Muay Chaiya, a hidden gem of Thai
Classic Muay Thai Self-defense skills for Modern lifestyle
Muay Chaiya is as practical as modern Muay Thai Boxing since they originate from the same root but offer more. It emphasizes empty-handed self-defense techniques that are easy to learn and are suitable for females and children. Practicing martial arts is a part of a modern health-conscious lifestyle.
Muay Chaiya's defense demonstration by Muay Chaiya Master Kru Lek and his beloved student Kru Tae.
*Footage captured from Muay Chaiya DVD made by Baan Chang ThaiGet a copy here
*Footage captured from Muay Chaiya DVD made by Baan Chang ThaiGet a copy here
Muay Chaiya is the full potential of Muay Thai Boxing
With the modernization era of Muay Thai, we saw the introduction of regulations from Western Boxing. This led to a shift in focus towards techniques that are specifically viable in the fighting ring. Yet, Kru Lek Muay Chaiya has preserved many original techniques passed on from his teacher, the Grand Master Khet Sriyabhai (ปรมาจารย์เขตร ศรียาภัย). Constantly improving and adapting, he ensures that these techniques can be applied effectively in real life situations.
Self-defense in any situation
Kru Lek Muay Chaiya is a specialized form of martial arts that focuses on self-defense, particularly for hand-to-hand combat. Unlike most modern Muay Thai Boxing camps, which prioritize ring competition and fitness, Muay Chaiya teaches you how to fight without regulated protection. By training your mindset and mastering the techniques of Muay Chaiya, you will gain a unique advantage that is hard to find elsewhere. This invaluable skill will help you handle any situation that requires you to defend yourself without gloves or protection.
Unique boxing styles in a fight
Muay Chaiya uses geometric movements to block and counter attacks, utilizing all available body parts, not just elbows and knees. There are many special techniques from Muay Chaiya that can be used in the ring. Although it might be hard to see this while watching a fight, the pain felt by the opponent is important. Every defense can also be an attack at the same time.
Becoming a better person
Whether you want to fight in a ring or just protect yourself, anyone can learn Muay Chaiya. It makes you stronger and improves your overall fitness. Practicing Muay Chaiya also helps you become more disciplined and focused.
Yang Sam Khum the footwork
Footwork is a fundamental movement in any martial art; it helps you maintain balance, create advantageous angles, and improve agility. Muay Chaiya Yang Sam Khum offers a unique approach to footwork that allows you to effectively engage with or create distance from your opponents. The triangular style of footwork helps you dodge and evade incoming attacks.
Unique combo drill
There is a unique method of practicing Muay Chaiya. The concept is similar to Karate's "Kata" or Kung Fu's "Tao Lu". Each movement has its name, which can be difficult to remember. However, with practice, it becomes ingrained in muscle memory. Combination training is to help you develop better coordination of your body.
Muay Chaiya 100+ Luk Mai
Muay Chaiya features more than a hundred Luk Mai techniques. Luk Mai serves as a defensive technique and a crucial aspect of Muay Thai's historical heritage. It incorporates Thai myths into the names and explanations of its various movements. Understanding the Luk Mai is a pathway to connecting with Thai culture.
Master your mind and body
In Muay Chaiya, you will have the opportunity to become more familiar with your body. You see, our bodies are packed with potential weapons. It is not only our fists or legs, but there are many other tools at our disposal, such as.
HeadThe top of your body houses your brain and harbors your unique thoughts and ideas.
TeethThese are the parts we use to enjoy our favorite meals, by biting and chewing them.
FingersHere are your five trusty tools in each hand. They help you hold, touch, and feel.
FistWhen your five fingers come together in a group huddle, they form a fist.
PalmThe inside of your hand is where your unique handprints lie.
Palm HeelThis is the inner part of your wrist where your handprints start.
ForearmThis is the part of the arm that extends from the elbow to the wrist.
ElbowIt forms when you bend your arm. It is one of the hardest weapons made by your body.
HipYour pelvic bone is a reliable base for your body structure.
KneeYour trusty joint that forms a sharp point when you press your upper and lower legs together.
ShinThe part of your leg that extends from your ankle to the lower part of your knee.
