Lethwei, often called the “Art of 9 Limbs,” is a traditional martial art from Myanmar that has gained widespread recognition for its raw, aggressive, and highly effective techniques. The sport is similar to other Southeast Asian striking arts like Muay Thai but is distinguished by the use of an additional weapon—the head—making it a “9-limbed” martial art. While the term “9 limbs” gives an immediate insight into its distinguishing features, understanding why this designation is appropriate requires a deeper exploration of Lethwei’s techniques, history, rules, and cultural context.

To understand why Lethwei is called the “Art of 9 Limbs,” it’s important to first explore its historical roots. Lethwei is one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world, with a history that dates back over one thousand years. It has been a core part of Burmese (Myanmar’s) military training and self-defense traditions, evolving alongside the country’s culture and history. It developed as a means of self-protection and later became a popular form of entertainment at local festivals and public gatherings.

Traditionally, Lethwei fights were brutal contests that took place in open fields or village squares. The sport was deeply intertwined with Burmese culture and rituals, and fighters would prepare for battle with offerings and blessings from monks. The ultimate aim was not just to win but to demonstrate courage, resilience, and strength. Unlike modern combat sports that involve padded gloves and protective gear, Lethwei fighters fought with bare knuckles, no shin guards, and most notably, headbutts were allowed. Lethwei was practiced in relative isolation within Myanmar until recent decades when the sport began to receive international attention, thanks to the rise of global mixed martial arts (MMA) and interest in traditional combat systems. As it gained popularity outside Myanmar, the unique feature of “9 limbs” became one of its key marketing points, drawing comparisons to the “8 limbs” of Muay Thai, which only allows strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and feet.

In combat sports terminology, the limbs are metaphors for the anatomical tools that fighters use to strike their opponents. In traditional boxing, for example, only the fists (two limbs) are used, whereas in Muay Thai, fighters use both fists, both elbows, both knees, and both feet, thus earning the label of an “8-limbed” art. Lethwei goes a step further, with fighters using their heads as an additional weapon in addition to the other eight points of contact, making it a “9-limbed” martial art. This headbutt, the ninth limb, is the primary feature that distinguishes Lethwei from Muay Thai and other similar striking arts. While other martial arts might prohibit or severely limit the use of headbutts due to the risks of injury, in Lethwei, they are encouraged and often used as a devastating tool in close-range combat.

The inclusion of the head as a striking weapon reflects Lethwei’s emphasis on all-out aggression and a complete arsenal in hand-to-hand combat. Headbutts in Lethwei are not just random, desperate moves; they are practiced with precision and are part of the fighter’s calculated strategy. The use of the head enables fighters to attack an opponent at close range where other limbs may be less effective.

There are several reasons why the head, as the ninth limb significantly alters the fight game in Lethwei. In close-quarters combat, the fists and elbows can be limited by space and positioning. A well-placed headbutt can be extremely effective when fighters are in clinches or grappling, areas where Lethwei fighters excel. The head is used to break the opponent’s guard or strike the chin, nose, or forehead, often causing disorientation or cuts. Headbutts are less common in most combat sports due to strict rules against them, which makes them a surprising and often unexpected attack for opponents who are unfamiliar with Lethwei. A sudden headbutt can catch an opponent off-guard, especially in transitional phases of the fight. The human skull is one of the hardest parts of the body, and using it as a weapon can lead to significant damage. Lethwei fighters learn how to target specific areas of their opponent’s face or head, aiming to cause cuts or even concussions. The force generated by a headbutt can be as damaging as a punch or elbow, making it a potent weapon in the fighter’s toolkit.

In Lethwei, the headbutt carries symbolic value. Historically, it has been a move that demonstrated the warrior’s fearlessness and willingness to engage in a brutal, no-holds-barred contest. The head is often considered the most sacred part of the body in many Southeast Asian cultures, and using it as a weapon reflects the fighter’s all-encompassing commitment to the fight.

While the head is the distinguishing feature, the other eight limbs in Lethwei are just as important, and the combination of all nine makes for a complete, versatile, and dangerous fighting style. Punches are a critical part of Lethwei’s striking arsenal. Fighters use jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts to attack the head and body. However, unlike modern boxing, Muay Thai and other southeast Asian boxing methods, Lethwei fighters are ungloved or wear only minimal hand wraps, which increases the likelihood of cuts and more impactful strikes. Elbow strikes are particularly useful at close range, and in Lethwei, they are used not only to strike the opponent but also to defend against punches. Elbows can cut an opponent open and are often thrown in a slicing motion, making them one of the most dangerous limbs in a Lethwei fighter’s repertoire. Knees in Lethwei can be delivered in the clinch or from a standing position. Fighters use knees to attack the opponent’s body or head, especially when they are tied up in a clinch. The knees are a powerful tool for wearing down an opponent’s midsection, leading to knockouts by body strikes. Kicks are a major aspect of Lethwei’s strategy, with fighters using both low kicks to attack the legs and high kicks aimed at the opponent’s head. The shin is commonly used for striking, and kicks can be used to maintain distance, as well as to deliver devastating blows to the head, ribs, or legs.

Another significant feature of Lethwei that sets it apart from other combat sports is its bare-knuckle tradition. Unlike Muay Thai or other striking sports where fighters wear padded gloves, Lethwei combatants traditionally fight with their hands wrapped in cloth or hemp, leaving the knuckles exposed. The absence of gloves increases the impact of punches but also carries a higher risk of injury, both for the fighter and their opponent. Bare-knuckle fighting changes the dynamic of striking in several ways. Without the protection of gloves, Lethwei fighters must be more selective with their punches. Wild, reckless swings are less common because they can lead to broken hands. Fighters learn to pick their shots and aim for vulnerable areas.The exposed knuckles make it easier to cause cuts, especially when combined with the use of elbows and headbutts. In a Lethwei match, cuts and blood are common, and many fights are stopped due to significant damage inflicted on a fighter’s face.

Bare-hands also provide important advantages in the Lethwei clinch. With improved ability to manipulate the opponent in the clinch, the Lethwei clinch affords significant technical and tactical options.

As Lethwei has gained international exposure, the rules have adapted somewhat to meet modern combat sports standards while still maintaining its brutal essence. In traditional Lethwei, there were no time limits, and fights continued until one fighter was knocked out or could no longer continue. Modern Lethwei has introduced rounds and referees to ensure fighter safety, although headbutts and bare-knuckle fighting remain integral to the sport. 

Lethwei’s global expansion has led to cross-training with other martial arts, including MMA and Muay Thai. Many Lethwei practitioners now compete in international combat sports, showcasing their “9-limbed” skills on the world stage.