Wai Khru Ram Muay

Before every fight in Thailand, from a village fair to Rajadamnern Stadium, the fighter kneels, touches the canvas and bows three times. That is the wai khru, “paying respect to the teacher”, and it honours teachers, parents and the art. Then comes the ram muay, the “boxing dance”: a slow, choreographed sequence of steps and postures, different from camp to camp, that shows where the fighter comes from and lets the body warm up and the mind settle.

Both parts are performed to sarama music, wearing the mongkhon headband, and at most international events that follow Thai rules. The judges do not score it, and it is not optional. It is part of what makes a fight a Muay Thai fight rather than a kickboxing match with different shorts.