MUAY THAI GLOSSARY

/ow eek/

Again or one more. A trainer's command to repeat a technique or combination.

/ah-jahn/

Master teacher or professor. A higher level of instructor than Kru, typically someone with decades of experience who may oversee multiple Kru.

/bpai/

Go. A command to move forward, continue, or begin. Used frequently during pad work and sparring.

/bpow tawng/

A belly pad or body protector. A padded shield worn by trainers around the midsection to absorb body shots and knees during pad work.

/bow bow/

Light or easy. An instruction to go light, used during technical sparring where control is emphasized over power.

/chawk/

To punch. The general Thai term for any punching strike delivered with the fist.

/jahp kow/

To clinch up or enter the clinch. The act of closing distance and locking hands behind the opponent's head or neck.

/chahng/

To weigh in. The process where fighters are weighed before a bout to confirm they meet the weight class requirements.

/jahp/

To catch or grab. Used to describe catching an incoming kick or grabbing in the clinch.

/chaah/

Slow. An instruction to slow down a technique to focus on form and precision.

/ching/

Small finger cymbals used in Sarama music. They keep time and accent the rhythm. The distinct "ching" and "chap" sounds signal open and closed strikes of the cymbals.

/chaem/

Champion. The title held by the top fighter in a weight class at a particular stadium or organization.

/chah-nah/

Win or victory. The result for the fighter who wins the bout.

/sawm bplahm/

Clinch training. Dedicated practice of clinch techniques including neck wrestling, sweeps, knees, and positional control.

/chawk chawk/

Punch punch! A trainer's call to throw punches rapidly in quick succession.

/dtee/

To hit or strike. A general command used by trainers to signal a fighter to throw a strike at the pads.

/dee/

Good. Praise from a trainer indicating a technique was performed well.

/dee mahk/

Very good. Strong praise from a trainer for excellent technique or effort.

/dtoy moo-ay/

To fight or box. Refers to harder sparring or actual fighting, as opposed to playful sparring.

/dtem dtoo-ah/

Full body or full contact. Describes hard sparring where strikes are thrown at near-fight intensity.

/dern nah/

Walk forward! or Press forward! An instruction to advance aggressively and put pressure on the opponent.

/fahn yahng/

A mouthguard. Protective gear worn to prevent dental injuries during sparring and competition.

/fow/

A foul or illegal action. Includes headbutting, biting, attacking the groin, or hitting a downed opponent.

/gahm-ah-gahn/

A judge. The officials seated ringside who score the fight round by round.

/glawng kaek/

A pair of long barrel drums of Indian-Malay origin. Played together by two musicians, they provide the driving rhythm of Sarama music.

/gahng-gayng moo-ay/

Muay Thai shorts. Distinctive wide-legged shorts that allow full range of motion for kicks and knees. They are shorter and wider than standard boxing shorts.

/grah-sop/

A heavy bag. A large, hanging bag used for practicing strikes with full power. Thai heavy bags are typically longer than Western ones.

/hah/

Five. Used to indicate five strikes or a five-count combination.

/hahk kah-naen/

Point deduction. A penalty where points are removed from a fighter's score for fouls or repeated infractions.

/jow moo-ay/

A fight promoter. The person who organizes and finances Muay Thai events.

/jai yen/

Cool heart or stay calm. An instruction to remain composed and not fight emotionally. A fundamental mindset in Thai culture and fighting.

/jai rawn/

Hot heart or too eager. A warning that a fighter is being too aggressive or emotional and needs to regain composure.

/kow/

Knee or knee strike. One of the eight limbs of Muay Thai. Knees are devastating at close range and in the clinch.

/kow dtrong/

A straight knee strike. Driven straight upward into the midsection or face, commonly used in the clinch.

/kow kohng/

A curved knee strike. Delivered in a curving arc to the side of the body or head, targeting the ribs or temple.

/kow dtaht/

A horizontal knee. Swung sideways into the ribs or thigh, used in clinch fighting.

