Muay Thai Dictionary: The Language of Eight Limbs

Fundamental Muay Thai Terms

1. Arjan: A master or teacher of Muay Thai, often with decades of experience, responsible for training and passing down the art.
2. Boran: Refers to the traditional style of Muay Thai, Muay Boran, practiced before modern rules were established.
3. Clinch: A key aspect of Muay Thai, where fighters engage in close-range grappling to control their opponent and set up knee strikes.
4. Kru: A respected instructor or trainer in Muay Thai, often addressed with reverence by students.
5. Mae Mai: The fundamental techniques and forms of Muay Thai, considered the backbone of the art.
6. Mongkol: A ceremonial headband worn by fighters during the Wai Kru ceremony to honor their trainers, family, and tradition.
7. Nak Muay: A Muay Thai practitioner or fighter, the term is used to describe anyone who trains or competes in the sport.
8. Ram Muay: A traditional dance performed by fighters before a match, often accompanied by ceremonial music, to pay respect to their teacher and gym.
9. Roundhouse Kick: One of the most iconic techniques in Muay Thai, delivered with the shin, targeting the opponent’s body, legs, or head.
10. Sawadee Ka/Krup: A common Thai greeting, with “Ka” used by females and “Krup” by males, often heard in Muay Thai gyms.
11. Shin Guards: Protective gear worn during training to prevent injury from kicks and strikes to the legs.
12. Teep: A push kick, often used to maintain distance, disrupt an opponent’s rhythm, or as an offensive move.
13. Wai Kru: A ritualistic dance performed before a fight to show respect to one’s teacher, gym, and ancestors, and to prepare mentally for the bout.
14. Yod Muay: A title given to elite or top-level Muay Thai fighters, often those who have achieved significant success in the sport.

Techniques & Strikes

1. Elbow Strike (Sok): A devastating strike using the elbow, often aimed at the head or face, with variations like the horizontal, downward, and spinning elbow.
2. Flying Knee (Kao Loy): A high-risk, high-reward technique where a fighter launches a knee strike while airborne, targeting the head or chest.
3. Low Kick (Te Kao): A powerful kick aimed at the opponent’s thigh, designed to weaken their legs and mobility.
4. Spinning Backfist (Man Kong Kwan): A surprising and powerful technique involving a spinning motion and a strike with the back of the fist.
5. Muay Mat: A fighter who specializes in powerful punches and aggressive, forward-moving strategies.
6. Muay Khao: A fighter known for their proficiency in knee strikes, often dominating in the clinch.
7. Muay Femur: A technical and strategic fighter, known for their intelligence, timing, and skillful use of all weapons.
8. Muay Sok: A fighter who excels at using elbows, often inflicting significant damage in close quarters.
9. Knee Strike (Kao): A signature Muay Thai strike using the knee, with variations including straight, flying, and jumping knee strikes.
10. Head Kick (Te Khao): A high kick aimed at the opponent’s head, often delivered with great speed and precision.
11. Axe Kick (Te Mat): A kick that swings down like an axe, targeting the head or collarbone, often used as a surprise attack.
12. Leg Kick (Te Tad): A horizontal kick aimed at the opponent’s legs, designed to disrupt their balance and inflict pain.
13. Switch Kick (Te Chiang): A deceptive technique where the fighter switches stance before delivering a powerful kick with the rear leg.
14. Spinning Elbow (Sok Klap): A dynamic technique where the fighter spins and delivers an elbow strike, often catching opponents off-guard.
15. Teep to the Face (Teep Na): A push kick aimed at the opponent’s face, used to create distance or knock them off balance.

Training & Equipment

1. Banana Bag: A long, heavy punching bag used in Muay Thai to practice kicks, knees, and punches, designed to withstand powerful strikes.
2. Focus Mitts: Padded targets held by a trainer, used for practicing punches, kicks, and combinations.
3. Heavy Bag: A sturdy, weighted bag used for developing power and endurance in punches and kicks.
4. Pad Work: Training drills involving strikes to focus mitts or Thai pads, helping to improve technique, speed, and accuracy.
5. Skipping Rope: A basic yet essential tool for building cardio, agility, and footwork, widely used in Muay Thai training.
6. Thai Pads: Thick, curved pads used by trainers to absorb kicks, knees, and punches during practice.
7. Muay Thai Shorts: Distinctive, brightly colored shorts worn by fighters, designed for flexibility and comfort during movement.
8. Mouthguard: Essential protective gear worn by fighters to safeguard their teeth and gums during training and competition.
9. Hand Wraps: Cloth wraps worn under gloves to protect the hands and wrists from injury during striking.
10. Ankle Supports: Elastic bandages worn around the ankles to provide stability and prevent sprains during training and fighting.
11. Sandee Gloves: A popular brand of Muay Thai gloves, known for their durability and comfort, used in both training and competition.