InstepThis part stretches from your ankle to your toenails.
Tips of the ToeThe delicate and sensitive endpoint of the toe.
Ankle BoneThis is the spot just before your heel, where you can find the sinew or tendon above the heel.
HeelAt the back of your foot, it extends from the sinew or tendon above it to the part upon which you stand.
Ball of the FeetThe part is located underneath your foot, near the toes.
Where to learn Muay Chaiya
The #1 Place to learn Muay Chaiya
Established in 1996, Baan Chang Thai was founded by Kru Lek (Kridakorn Sodprasert). The school specializes in Muay Chaiya, one of the original styles of Muay Thai. The name itself hints at the art's origins in the southern region of Thailand named Chaiya City. Interestingly, the school's founder was a former soldier from central Bangkok who made a journey to Chaiya centuries ago.
Today, the school is recognized as the International Muay Chaiya Association (IMCA) and continues to share this beautiful art form with the world. If you're interested in learning this martial art, don't miss this opportunity.
Options for learning include:
- Individual lessons at the camp
- Group lessons at a chosen location
- Teachers to a designated place for training sessions
- Online learning from your home
BaanChangThai (Main House)
This is the main house of Baanchangthai, where you can take one-on-one lessons. Most foreign students like to train there to improve their skills with the trainer. You can get there by taxi or motor taxi from Hua Mak MRT station.
More information: samkhum.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MuayChaiyaAssociation
Contact No.: 081-812-8087, 089-204-0843
Line: line.me/R/ti/p/@768nlvrd
Location: 34 Soi Phatthanakan 69, Lane 13, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
BaanChangThai 49 (MTC 49)
This location is a branch of Baanchangthai, offering group lessons. It's an excellent option for those who are just starting out. Practicing with a group can boost your motivation. You can reach it from Hua Mak MRT station by walking for approximately 5 minutes.
More information: muaythaichaiya49.com
Facebook: facebook.com/muaythaichaiya49/
Line: line.me/R/ti/p/@768nlvrd
Location: 2531 Phatthanakan 49 Alley, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
An experience that lasts a lifetime
Join us on this amazing journey. Check out the stories of Muay Chaiya apprentices from all over the world below and hopefully, someday you'll share your own experiences, just like they do.
GermanyFabian WitthausMuay Chaiya and Muay Thai enthusiast
After several years of training Muay Chaiya under the guidance of Kru Lek in Bangkok, I am compelled to share my profound conviction in the effectiveness and versatility of this martial art style. Muay Chaiya, with its unique approach and techniques, has not only prepared me for the rigors of ring competition but has also equipped me with practical self-defense skills that are invaluable in real-world scenarios. Moreover, the physical demands and training regimen of Muay Chaiya have proven to be an excellent means for weight loss, contributing significantly to my overall fitness and well-being. The holistic benefits of Muay Chaiya, spanning from combat readiness to personal health, have thoroughly impressed me, making my training experience under Kru Lek truly transformative.
After several years of training Muay Chaiya under the guidance of Kru Lek in Bangkok, I am compelled to share my profound conviction in the effectiveness and versatility of this martial art style. Muay Chaiya, with its unique approach and techniques, has not only prepared me for the rigors of ring competition but has also equipped me with practical self-defense skills that are invaluable in real-world scenarios. Moreover, the physical demands and training regimen of Muay Chaiya have proven to be an excellent means for weight loss, contributing significantly to my overall fitness and well-being. The holistic benefits of Muay Chaiya, spanning from combat readiness to personal health, have thoroughly impressed me, making my training experience under Kru Lek truly transformative.
After several years of training Muay Chaiya under the guidance of Kru Lek in Bangkok, I am compelled to share my profound conviction in the effectiveness and versatility of this martial art style. Muay Chaiya, with its unique approach and techniques, has not only prepared me for the rigors of ring competition but has also equipped me with practical self-defense skills that are invaluable in real-world scenarios. Moreover, the physical demands and training regimen of Muay Chaiya have proven to be an excellent means for weight loss, contributing significantly to my overall fitness and well-being. The holistic benefits of Muay Chaiya, spanning from combat readiness to personal health, have thoroughly impressed me, making my training experience under Kru Lek truly transformative.
