muay khaak cheuak (มวยคาดเชือก)

Thai. ‘Rope-girded boxing’. Another name for muay boraan (fig.), i.e. the traditional and original form of Thai boxing, and the predecessor of modern muay thai (fig.). The name muay khaak cheuak derives from the fact that a piece of rope made of hemp is tied around the fists and forearms of the boxers, instead of boxing gloves as used in modern boxing (fig.). In English, this style usually is referred to as classical Thai boxing or ancient Thai boxing, and it is still practiced today as part of the Thailand's cultural heritage. Though originally bare-fisted, this style of boxing probably originated in the Ayutthaya Period as a form of combat that was trained as a practical fighting technique for unarmed defence and attack, in case if one became disarmed or ones personal weapon broke in a fight or during battle. Later on, it evolved into a fighting sport and boxers, called nak muay (fig.), began binding their fists and forearms in hemp rope (fig.), which gave rise to the name rope-girded boxing. Though still practiced in Thailand as a genuine fighting sport today (fig.), muay boraan boxers are now rather found performing just for show at cultural events, typically demonstrating certain fighting poses and the classical ram muay (fig.). See also Institute of Physical Education. 回