Slang & Expressions

1. Chok Dee!: A common phrase meaning “Good luck!” often heard between fighters before a match.
2. Fight IQ: A term describing a fighter’s ability to read the fight, adapt strategies, and make smart decisions in the ring.
3. Gas Tank: Refers to a fighter’s stamina and endurance, often mentioned in the context of how long they can maintain high-intensity fighting.
4. Kru Yai: An honorary title given to a highly respected senior instructor in Muay Thai.
5. Muay: Simply means boxing or combat in Thai, often used in combination with other words to describe fighting styles.
6. Sak Yant: Traditional Thai tattoos, often worn by fighters as a form of spiritual protection and blessing.
7. Sok!: A command from trainers meaning “Elbow!” directing the fighter to use elbow strikes.
8. Spirit: Refers to the mental toughness and heart of a fighter, often praised in Muay Thai culture.
9. Yam Kha: A technique involving a fake or feint to confuse the opponent before delivering a strike.
10. Wai!: A traditional Thai greeting involving a slight bow and the placing of hands together, often used as a sign of respect in Muay Thai.

Muay Thai Culture & Traditions

1. Kard Chuek: An ancient form of Muay Thai where fighters wrapped their hands in rope instead of gloves, emphasizing a more brutal and raw form of combat.
2. Khruang Ruang: Traditional armbands worn by fighters during the Ram Muay, believed to bring good luck and protection.
3. Muay Thai Music (Sarama): Traditional music played during Muay Thai matches and the Wai Kru, setting the rhythm for the fight and the rituals.
4. Stadium: The venue where Muay Thai matches take place, with famous stadiums like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern being the most prestigious in Thailand.
5. Chok Muay!: A term meaning “Fight!” or “Box!” used to encourage fighters in the ring.
6. Khruang Ruang Yant: Sacred symbols or mantras inscribed on cloth or worn as amulets by fighters for spiritual protection.
7. Lumpinee Champion: A prestigious title given to fighters who win at the Lumpinee Stadium, one of the most revered Muay Thai venues in Thailand.
8. Pahuyuth: The broader term for Thai martial arts, encompassing Muay Thai and other traditional fighting styles.
9. Rajadamnern Champion: A title awarded to fighters who win at Rajadamnern Stadium, another top-tier Muay Thai venue in Thailand.
10. Sak: The practice of marking points or tallying strikes landed during a fight, often used by trainers to assess performance.
11. Seua: Means tiger in Thai, often used as a nickname for aggressive and powerful fighters.
12. Wai Khru Ceremony: A ritual where fighters pay homage to their teachers, performed before training sessions and fights.
13. Yant: Sacred geometric designs used in tattoos and amulets, believed to offer protection and blessings to the wearer.

Muay Thai Weight Classes

1. Mini Flyweight: Up to 105 lbs (47.6 kg)
2. Junior Flyweight: Up to 108 lbs (49 kg)
3. Flyweight: Up to 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
4. Super Flyweight: Up to 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
5. Bantamweight: Up to 118 lbs (53.5 kg)
6. Super Bantamweight: Up to 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
7. Featherweight: Up to 126 lbs (57.2 kg)
8. Super Featherweight: Up to 130 lbs (59 kg)
9. Lightweight: Up to 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
10. Super Lightweight: Up to 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
11. Welterweight: Up to 147 lbs (66.7 kg)
12. Super Welterweight: Up to 154 lbs (69.9 kg)
13. Middleweight: Up to 160 lbs (72.6 kg)
14. Super Middleweight: Up to 168 lbs (76.2 kg)
15. Light Heavyweight: Up to 175 lbs (79.4 kg)
16. Cruiserweight: Up to 190 lbs (86.2 kg)
17. Heavyweight: Over 190 lbs (86.2 kg)

Muay Thai Championship Belts & Organizations

1. Lumpinee Stadium Championship: One of the most prestigious titles in Muay Thai, often considered the pinnacle of achievement for fighters.
2. Rajadamnern Stadium Championship: Another top-tier championship, with winners earning immense respect and recognition in the Muay Thai community.
3. WBC Muay Thai: The Muay Thai branch of the World Boxing Council, sanctioning world title fights and ranking fighters globally.
4. WMC (World Muay Thai Council): One of the oldest and most respected organizations in Muay Thai, promoting the sport worldwide and organizing top-level competitions.
5. IFMA (International Federation of Muay Thai Associations): The governing body for amateur Muay Thai, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), organizing world championship events.
6. IMF (International Muay Thai Federation): A global organization that sanctions professional and amateur Muay Thai events, contributing to the sport’s international growth.
7. WPMF (World Professional Muay Thai Federation): An organization that sanctions professional Muay Thai fights, with champions recognized on an international level.
8. One Championship Muay Thai: A major mixed martial arts and Muay Thai promotion featuring high-level stand-up competition.
9. MAX Muay Thai: A popular promotion in Thailand, known for its action-packed events and showcasing both Thai and international fighters.