The Muay Thai fighter usually enters the ring by jumping over the top rope. Then, before the Ram Muay is begun, the Muay Thai fighter will usually walk around the ring, counter-clockwise, touching the rope, and offer a prayer in each corner. She thereby seals off the ring from all outside distractions, and negative influences. She then sits down and bows three times at the direction of her home .During the Ram Muay the fighters wear a mongkon. (AKA "Muay Thai Head Ring".) She will end her ritual by stamping her authority three times usually in her opponent's corner, thereby symbolically killing her opponent. Or, alternatively she may end her Ram muay with a gesture which looks like she is killing her opponent with a bow and arrow.. In addition,
to the Mongdon, or Muay Thai Head Ring, she will often also wear one
or two armbands like a protective charm called praciat that Buddhist monks
have given them. The Champion pictured just below, is wearing these,
and is thus properly attired, with both the Mongkon, and the praciat. The
Champion pictured directly above is also properly attired,
with her Mongkon or Head Band easily seen, from a profile view in
the picture. The Mongkon or Mangala is the
traditional head band which is always worn by Muay Thai fighters . The
Mongkon, or Muay Thai Head Ring, is a sacred object which the Master
has ceremoniously blessed for the fighter. It is supposed to bring
good luck to the fighter. Ancient warriors and fighters used to wear
the Mongkons before any bout of combat because they believed it would
bring them good luck and help them win the fight. This is a very old
tradition. But it is still practiced by serious
Muay Thai fighters today. It is not unlike the traditional bow by martial
arts students to their instructors and peers before stepping onto or off
the tatami, or mat. And also upon entering and leaving the
dojo. Some people believe
that they can actually tell from watching the respective fighters'
interpretations and performances of the Ram Muay which one will
prevail in the ring. We hope
you enjoy these photos. | |||
Mia Etelepelto (Finland)
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Ikkc World Muay Thai
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