{"id":13500,"date":"2022-01-03T16:28:31","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T16:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fightersvault.com\/?p=13500"},"modified":"2022-06-27T19:45:32","modified_gmt":"2022-06-27T19:45:32","slug":"lethwei-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fightersvault.com\/lethwei-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Lethwei Explained: The Brutal Martial Art Of Burmese Boxing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lethwei, or Burmese boxing, is a full-contact martial art from Myanmar that utilizes both stand-up striking and clinching techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lethwei is closely related to Muay Thai as the two martial arts share many similar techniques. But, Lethwei is known for being more brutal since fighters can use headbutts as a weapon and fight bare-knuckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we dive into the Burmese martial art of Lethwei and explore the history, traditions, techniques and famous Lethwei fighters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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The History Of Lethwei<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The martial art Lethwei dates back to the Pyu Empire<\/a> in Myanmar, which reigned from the 2nd century BC to the middle of the 11th century. Ancient Burmese armies used Lethwei during wars against neighbouring kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During ancient times, fights were also held for entertainment and were popular within every level of society. Participation was open to any male, and matches took place in sandpits instead of rings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lethwei fighters fought without any protective equipment, only wrapping their hands in hemp or gauze. There were no draws, and fights continued until one of the fighters was knocked out or could no longer continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the Gracie challenge<\/a>, Burmese boxing champions would enter the ring and call for open challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lethwei was modernized in the 1950s when boxer Kyar Ba Nyein formalized the rules and brought awareness of the sport around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, Lethwei has exploded in popularity due to increased exposure. Burmese boxing still has a reputation as one of the most violent combat sports globally.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Lethwei Techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"lethwei<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lethwei is commonly known as the “art of nine limbs” and is considered one of the most brutal martial arts in the world. Fighters can use various techniques, including punches, kicks, knees and elbows, and headbutts are also legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to Muay Thai<\/a>, Lethwei boxers can utilize clinching techniques to control and throw their opponents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What separates the two martial arts is the use of headbutts in Lethwei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headbutts are disallowed in most combat sports but are essential weapons in a Lethwei fighter’s arsenal. <\/a>This is why Lethwei is also known as The Art of 9 Limbs and has a reputation for being one of the most brutal martial arts in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a summary of the techniques used in Lethwei:<\/p>\n\n\n\n