Today we had another day of orientation focusing on teaching in Laos. However, the most interesting part of my day was when we went to a local Muay Lao gym owned by Christina P.’s cousin.

Muay Lao Fighting Style

Muay Lao is an ancient style of combat in Laos that uses punches, kicks, and elbow and knee strikes. The word “Muay” comes from the Sanskrit word “Mayya” which means “boxing.” Muay Lao is also sometimes referred to as Lao kickboxing.

Muay Lao was originally used for military combat in Lan Xang, a Lao kingdom that existed from 1353 to 1707. When Lan Xang’s rule ended, this style of fighting remained in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. In Thailand this style of fighting is called Muay Thai and in Cambodia it is called Kbach Kun Pradal Khmer. There are no stylistic differences between Muay Lao, Muay Thai, and Kbach Kun Pradal Khmer, except they are practiced in different countries under different names.

Muay Thai is more well-known and widely recognized than Muay Lao due to Thailand’s strong influence on how Southeastern Asian culture is perceived abroad.

Watch this video with international Muay Thai action star Tony Jaa to see what this fighting style looks like!

Notice how Tony Jaa uses his elbows, knees, and shins to deliver brutal attacks.

Practice at the Gym Today

Today we met with Christina P.’s cousin Thuy to learn about the basic strikes of Muay Lao like punching combinations, different types of kicks, and elbow and knee strikes. We practiced twisting our core and turning into each punch to add power behind our strikes and delivered punching combinations. We also kicked pads with our shins and did exercises to improve our footwork. I struggled with knee and elbow strikes, but I’ll only get better with more practice!

Thuy mentioned that we should run 10 to 20 km (6 to 12 miles) to develop the cardio needed for Muay Lao. I could certainly feel myself getting tired and losing good form as the class went on, and I’m sure running would help build stamina. We are going back next Monday for another class. We had so much fun engaging with Lao culture and martial arts in a new way!

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)