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Burmese Boxing Once Banned
Returns with Brutality

New York Times - June 7, 1970

RANGOON, Burma, June 6 (Reuters)—When Burmese boxers go into action, the band strikes up and Western fighters step quietly out of the way. This sport, once banned for its brutality, is making a rugged comeback with a range of kicks, elbow jabs, knee blows and head butts that would horrify ringside fans in other parts of the world. Burmese boxing is a vicious combination of wrestling, box ing, judo, karate and acrobatics set to persistent rhythmic music. The whole range of assault tactics could be the excuse for an all‐consuming brawl, but beneath the rough play a careful code of ethics governs the gladiators. There are no clear rounds with rest periods in between, but when the first drop of blood is shed, the fight comes to a end and the winner is declared.

Two Referees Needed

A fighter can get a breath er at any time by raising his hand or tapping his opponent’s back. No fighter will start an attack until the other man says he is ready. It takes two referees to make sure that all the rules are kept. Attacks are so fast that no one man could keep an eye on the whirling fighters, say the referees. As the tempo of the bout quickens, so does the musical accompaniment, rising and falling in close harmony with the boxer’s movements. Burmese boxing boasts nine techniques for in‐fight ing and nine for disentanglement. The boxer can fight with any part of his body from his head to his toes. The only techniques barred are eye‐gouging, biting, hair pulling and blows in the groin. 

Rankings by Skill

There are no weight categories. As in judo, boxers are ranked by skill, and nimble midgets meet lumbering heavyweights in equal contests. When the British ruled Burma, the sport was sup pressed, and it degenerated into a sideshow attraction at out‐of‐the‐way pagoda festivals. Now the nationalistic government of General Ne Win is reviving the sport. At the climax of Independence Day celebrations earlier this year, hundreds of fans clamored outside Kennedy Point Stadium after all tickets had been sold for championship fights. In a tournament, fighters can collect three prizes, known as flags. The first flag carries a prize of up to 300 kyat (about $60).

Purse Often Shared

But the winner is expected to share his purse with the other contestants in his class. Only in a “grudge fight” will he keep his winnings to himself. The loser is then usually carried off to a hospital with cracked ribs, a bruised face or concussion from the most deadly technique of the sport, the high kick. The hand, known as the saing, which has been whip ping up the tempo of the fight in a fury, finally goes wild as the winner cavorts around the ring in an exult ant victory dance. Access more of The Times by creating a free account or logging in.

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An Introduction to Myanmar

What is Lethwei?

Myanmar Traditional Boxing, or Lethwei, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most aggressive and powerful martial arts. With a history spanning over a thousand years, Lethwei is a distinctive form of Southeast Asian combat also known as the “Art of 9 Limbs.” This name reflects its use of a wide array of techniques, including headbutts, bare-fist punches, kicks, elbows, knees, clinches, throws, traps, and chokes.

Unlike other Southeast Asian martial arts such as Muay Thai in Thailand, Kun Khmer (Pradal Serey) in Cambodia, or Muay Lao in Laos, Lethwei’s unique approach incorporates an exceptionally broad arsenal of techniques. Its bare-knuckle fighting style and allowance of headbutts set it apart, creating a dynamic and raw combat sport with fewer restrictions. This uninhibited rule set enables Lethwei fighters to utilize strategies and tactics unavailable in other martial arts traditions, offering greater freedom of expression while also increasing the physical risks involved.

The absence of gloves and inclusion of headbutting amplify both the impact and the danger of Lethwei. Fighters can cause significant damage through techniques like trapping, choking, and throwing—maneuvers often banned in other combat sports. The sport’s defining characteristics—its range of techniques, the distance at which they are executed, and the choice of impact areas—underscore the distinctiveness of Lethwei.

For the people of Myanmar, Lethwei is far more than just a combat sport; it is a vital aspect of the nation’s cultural heritage and a profound source of pride. Rooted in Myanmar’s history, Lethwei symbolizes resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of its people. As such, it holds a special place in the national identity and continues to be cherished as a living tradition that connects modern Myanmar to its ancient past.

Lethwei is often misunderstood by outsiders. Some incorrectly label it as “Thai Boxing with headbutts” or attempt to promote modified versions of the art that dilute its authenticity. These interpretations fail to grasp the essence of Lethwei, which is deeply entwined with the history, culture, and people of Myanmar.

Authentic Lethwei is practiced in many gyms and clubs across Myanmar, each with its own unique approach to training and technique. Despite these variations, all share a common foundation rooted in the official rules and traditions of the sport. Practitioners and enthusiasts should remain vigilant against the spread of “pseudo-Lethwei,” which misrepresents the true spirit of this martial art.

Lethwei’s unrestrained nature and profound cultural significance distinguish it as one of the most unique and respected fighting arts in the world. For those who seek to understand its essence, Lethwei offers not just a lesson in combat but a deeper connection to the soul of Myanmar.