Become Fighter
Wai kru and ram muay: Muay Thai guide
The pre-fight ritual: what it means and how to do it with respect.
Before a traditional Thai bout, fighters perform the wai kru, a bow to the teacher, and the ram muay, a slow dance around the ring. It honours the gym, the teacher and the ring. It also settles the mind and warms the body.
Ask your coach to teach the version your gym uses. It differs between camps. Learn it with respect. It is not a performance.
Key points
- Wai kru honours your teacher and gym.
- Ram muay is a slow walk and set of movements around the ring.
- Each camp has its own style. Learn yours.
- Move slowly and breathe. It calms the nerves.
- Respect the ring. Do not step on the ropes.
- Ask your coach before performing it.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Rushing the ritual. Slow movements calm the mind.
- Copying a video. Learn your gym's version from your coach.
- Treating it as a show. Do it with respect.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Fight craft module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Fight craft
- Building a game plan: Muay Thai guide
- Fight week and nerves: Muay Thai guide
- Warm-up, corner and between rounds: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.