Muay Korat Uniform
The attire of Muay Thai Korat fighters consists of wearing shorts and a loincloth rolled and tied around the waist, extending between the legs up to the waist. They do not wear shirts or shoes and wear a Mongkhon on their heads at all times during the fight. The Mongkhon is considered an important talisman for fighters, and according to ancient Muay Thai tradition, the fight would immediately stop if the Mongkhon of either side fell off. Additionally, a triangular cushion with ropes tied to its three corners was used instead of a “Krachap” (a protective device for the genital area). They also wore Pra Jiad, which are cloths inscribed with yantras and magical symbols, often taken from the garments of respected individuals who had undergone consecration or teacher-honoring ceremonies, these talismans, tied around the upper arms, served as protective. amulets (Nai Khaya, 1994).
In Wai khru ceremony, Thai boxing trainer instructs the disciples on how to braid raw threads into a Mongkhon, and may also teach them to create Pra Jiad. Following this, a consecration ceremony is performed. After the disciples pay respect to their teacher by offering a tray of betel nuts, incense, and candles, Thai boxing trainer will bestow the Mongkhon upon the disciples who have completed their training by personally placing it on their heads.
In the Muay Korat hand-wrapping technique, Muay Korat trainers soak raw thread in rice water to increase its hardness compared to normal, which helps protect against injury from impacts and strengthens the area wrapped around the fists. The raw thread is tied in alternating knots along the fists until it reaches almost the elbows. The length of the raw thread is approximately 20 to 25 meters. (Chao Wathayotha, 2022)
Hand wrapping can indicate the boxer’s style of using punches and elbows and reveal their boxing school. Muay Korat, which focuses on wide kicks and punches, wraps the thread almost up to the elbows. Muay Lopburi, specializes in straight punches, wraps the thread only halfway up the arm. Muay Chaiya, which is adept at using elbows and arms, wraps the thread slightly beyond the wrists, primarily to prevent sprains or strains. (Department of Physical Education, 2018)