Speak the Language of the Ring

step back, retreat

relaxed, at ease — the kru's call to loosen up

left

right

punch! / box

again

faster

harder, stronger

good

very good

rest

enough, stop

one

two

three

four

five

fist / punch

straight punch

hook

elbow

knee

straight knee

horizontal (cutting) elbow

upward striking elbow

diagonal (curving) knee

flying knee

kick

cutting (round) kick

push kick (the teep)

shin

catch, grab (a kick)

the guard (loanword, used in camps)

evade, slip

the clinch; lit. "to wrestle"

shadow boxing; lit. "punching the wind"

jump rope, skipping

round (of a fight)

win

lose

draw

the Thai bow of respect

the ceremony honoring one's teacher

the ritual dance performed before the fight

the sacred headband; lit. "blessing"

the blessed armband

the ritual fight music

Thai boxing

"ancient boxing" — the ancestor arts

the "mother techniques" — master principles

"cool heart" — composure under pressure

"hot heart" — the emotional, reactive fighter

the rope-bound fists of the ancient fights

generosity of spirit

boxer, fighter

teacher

master teacher

the technical, intelligent fighter

fight camp, gym

boxing stadium

the ring, the stage