Wai Kru/Ram Muay
There is a deeply spiritual side of Muay Thai of which people are often unaware. In the UK as in Thailand, fights are steeped in ritual and ceremony. It is from a more superstitious past and culture that we have inherited the pre-fight ritual dance (Ram-Muay or Wai-Kru) that each boxer performs before each fight. The object of this balletic exercise is not only to exorcise any evil spirits that may be lurking in the ring, but also to pay homage and respect to the fighter's trainer, the judges and officials present, and of course the opponent. It is the living embodiment of the humility and respectfulness that flows through the art of Muay Thai and Thai culture - there is no place for posing or throaty warrior-style shouting in this fighting art.
When two Thai boxers enter a ring to fight, they first enter by going over the top rope. This ties into the Thai culture that a person's head is viewed as "holy ground" so to speak. The head is the most sacred part of the anatomy. By entering the ring over the top rope, you are not allowing anything to pass over your head.
Second, upon entering the ring, both boxers, beginning in their own corner, circle the ring with a hand placed on the top rope. This act is called "sealing the ring". This symbolically tells your opponent that no one else is present (crowd, coaches, trainers, judges...) and that it is now just between the two of you.
Third, the Wai Kru. The boxer, in the centre of the ring, kneels facing the direction of his hometown or home gym, and bows three times. The first bow is to pay respect to your coach, gym, fellow boxers, and to Muay Thai as a sport. Bow number two pays respect to your parents, family, and your ancestors. Bow number three is to pay homage to whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs are.
Finally, the Ram Muay is a dance-like ritual during which the boxers go through motions which imitate various animals, or professions. Dynamite Fighting Systems has adopted the 'King Rama shooting the arrow' ritual, which is a popular Ram Muay in the Thai Boxing world.
