Krabi-Krabong Intro:

Krabi-Krabong is a martial art using traditional weapons from Thailand.

Origin: Thailand.

History:

Krabi-Krabong is a traditional Thai martial art still  practiced in Thailand.

This tradition focuses on hand-held weapons as well as empty hand techniques.

Specifically the:

·          "Krabi" (sword) 

·          "Plong" (quarterstaff) 

·          "Ngao" (staff with blade in the end) 

·          "Daab Song Meu" (a pair of swords held in each hand) 

·          "Mae Sun-Sawk" (a pair of clubs)

 Although for most Thais Krabi-Krabong is a ritual to be display

 during festivals or at tourist venues, the art is still solemnly 

 taught according to a 400-years-old tradition handed down

 from Ayutthaya's Wat PutthaiSwan.

 The King's elite bodyguards are trained in Krabi-Krabong;

 many Thai cultural observers perceive it as a "purer" tradition.

 Like Muay Thai of 70 years ago, modern Krabi-Krabong

 matches are held within a marked circle, beginning

 with a "Wai Kruu" ceremony and accompanied

 throughout by a musical ensemble. Thai boxing techniques

 and judo-like throws are employed in conjunction with

 weapons techniques. Although sharpened weapons are used,

 the contestants refrain from striking their opponents – the

 winner is decided on the basis of stamina and the technical

 skill displayed. Although an injured fighter may surrender,

 injuries do not automatically stop a match.