/kow loy/

The flying knee. A dramatic jumping knee strike where the fighter leaps and drives the knee into the opponent. One of the most spectacular finishers in Muay Thai.

/kow yee-ahp/

A stomping knee. Driven downward into the thigh to dead-leg the opponent, often used in the clinch.

/kow noy/

A small knee. A short-range knee strike using minimal windup, quick and hard to defend.

/gwaeng/

To swing. Describes the wide swinging motion used in many Muay Thai kicks and elbow strikes.

/kow yohn/

A throwing knee. Delivered while pulling the opponent into the knee strike using the clinch.

/gao nah/

Step forward or advance. An instruction to move forward aggressively.

/kroo/

Teacher or instructor. A Muay Thai coach who has earned the right to teach through years of training and fighting experience.

/grah-bpohng/

A groin protector or cup. Essential protective equipment worn under the shorts during training and fights.

/kah-naen/

Points or score. The system by which judges evaluate a fight. In Thailand, effective aggression, ring control, and clean techniques score highest.

/kai moo-ay/

A Muay Thai camp or gym. The training facility where fighters live and train, often communally. Traditional Thai camps are live-in facilities.

/koht dong/

A cornerman. The trainers and assistants who work the fighter's corner between rounds, providing water, advice, and treatment.

/kow kow/

Knee knee! A call to throw rapid knee strikes, usually while in the clinch.

/gep kah-naen/

Score points! A corner instruction to focus on clean scoring techniques rather than brawling.

/lohp/

To duck or evade. Moving the head or body out of the line of an incoming strike.

/loom-pee-nee/

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. One of the two most prestigious Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok, established in 1956 and operated by the Royal Thai Army.

/lohm/

To fall or knockdown. Describes a fighter going to the canvas from a strike or sweep.

/len/

To play. Used to describe sparring or pad work in a lighter, more playful manner. "Len Muay" means to spar.

/len moo-ay/

To spar. Light technical sparring focused on timing and technique rather than power.

/look sit/

A student or disciple. The term for a fighter training under a Kru, implying a close mentor-student relationship.

/maht/

Fist or punch. Often used interchangeably with Chok. Mat refers to both the fist itself and the act of punching.

/maht dtrong/

The jab. A straight punch thrown with the lead hand. It is the most fundamental punch in Muay Thai, used to set up combinations and control distance.

/maht dtah-waht/

The cross. A powerful straight punch thrown from the rear hand, rotating the hips and shoulders to generate maximum force.

/maht hook/

The hook punch. A curved punch targeting the side of the head or body, thrown with the elbow bent at roughly 90 degrees.

/maht up-bper-cut/

The uppercut. An upward punch directed under the chin or to the body, often used at close range or when exiting the clinch.

/maht wee-ang sahn/

A short swing or short hook. A compact hooking punch designed for close-range exchanges.

/maht wee-ang yow/

A long swing punch. A wide, arcing overhand-style punch that generates power through a large rotational arc.

/maht soy dow/

The spinning back fist. Literally "star-picking punch." A flashy strike where the fighter spins and hits with the back of the fist.

/moom daeng/

The red corner. One of the two fighter corners in the ring, designated by red color.

/moom nahm ngern/

The blue corner. The opposing fighter corner in the ring, designated by blue color.

/my dee/

Not good. Feedback that a technique needs improvement.

/mong-kon/

A sacred headband worn during the Wai Kru ceremony. Blessed by monks or the Kru, it represents the fighter's gym and is believed to offer spiritual protection. Removed before the fight begins.

/moo-ay boh-rahn/

Ancient boxing. The collective term for the traditional unarmed combat methods of Thailand that predate modern Muay Thai. Includes techniques no longer used in the sport.

/moo-ay tai/

Thai boxing. The national sport and martial art of Thailand, known as the "Art of Eight Limbs" for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

/moo-ay fee-meu/

A technical fighter. Describes an elegant, skilled fighter who relies on timing, precision, and ring IQ rather than raw power.

