Lethwei is often called boxing, but this is merely a nod to tradition. The assertion that the people of Myanmar have revered their traditions for centuries is absolutely true, as is the fact that this mixed martial art from Myanmar is popular not only in its capital but far beyond.
History
Lethwei has several distinct "relatives" among the martial arts of Southeast Asia. These include Tomoi from Malaysia, Pradal Serey from Cambodia, and, of course, Muay Thai from Thailand. All of these styles trace their origins back to the skills ancient settlers from China and India used to resolve their disputes.
Burmese boxing itself owes its existence to a national form of hand-to-hand combat that, according to chronicles, appeared as far back as 1044. The ancient warriors of Myanmar would defeat their enemies using techniques from Lethwei, Bando, and Banshay (the armed version of Bando). This ancient martial art could be described as a mix of Muay Thai with technical maneuvering, footwork, and headbutts.
To this day in Myanmar, Burmese boxing is taught according to all the ancient traditions with the same tenacity as their ancestors. The training regimen for modern boxers is intense, and fighters are taught special techniques to develop incredible power with minimal effort.
Lethwei Technique
While Muay Thai is known as the "Art of 8 Limbs" (fists, elbows, knees, and feet), Lethwei could be called the "Art of 9 Limbs," as it also permits the use of the head. In this regard, Thai boxing takes a backseat—Burmese boxing is significantly tougher and more extreme. Lethwei fighters are typically larger than their Muay Thai counterparts.
The strikes in Lethwei are very heavy and are delivered slightly slower than in kickboxing and other Southeast Asian martial arts. Lethwei fighters compete without gloves or protection, wrapping only their hands in coarse cloth bandages (sometimes wraps are also used on the knees). They fight barefoot, but may wear special open-toed foot coverings to absorb sweat.
Rules of Lethwei
The rules of Lethwei are similar to those of Muay Thai; however, in addition, fighters can use headbutts, grappling, and take the fight to the ground. Traditionally, Burmese boxing matches were held outdoors, not in a ring, though recently they have been organized in rings as well.
Favorite techniques in Lethwei include strikes with the feet, knees, head, fists, or open palms, as well as clinching and throws to transition to the ground. Furthermore, rules forbidding biting and applying pressure to certain body parts were only recently abolished.
Essentially, it is a mixed martial art where almost everything is allowed. Any part of the body can be a legitimate target, and strikes and techniques can be delivered in any manner. The most popular techniques are high kicks to the neck, powerful knee strikes to the face or head, roundhouse kicks to the ribs, and low kicks to the calves.
The fight in Lethwei begins with leg kicks and heavy, open-palmed slaps to the face, intended to draw blood. Afterward, fighters often engage in a clinch and use stand-up grappling techniques—holds, throws, and sweeps. When the fighters go to the ground, the fight is paused to allow them to get back on their feet. Punches are not highly valued and are mainly used to "soften up" an opponent. In the majority of confrontations, victory is achieved through elbow or knee strikes.
Progression of the Fight
Before the bout begins, each fighter performs a ritual dance in the ring called the Lekkha Moun, paying homage to the gods, from Buddha to the spirits Nat. The winner performs the same ritual after their victory. During the ritual (and sometimes during the fight), a small orchestra consisting of drums, cymbals, and bamboo clappers plays. The tempo and volume of the music change depending on the action in the ring. Traditionally, a fight lasts until one of the fighters is physically unable to continue. In the old days, draws did not exist. These are the principles of a true mixed martial art—only victory or defeat by knockout.
There was no points system whatsoever. Fights were often bloody, and fatalities were not uncommon. In modern contests, if a fighter is knocked out but recovers, they are allowed to continue fighting. This requires the ability to recover, defend intelligently, and withstand punishment.
Lethwei boxers dedicate significant time to body conditioning, preparing it to recover from severe blows. Modern Burmese boxing matches are held both in the traditional style and in a modernized format introduced in 1996, now called "Traditional Myanmar Boxing."
The modern style was developed with the aim of turning the art into a professional sport controlled by the country's government. The goal is to make Lethwei as popular worldwide as Muay Thai. Some Lethwei fighters have attempted to compete in kickboxing and Muay Thai competitions outside of Myanmar.
However, their extreme style and techniques were deemed unacceptable and have been outlawed in international competitions. Lethwei fighters find it difficult to adapt to any restrictions and have not managed to win major awards. A few Lethwei boxers compete professionally in Thailand, though with mediocre success.