5 Differences Between Muay Thai and Muay Boran

5 Differences Between Muay Thai and Muay Boran

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Muay Thai and Muay Boran are both ancient martial arts of Thailand, with a unique style and stance that can leave opponents lost in a trance before they are hit in the head with an elbow or kicked in the legs or ribs with a powerful shin kick.

Although they are both ancient traditions, Muay Boran is literally ‘ancient’ as its name directly translates to ‘ancient boxing’. It’s more like self-defence, a combat martial art as opposed to a fighting sport, with less rules and more freedom. Fighters wrap their hands in hemp rope rather than wear gloves. Here are some of the main differences between the two related traditions, and why these Martial Arts are so unique, powerful, and just awesome.

Difference Number 1

Muay Boran follows a centreline, with the fighters’ fists aligned with the centreline, as opposed to Muay Thai where the fighters’ fists are usually seen on the outside of their head. There are many theories as to why Muay Boran takes this centred approach to stance, such as helping deflect incoming limbs easier, and in a way that supports turning the defence move into a grapple. It also protects against coup-de-grace attacks quite efficiently. The wider guard of the Muay Thai fighter is more aggressive setting up attacks in an effective manner.

Difference Number 2

The overall stance of Muay Boran is also lower and wider than Muay Thai. Although the fists are along the centreline, the rest of the body is wide and defensive which helps protect against vulnerabilities such as the groin. In Muay Boran, there are less rules so fighters must protect almost all areas of the body for attack, unlike Muay Thai where groin attacks are illegal, so fighters often feel no need to protect the area while in the ring. Although any fighter should be ready to protect any part of their body, it makes sense for Muay Thai fighters to concentrate on areas that are more likely to be hit. The narrow stance is also easier to maintain with greater movement as Muay Thai fights will go longer than a self-defence scenario so it is efficiency of movement vs dealing an explosive scencario.

Difference Number 3

Muay Thai is often referred to as the 8-weapon martial art. Eight is the number of attack points that fighters use (2 legs, 2 knees, 2 elbows and 2 fists). However, Muay Boran adds another to that list, making it a lucky number nine. In Thailand the number nine is a special number which adds extra luck to those who believe in it. The extra attack is…a headbutt. As mentioned before, with less rules in Muay Boran, it is not surprising that there is no headbutt rule leaving fighters open to receiving or giving out a devastating close-range attack that can really turn the tide of any fight.

Difference Number 4

Muay Boran focuses on attacks against the limbs and joints to ‘deaden’ or ‘incapacitate’ an opponent’s limbs. In Muay Thai this is less necessary as the fights often go to points and limb attacks don’t score as much as other attacks or grapples as well as risking severe injury when attacking the joints – however in Muay Boran, if one can damage an opponent’s whole limb or joint, it effectively takes out an entire weapon that can be used against you, giving you an advantage. It is self-defence preservation vs ensuring a safe and long competition career.

Difference Number 5

In Muay Boran the techniques were focussed on self-defence. There are a lot more elbow and knee attacks in Muay Boran. In fact, these are the main weapon on choice for Muay Boran fighters, often using flying knees and flying elbows to take down opponents and cause some heavy damage. Fighters of this ancient tradition often focus on getting as many strikes out as possible, even if it is a risky move, in a short explosive action. Unlike other martial arts, pacing yourself can get you in trouble in Muay Boran…you must assess each fighter as they come at you and be ready to fight back instantly. Also as a self-defence style it makes sense to use elbows and knees rather than the fists which may become injured without protection.

Other than the head-butt, Muay Thai has all the same weapons, though you are pacing yourself as you’re fighting another equally skilled opponent. You don’t want to leave yourself open, or wear yourself out before your opponent. In self-defence, generally opponents are less skilled and more aggressive. In a Muay Thai fight the opponents are more skilled and less aggressive as they’re more calculated facing and equally skilled opponent.

In Muay Boran there were techniques for the ground fight and the transition phase, the Takedowns. The goal of the Muay Boran is rather to make an opponent harmless, whether on the ground or on the ground. It is not about points or winning competitions. Unfortunately, these ground combat techniques got lost due to the competition sport over the centuries.

Summary

So, there you go, 5 differences between Muay Thai and Muay Boran. Muay Boran is focused on self-defence or fighting in any situation. Muay Thai is a combat sport aimed at competing in the ring. Saying that, Muay Thai and Muay Boran share many techniques and Muay Thai Fighter can more than hold their own in a self-defence situation. The benefit of Muay Thai is the ability to train without injury and to practice the skills with resistance in the ring so you can become proficient and more capable of protecting yourself. 

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