Amulets of Muay Thai: an Introduction

You've probably seen traditional fighters entering the ring with a whole bunch of stuff covering them. If you were wondering what they're called, and what they mean, here is a basic introduction.


Canada's World Champ Clifton Brown in full pre-fight attire

Mongkol (pronounced "Mong- kon"):



First off, the Mongkol is unique to Muay Thai, and is not used in Cambodia or Burma (which have very similar arts, such as Pradal Serey); that particular fact is from Wikipedia lol. The Mongkol is a often described as a "crown". It is a sacred (blessed by a monk) piece used to represent the gym or camp the fighter represents.
In the past, each camp had their own distinct Mongkols, but now gyms often have more than one. Fighters do not touch it; It is placed (before the fight) and removed (after the Ram Muay) by their Kru Muay.


Prajied:



These arm bands worn around the bicep are meant to protect the fighter from harm. They are worn throughout the whole fight. They are given to the fighter by friend, family etc

Fight Video: Orono Por Muang Ubon vs Namkabuan Nongkeepayahut

A fight between two legends: Orono the "Black Super man" (I'm not kidding...I read that they actually called him that) and Namkabuan the "Ring Genius"

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPpHhlpmn4



By the way...for anyone that's actually followed this blog and the fighters I've posted- Here's pic of the two Oronos so you can tell them apart:


Orono Wor Petchpun (current phenom) and Orono (MT legend)

I came across that picture on google when trying to get pictures for both fighters featured in this post.

Conversations with a Master

Many of you in class may not know Poochoi Kru Nick Bautista.



He's a hard working student of Muaythai and has been nice enough to share some very interesting materials with us!

His website: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/harmony_muay_thai.html

and 2 very interesting conversations he has had with none other than Ajahn Suchart:



The Earth: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/the_blueprint/Entries/2009/4/16_the_earth..html

Art of the Way: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/the_blueprint/Entries/2009/8/25_Art_of_the_%E2%80%98way%E2%80%99.html

Thanks for sharing, Nick!

Keep checking his site for more

Fight Video: Germaine De Randamie vs Angela Parr

Thought I would post up a female fight. I actually have trouble finding clips of women's muay thai of good-quality. Admittedly, I don't know alot of female fighters outside of the ones Kru has sent my way to watch...hopefully that'll change and I can post up some more strong female fighters

This is Germaine De Randamie fighting Angela Parr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4H9v69igvo

If you haven't heard of Germaine, you've definitely heard of her now.

Fighter Profile: Samkor Keatmontep

AKA: Batman
Height: 172cm
Fight Weight: 62kgs
Fight Style: Southpaw
Nationality: Thai
Representing:Burilam,Thailand; MTPlaza2004Gym
Professional Record 150Fights: 120W/27L/3D
* Former Lumpini Champion Jr Featherweight
* Former Lumpini Champion Jr Lightweight
* Former Lumpini Champion Lightweight
* Former Thailand Champion 135lbs



Samkor was one bad mother shut-your-mouth in his prime. A famous Southpaw who could win fights with left leg alone, he also had some great elbows. Watch the highlight video...he just moves guys with that one kick.



However as of late, Samkor's been facing younger guys...and he's not exactly in tip top shape like he used to be. He's had mixed results


Samkor's very close win over the younger Contender Asia star, David Paquette

Video:

Highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MXZBTqrfRw

For more: Search youtube...or go to the "related videos" box in the highlights. It's not hard to find Samkor on the net

Fight Video: Therdkiat Sittepak vs Namkabuan Nongkeepayahut

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1dnVf6dFXU&feature=channel_page

Not long ago, PooChoi Kru Mikey from our friends of Southside Muay Thai asked me who my favourite fighter is. I didn't have an answer at the time, merely replying, "there are too many".

Reflecting on it a bit, the answer right now would have to be Namkabuan. Namkabuan was a very versatile and intelligent fighter, who could fight with both craftiness and aggression.



They called him the Ring Genius. I like that he was able to power through an dominate some opponents, and then use his movement and timing to counter when facing stronger ones.

Namkabuan eventually left the ring after a scandal...something about him being suspected of throwing a fight. I do not know the details, but it makes me appreciate all the fights I have found with him in them.


In this particular video, he's fighting Therdkiat, who was also renowned for his versatility.


Therdkiat demonstrates why he was called the Tactician in this fight, and dishes out some great elbow techniques. I have not seen many of Therdkiat's fights, but I may have to go look for some more after seeing the kind of fight he gave Namkabuan.

*grammar freaks: I realized that when I went back to edit what I've written, I screwed up the tenses. I'm too lazy to fix it now*

Fight Video: Kaolan Kaowichit VS Rambo Jiew Portuptim

I'm here to deliver even more fights today:

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3jrSjlENEY



Kaolan is either a former Lumpinee or Rajadamnern champ. Maybe both. I don't know for sure but I know he has at least one of those titles. He was the first Thai competitor in K-1 MAX (before Buakao!).

He made it to the finals in 2002 where he was stopped by Albert Kraus


Rambo is a pretty well known fighter as well...again I have no idea what titles he has. Never the less, searching him up will bring you some good stuff.