/moo-ay maht/

A puncher or heavy-handed fighter. A fighting style characterized by aggressive forward pressure and powerful punches.

/moo-ay kow/

A knee fighter. A fighting style relying heavily on clinch work and devastating knee strikes.

/moo-ay dteh/

A kicker. A fighting style built around powerful and precise kicks, especially the roundhouse.

/moo-ay sawk/

An elbow fighter. A fighting style specializing in devastating close-range elbow strikes.

/moo-ay bplahm/

A clinch fighter. A style that dominates through clinch control, sweeps, and knees in close quarters.

/mahk wai/

A rattan ball used in training. Traditionally kicked and volleyed to develop leg dexterity.

/moht raeng/

Out of energy or exhausted. A trainer noting that a fighter is gassing out and needs to manage energy better.

/mong dtah/

Watch the eyes! or Look at your opponent! A reminder to maintain eye contact and focus on the opponent.

/my bpen rai/

Never mind or no worries. Used by trainers to calm a fighter after a mistake, encouraging them to move on without dwelling on errors.

/neung/

One. Used to indicate a single strike or the start of a count.

/nai kah-nohm dtohm/

A legendary Muay Thai warrior from Ayutthaya. According to tradition, he defeated ten Burmese fighters in succession after being captured, earning freedom and eternal fame. March 17 is celebrated as National Muay Thai Day in his honor.

/nahk moo-ay/

A Muay Thai fighter or boxer. The standard term for anyone who practices and competes in Muay Thai.

/nahk moo-ay ying/

A female Muay Thai fighter. Women's Muay Thai has grown significantly in popularity both in Thailand and internationally.

/nahk moo-ay fah-rahng/

A foreign Muay Thai fighter. The term used for non-Thai fighters who train and compete in Muay Thai.

/noo-ahm/

Boxing gloves. Padded gloves worn during training and competition, typically ranging from 8oz for fights to 16oz for training.

/nahp owt/

A knockout count. When a fighter is knocked down, the referee counts to ten. If the fighter cannot continue, the fight is over.

/nahk moo-ay lek/

A young or small fighter. Refers to the children who begin training and competing at Thai camps from as young as 6 years old.

/ow/

To take or want. Used by trainers meaning "give me that technique" or "do it now."

/bplahm/

The clinch or to grapple. Close-range standing grappling where fighters battle for control of the neck and arms to deliver knees, elbows, and sweeps.

/bpit/

To block or close. A defensive technique where a limb is used to cover or shield against an incoming strike.

/bpaht/

To parry or deflect. A defensive technique redirecting an incoming strike off its intended path.

/pahn moo-ay/

A fight card or lineup. The list of bouts scheduled for an event.

/bprah jee-aht/

Sacred armbands worn on the upper arms during a fight. They are believed to bring good luck and protection. Unlike the Mongkon, they are worn throughout the bout.

/bpee jah-wah/

A Javanese-style oboe or reed instrument. The primary melodic instrument in Sarama music that sets the rhythm and mood of the fight.

/paw kroo/

Father teacher or grandmaster. The most senior level of Muay Thai instructor, a living legend of the art.

/poo chohm/

A spectator. The audience members watching a fight, often deeply passionate bettors at the stadiums.

/bpaen maht/

Focus mitts or punch pads. Small hand-held pads used by trainers for precision striking drills.

/bpow/

Thai pads. Long, thick rectangular pads held by trainers for practicing kicks, knees, and combinations. The cornerstone of Muay Thai pad training.

/pah pahn meu/

Hand wraps. Long strips of cloth wrapped around the hands and wrists for support and protection under gloves.

/pae/

Lose or defeat. The result for the fighter who loses the bout.

/bpaet tai/

Thai pad work. A training method where the Kru holds Thai pads and calls combinations for the fighter to execute, forming the core of Muay Thai training.

