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Krabi-Krabong
According to The Martial Arts Encyclopedia by Jennifer Lawler, Krabi-Krabong is Thailand's art of sword and staff fighting. Krabi-Krabong is a combination of native Thai fighting methods, and Chinese, Japanese and Indian martial arts techniques. A weapons system that is hundreds of years old, its weapons are made of wood such as rattan. In competitions, adversaries take turns attacking and defending similar to a programmed or step sparring, making recurring contact.
Still being practiced in Thailand, Krabi-Krabong is a traditional martial art that uses hand-held weapons and empty hand techniques. In particular, Krabi-Krabong uses Krabi (sword), Plong (quarterstaff), Ngao (staff with a blade in the end), Daab Song Meu (a pair of swords held in each hand) and Mae Sun-Sawk (a pair of clubs).
For most Thais, Krabi-Krabong is customarily displayed only during festivals or at tourist places. However, the art of Krabi-Krabong is still being taught in accordance with the four-centuries-old tradition that has been passed on from Ayutthaya's Wat PhtthaiSwan. The King's cream-of-the-crop security personnel are trained in Krabi-Krabong. In addition, a number of people who have interest in Thailand's culture regard Krabi-Krabong as a "purer" tradition.
Today's Krabi-Krabong competitions are conducted inside a circle, similar to Muay Thai of 70 years ago. Krabi-Krabong competitions start with a "Wai Kruu" ritual and a musical ensemble accompanies the fights all throughout. During a Krabi-Krabong fight, opponents can be seen using Thai boxing techniques and judo-like throws in addition to weapons techniques. Sharp weapons are used in Krabi-Krabong but they are not used to strike opponents. The victor is declared based on the endurance and technical skill he demonstrated. Injuries will not automatically end a Krabi-Krabong fight unless the fighter who gets injured chooses to surrender.
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