The Muay Thai Dance - the Wai Kru

This unposed first shot of a few of our youngest Muay Yings brought to mind the Muay Thai Wai Kru - loosely translated to "Respect for Teacher" (or Ra Muay - translated to "Boxing Dance") as it's sometimes called.

Fighters open with this dance before fight and while it isn't so common outside of Thailand, in the Land of Smiles, it is considered an essential ritual.

Unlike what some people think, the Wai Kru doesn't have to be associated with any religion. It is a way to show respect for your gym, your trainers, your opponent and your loved ones - who could be your family OR a religion if you choose.

Fighters who don't perform a Wai Kru could be viewed as being disrespectful, although in all likelyhood, they are more likely to not know or understand the history and traditions behind it. If a fighter does not know how to perform a Wai Kru or is shy, they can simply "seal the ring" by walking around with their right hand on the ropes and bowing to each of the corners.

The Wai Kru itself does not have to have specific movements or duration as each camp can have a different style. This can range from very simple, to more showy - fighters such as John Wayne Parr even have a signature move they like to show off during the dance. They usually last between three to five minutes although Buakaw has been known to go a full 18 minutes - but then who would dare to yawn during the White Lotus' Wak Kru is braver than us!

This shot of some of our youngest students may be un-posed, but it reminds us of young Muay Yings conducting the “Beautiful Boxer” Wai Kru!

A fighter performing the Wai Kru wearing Muay Boran traditional dress. Photo from Lola Land Photography.