12/09/2021
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRE-FIGHT MUAY THAI RITUALS
By Sean Fagan
In my opinion, being respectful should be one of your top priorities as a fighter and as a person. There are plenty of do**he bags who fight for the wrong reasons and act arrogantly whether it’s in the gym or in the ring.
Don’t be that do**hebag.
You know the type of person I’m talking about, right?
The one who takes sparring way too seriously in the gym and makes excuses, or states that he wasn’t trying when he gets tagged. He also loves to brag about his accomplishments (usually which are over-exaggerated or non-existent) and talk about himself whenever the opportunity presents itself.
This same do**he will enter the ring with zero background knowledge of the traditions of Muay Thai and show zero respect to his trainers, his opponent, and the sport as a whole. He will neglect all of the Muay Thai pre-fight rituals, showboat during a fight, and show little class after the fight regardless if he wins or loses.
To help you avoid becoming this person that everyone secretly wants to get knocked out, make sure you follow these tips and consider doing these pre-fight rituals before your next Muay Thai Fight:
Pre Fight Rituals and Other Muay Thai Traditions
Mongkon/Mongkol
The Mongkon (or mongkol) is a type of sacred headpiece worn by most Muay Thai boxers before fighting. Traditionally, a trainer will present it to you once he feels that you have trained hard, have prepared to fight, and have learned some of the culture behind certain Muay Thai traditions.
Most commonly you will see Mongkons which are made up of rope, thread, and silk material that are woven together. It is very common for most practitioners (whether Buddhist or not) to bring the headdress to a Buddhist monk who blesses the Mongkon with good luck.
As I was taught by my trainer in Thailand, the Mongkon is a symbol of your gym, your trainers, and your family. You wear it when you enter the ring to show that when you fight it’s not all about you, it is about the people around you who have helped you along your journey.
After you seal the ring and/or perform the ceremonial wai kru ram muay, your trainer will say a short prayer
