Muay Thai is not just a martial art it has a deep and rich spiritual culture that people outside of the sport don’t often understand. Whether it be the Waikhru (Ram Muay) before the beginning of every bout or the Mongkhon worn by the fighters in the ring.
To a person that is unfamiliar with Muay Thai and its Culture the Mongkhon is often just seen as the headband everyone wears but to the person wearing it means so much more. The Mongkhon is a blessed headband that we wear to give us protection for our battle ahead.
The Mongkhon is always kept somewhere high and treated like a sacred object often gyms will have one Mongkhon that every fighter wears to bring luck and protection for all those past and present who wear it. Some fighters will have their own Mongkhon that is presented to them by their Teacher (Kru).
The Mongkhon will sometimes have amulets or pieces of cloth that hold special significance to the gym. The Mongkhon that our Oceanic fighters wear has an amulet that was given to me by Leon Fuller a former fighter who often helps and assists with preparing our fighters. I personally have my own Mongkhon that has given to me by Marco and Fiona it has a Bushido cross sown into the front as well as a small piece of cloth tied to the back from Brad Rooskovs 2nd Degree Gi.
I have these because it holds a special place in my heart the Bushido represents my fighting spirit that I take into every fight. The piece of Brad’s Gi that is tied to the back is symbolic of a man that has always been a driving and stoic force within my martial arts journey and will always protect those who represent Oceanic. The Mongkhon should always be treated with honour and respect and is just one small piece of the spiritual art and culture of Muay Thai.
Coach Dan