What does Muai / Muay mean?

The free translation of the term Muai or Muay describes entangled hair, which was braided in a tuber. In the further use of this term it describes a “wrestling of two people”. Over time, this term has evolved into a fixed description of a stand-up fight with fist, foot, knee and elbow as bodily weapons.

Muay and Muai

The difference between the term in Thai pronunciation and the description does not reveal any acoustic distinction as in the written translation. Today, a distinction is made between MUAI as martial art (sub-discipline of the Pahuyuth) and Muay as a combat sport (see Muay Thai).

Combat sport (Muay) is determined by competition rules, so the scope of fighting techniques for sporting purposes is limited. This is not the case in the Pahuyuth martial art (MUAI).

Thai

The additional term “Thai” originated from the distinction to international boxing (see Muay Sakon) and was introduced very late in time. The addition “Thai” refers to Thailand as its origin.

Recommended glossary entries

  1. Muai-Thai Studio
  2. Trick Technique (Gon Muai)
  3. Muay Farang
  4. Muay Khao
  5. Muay Tae

Recommended Blog Posts

muai muay thai thaiboxing thai no sports comparison featured 2022

No sports – The differences between MUAI and Muay Thai

We are often asked where the differences between MUAI and the Thai national sport Muay Thai (Thaiboxing or Muay Veti) are located.
Read more
Muay Thai and Olympic Olympic Games sports disciplines

Muay Thai and Olympia?

On this page we share an archival text written in 2000 AD (just before the Sydney Summer Olympics) and published on our old website.
Read more
Pahuyuth thai tv reportage about the muay muai thai studio in berlin 1981 kanal 10

TV report about the Muai-Thai Studio (1981)

,
On this page we share a TV report and report of the Thai state television (channel 10) about the Muai-Thai Studio from 1981.
Read more