/bpik sai/

Left side! A command to attack or defend the left side.

/bpik kwah/

Right side! A command to attack or defend the right side.

/bplee-an/

Switch or change! A call to switch stance, change strategy, or alternate techniques.

/prohm/

Ready! Used to signal the start of a drill, combination, or round.

/raht-cha-dahm-nern/

Rajadamnern Stadium. The oldest and most prestigious Muay Thai stadium in Bangkok, established in 1945. Holding a Rajadamnern title is among the highest honors.

/reu-ay reu-ay/

Keep going or continue. A trainer's encouragement to maintain pace and rhythm without stopping.

/ray-oh/

Fast or quick. A trainer's call to increase the speed of strikes or combinations.

/raeng/

Power or strong. An instruction to hit harder or put more force into a technique.

/rahm moo-ay/

The boxing dance. The slow, ritualistic dance performed before a bout, unique to each camp and often telling a story or demonstrating the fighter's lineage.

/roon nahm-nahk/

Weight class or weight division. Fighters are matched by body weight to ensure fair competition.

/rohng ree-an/

A school. Used to refer to a Muay Thai academy or training school, especially those with a more formal structure.

/raeng raeng/

Hard! Hard! or More power! A call to strike with maximum force.

/sawk/

Elbow or elbow strike. One of the most dangerous weapons in Muay Thai, capable of cutting the opponent and ending fights. There are many variations of elbow strikes.

/sawk dtee/

A slashing elbow. Delivered diagonally downward, it is the most common elbow strike, often targeting the eyebrow area to cause cuts.

/sawk dtaht/

A horizontal elbow strike. Delivered parallel to the ground, slicing across the face or temple.

/sawk ngaht/

An uppercut elbow. Driven upward from below, targeting the chin. Extremely powerful at close range.

/sawk poong/

A forward thrusting elbow. Driven straight forward into the face, sometimes with a lunging step.

/sawk glahp/

A spinning elbow. The fighter rotates 180 degrees or more and delivers the elbow in a horizontal or diagonal arc. One of the most spectacular techniques in Muay Thai.

/sawk koo/

Double elbows. Both elbows are thrown simultaneously, one from each side, targeting the head.

/sawk sahp/

A chopping elbow. Brought downward from a raised position to chop into the top of the head or face.

/sawk hoot/

A diagonal upward elbow. Driven diagonally upward, typically from the inside, targeting the chin or cheek.

/sah-nahm moo-ay/

A boxing stadium or arena. The venue where Muay Thai bouts are held. The two most famous are Lumpinee and Rajadamnern in Bangkok.

/see-ang rah-kahng/

The bell. Rung to signal the start and end of each round.

/sahm/

Three. Often called during pad rounds to indicate a three-strike combination.

/song/

Two. Used to call for two strikes or repetitions.

/see/

Four. Used to call a four-strike combination on pads.

/sawm/

To practice or train. The general term for a training session.

/sah-rah-mah/

The traditional music played live during a Muay Thai fight. Performed with instruments including the Pi Java, Glawng Khaek, and Ching, its tempo increases with the action.

/see-lah-bpah moo-ay tai/

The art of Muay Thai. Refers to the technical and aesthetic beauty of the martial art beyond pure combat.

/cheu-ahk grah-doht/

A skipping rope. An essential training tool for developing footwork, timing, and cardiovascular endurance.

/sah-nahp kaeng/

Shin guards. Protective padding worn on the shins during sparring to prevent injury.

/sah-mur/

Draw. When the judges score the bout evenly and neither fighter wins.

/sawm moo-ay/

To train boxing. The act of training Muay Thai at a camp. A typical day includes two sessions.

/chawk lohm/

Shadow boxing. Practicing techniques without a partner, focusing on form, footwork, and visualization. An essential warm-up and cool-down activity.

/sai sawk/

Use elbows! A command to throw elbow strikes, often after entering close range.

