Who's Who in
Krabi Krabong
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Krabi Krabong is a
Thai weapon-based martial art closely related to Burmese Banshay and
Malay Silat.
Aside from weapons,
Krabi Krabong incorporates unarmed techniques as well. The
empty-handed form is kick-based but also uses pressure points,
locks, holds, and throws. The weapons techniques include training in
these weapons:
* Krabi, sword
* Plong, staff
* Ngao, bladed staff
* Daab Song Mue, two swords, one in each hand
* Mai Sawk, or Mai Sun Sawk, a pair of clubs which are worn on the
forearms.
Krabi Krabong was originally the art of fighting with weapons as
taught by the Siamese army. Its origins are closely connected to
martial arts from several other countries. As with similar styles
like Silat and Banshay, the influence of Chinese and Indian styles
on Krabi Krabong can be readily seen. For example, in the key
technique of spinning the weapon in one hand while walking in a
circular pattern is also fundamental move in kalarippayattu.
Archeological findings show that the Thais once used more weapons
than are found in Krabi Krabong today. After Ayutthaya sacked Angkor
in Cambodia, their customs were brought into Thailand. However,
Ayutthaya was then conquered by Myanmar and many irreplaceable
archives and records were destroyed. Only from folk dances can the
multitude of weapons in Krabi Krabong be seen. Arms like the keris
and spear no longer survive in Thai weapon styles. The last
influence came during the founding of the Chakri dynasty. Revolts
broke out as the king began flogging monks and anyone else who
crossed him and even having some of his wives executed on false
charges. The Japanese emperor understood the situation and sent
1,000 ronin to Siam to prevent a civil war. Krabi Krabong bears many
similarities to Japanese bojutsu such as in the stances and
judo-like throws.
The foremost school of Krabi Krabong today is the Buddhai Swan Sword
Fighting Institute, in Thailand, which was led by the Grand Master
Ajarn Sumai until his death in 1998.
Khru Ajarn Pramote Mesamana studied Krabi Krabong from the age of 6
from his father Semai Mesamana. This tradition of teaching father to
son has a long history line of Noble warriors going back to the time
Ayuttya. Today at 68 he runs the Buddhai Sawan Krabi Krabong in Lad
Prao. The Royal family of Thailand has given him permission to teach
the Thai Army and to promote Krabi Krabong. His U.K representative
is Paul Whitrod
Krabi Krabong Links
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