Hong KongBlue LiGraphic Designer
When I took my first Muay Chaiya lesson. I wasn't good at sports, but after some time of training, I noticed improvements in my body coordination and better control of my emotions. It boosts my confidence and has a positive impact on both my personal and professional life. I highly recommend giving it a try if you're interested.
When I took my first Muay Chaiya lesson. I wasn't good at sports, but after some time of training, I noticed improvements in my body coordination and better control of my emotions. It boosts my confidence and has a positive impact on both my personal and professional life. I highly recommend giving it a try if you're interested.
在我第一次接觸到 Muay Chaiya 古泰拳猜吔的訓練。經過一段時間的訓練，從不擅長運動的我注意到我的身體協調能力和對情緒的控制有所改善。它提升了我的信心，對我的個人和職業生活都有積極的影響。如果你有興趣的話，我強烈推薦你試試看。
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Frequently asked questions
Muay Chaiya is a versatile fighting style that incorporates both attack and defense techniques. It emphasizes the importance of defense to enhance the effectiveness of our attacks. Through proper practice, we can learn to seamlessly attack and defend at the same time. Despite its defensive focus, Muay Chaiya is a well-rounded martial art that prepares practitioners for any situation.
Muay Chaiya is an authentic and original style of Muay Thai, which is known for its comprehensive approach. It incorporates simultaneous defense and immediate counterattacks, delivering techniques with precision and care. However, these aspects have been neglected in modern-day Muay Thai. The emphasis in modern Muay Thai is on using physical strength rather than durable techniques. As a result, the elegance and beauty of the martial art are lost. Hence, the main difference lies in the techniques employed.
Muay Chaiya is open to both men and women. At "Baanchangthai," we have a significant number of women and girls who train in Muay Chaiya. Our student community includes children, teenagers, students, and adults, with a reasonable representation of women.
The suitability of learning Muay Chaiya for older individuals depends on their overall health. We have had students as young as 5 years old and as old as 70 years. However, it is important for each individual to be in good health and listen to their body during training. Rest when tired and don't push too hard. The body will adjust over time.
You can definitely learn Muay Chaiya at "Baanchangthai" even if you have no background in martial arts. We place great importance on teaching the fundamentals and believe that mastering the basics is crucial. We understand that some students may not have prior experience, and they need not worry about falling behind. Learning other martial arts beforehand does not necessarily accelerate progress in Muay Chaiya. However, by being diligent, hardworking, persevering, and persistent, you can achieve success in a shorter period of time.
The extent of hindrance may vary depending on your level of training in the other fighting style. It is important to give yourself time to adjust to the new approach in Muay Chaiya. However, if you are able to mentally separate the two styles, it should not pose a significant obstacle.
The applicability of Muay Chaiya in ring competitions depends on the student's intentions. If the goal is to improve health, fitness, and self-defense skills, Muay Chaiya can certainly contribute to these aspects. However, if the intention is to compete in the ring, Muay Chaiya can also provide a syllabus specifically tailored for ring competitions, taking into account the necessary adjustments to comply with the rules and regulations of the game. Many martial arts students who practice Muay Chaiya have successfully participated in both amateur and professional fights by adapting to the requirements of the sport.
People often wonder, is muay boran real? The term "Muay Boran" was coined in 1970 to distinguish it from modern Muay Thai, which includes Western boxing techniques. Muay Chaiya has gradually integrated some Western boxing elements, but whether it is regarded as a form of "Muay Boran" is subjective and depends on personal interpretation.
Like any other martial art, different teachers bring their own unique interpretations and improvements to the techniques. They all share a common foundation rooted in fundamental exercises. So even though each teacher may have their own way of executing the techniques, they ultimately connect back to similar roots and practices. In this way, the various styles and adaptations of Mauy Chaiya enhance its versatility and ensure it continues to evolve over time.
You don't need to speak Thai to learn Muay Chaiy; many of our international students, who don’t know the language, successfully master the art. At Baanchangthai, we have instructors available who can communicate in English to support you.