to ensure fighter safety. Many more dangerous techniques are excluded, making it a good long-term fitness practice.
- Popularity: Muay Thai is an internationally recognised sport and there are gyms in abundance all over Thailand. This means that there is a lot of choice when it comes to training camps and locations. If you want to continue training in Muay Thai after you leave Thailand, you also have options with international gyms.
- Competition: As Muay Thai is a regulated sport, it offers plenty of opportunities for competition should the fighter be skilled enough. There are clear paths who those who want to fight as a career.
Muay Thai Training & Accommodation @ Punch it Gym | KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
From $475.00-
Muay Thai, Fitness, Boxing, CrossFit Package @ Battle Conquer | PHETCHABUN, THAILAND
From $400.00 -
Muay Thai Training & Accommodation @ Sitjemam | PAI, THAILAND
From $89.00
Both Muay Boran and Muay Thai are hugely important to Thai heritage, despite their differing levels of popularity. Training in either of these disciplines offers a great chance to learn a new skill and dive deeper into Thailand and its traditions.
While it is far easier to find Muay Thai training camps, there are opportunities to learn the ancient art of Muay Boran in Thailand too. And if you can’t decide which one is best for you, why not opt for an all-encompassing approach and try your hand(s) at both?
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