/soo-ay/

Beautiful! Praise for an aesthetically pleasing technique, particularly a well-executed combination.

/seu-ah/

Tiger! An encouragement to fight fiercely and fearlessly, channeling the aggression of a tiger.

/soo soo/

Fight fight! or Keep fighting! General encouragement from the corner and crowd, urging the fighter to continue battling.

/dteh/

To kick. The general Thai term for kicking techniques. Kicks are the most important weapons in Muay Thai.

/dteh dtaht/

The roundhouse kick. The signature technique of Muay Thai, delivered by swinging the shin into the target with full hip rotation. It is the most common and devastating kick.

/dteh kah/

A leg kick. A roundhouse kick targeting the thigh or calf of the opponent, used to weaken their base and reduce mobility.

/dteh lahm dtoo-ah/

A body kick. A roundhouse kick targeting the midsection, particularly the ribs and liver.

/dteh see-ang soong/

A high kick. A roundhouse kick aimed at the head, one of the most dramatic techniques in the sport.

/teep/

The push kick or front kick. A thrusting kick delivered with the ball of the foot to push the opponent away, disrupt balance, or set up attacks. Sometimes called the "foot jab."

/teep dtrong/

A straight push kick, delivered directly forward to the midsection to create distance.

/teep kahng/

A side push kick. Delivered from the side, targeting the hip or ribs of the opponent.

/dteh glahp lahng/

The spinning back kick. A powerful technique where the fighter spins 180 degrees and thrusts the heel into the opponent.

/dteh kow nawk/

A kick to the outside of the knee. A low-line technique used to destabilize the opponent.

/ting nahm-nahk/

To dump or throw the opponent. Using leverage from the clinch to off-balance and throw the opponent to the canvas.

/toy/

To retreat or step back. Moving backward to avoid attacks or reset distance.

/dteh glahp/

A switch kick. Quickly switching stance before kicking to change the angle and surprise the opponent.

/dteu-ahn/

A warning. Issued by the referee for minor infractions or repeated clinching without action. Accumulating warnings can lead to point deductions.

/nawk owt/

Knockout (KO). When a fighter is unable to continue after being struck, ending the fight immediately.

/teep kow/

Push kick now! A call to use the teep to push back an advancing opponent.

/dtohp/

Counter! or Answer! A command to immediately counter-attack after defending a strike.

/wayk/

The referee. The official inside the ring who enforces the rules, issues warnings, and stops the fight when necessary.

/way-tee/

The ring or stage. The raised platform enclosed by ropes where the fight takes place.

/wing/

To run. Roadwork (running) is the foundation of Muay Thai conditioning, typically done early in the morning.

/why kroo/

The ritual paying of respect to teachers. A ceremonial dance performed before each fight to honor the fighter's trainers, gym, and the art of Muay Thai itself.

/wai nah/

Save face! A general Thai concept, used in training as a reminder to fight with honor and not be humiliated.

/yohk kow/

To raise the knee. Checking a kick by lifting the knee and shin to absorb the impact, one of the most important defensive skills.

/yahk/

To feint. A deceptive motion mimicking an attack to provoke a reaction from the opponent, creating openings.

/yee-ahp/

To stomp or step on. A foot stomp used in clinch fighting, targeting the top of the opponent's foot.

/yohk/

A round. Each round in traditional Muay Thai lasts three minutes. A standard fight consists of five rounds.

/yoot/

Stop. A command to cease activity, pause, or break. Used to end a round or interrupt a drill.

/yom pae/

To surrender or throw in the towel. When a fighter's corner stops the fight by conceding defeat.

/yohk gaht/

Hands up! or Raise your guard! One of the most common trainer instructions, reminding the fighter to keep their defensive guard high.

/yah toy/

Don't retreat! An instruction not to back up, to stand ground or move forward instead.

/yahng dee/

Good footwork! Praise for proper foot positioning and movement around the ring.