The Instructor Preparation Program

Thut Ti Lethwei Global, to achieve its mission of recognizing, honoring, and preserving the legacy of Thut Ti Lethwei, seeks to develop well-trained Thut Ti Lethwei students and teachers. For those interested in teaching Thut Ti Lethwei, Thut Ti Lethwei Global offers a comprehensive Instructor Preparation Program designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training required to become a certified Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor. This program is structured into four progressive instructor levels, ensuring a clear pathway for growth and mastery.

Developed under the leadership of renowned Lethwei Sayar Win Zin Oo, founder and coach of the Thut Ti Lethwei Club and the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Advisory Team, the program emphasizes a systematic approach to learning, teaching, and promoting Thut Ti Lethwei. The focus is on developing high-caliber instructors who embody the values of excellence and integrity in their instruction and representation of this ancient martial art.

The journey toward Level 1 Instructor (Sayar Aasint Dit) begins with enrollment as an Instructor Candidate. Candidates may enter the program through one of three pathways:

Thut Ti Lethwei Global Student Pathway: This pathway is for those indivduals who are starting from the ground up, transitioning from a student to an Instructor Candidate. This pathway is designed to prepare individuals who have completed the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Student Training Program. The Student Pathway follows a ground-up approach for Thut Ti Lethwei Global students who may have an interest in teaching Thut Ti Lethwei. Instructor Candidate training for the Student Pathway will provide the training and education necessary to prepare the student to teach Thut Ti Lethwei. The goal is to produce quality Thut Ti Lethwei Sayar.

Advanced Placement Pathway: This pathway is for experienced kickboxing teachers and practitioners seeking to integrate Lethwei into their repertoire. The Advanced Placement Pathway is structured to prepare veteran kickboxing/martial arts instructors in Thut Ti Lethwei. Thut Ti Lethwei Global acknowledges an individual’s prior learning, teaching, coaching, and competitive experience in kickboxing, combat sports and martial arts. For those individuals with the appropriate previous training and teaching experience, the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Preparation Program offers an accelerated, advanced placement program for these qualified individuals. The goal is to produce quality Thut Ti Lethwei Sayar.

Direct Instruction Pathway: This pathway is designed for students who are receiving direct Thut Ti Lethwei instruction through Sayar Win Zin Oo. This pathway is designed to accommodate the personal students of Sayar Win Zin Oo who may have an interest in teaching Thut Ti Lethwei. Instructor Candidate training for the Private Student Pathway will provide the training and education necessary to prepare the student to teach Thut Ti Lethwei. The goal is to produce quality Thut Ti Lethwei Sayar.

Upon completing the preparation phase and achieving Level 1 Instructor certification, individuals are authorized and encouraged to teach the Thut Ti Lethwei Global curriculum in their clubs, schools, gyms, or private lessons. This curriculum can be offered as:

  • A dedicated Thut Ti Lethwei class,
  • A component of an existing martial arts or kickboxing program, or
  • One-on-one instruction tailored to individual students.

Thut Ti Lethwei Global
Instructor Levels

Instructor Candidate
Pathways

Instructor Candidate
Prerequisite Techniques

Instructor Candidate
Prerequisite Combinations

The Advanced Placement Pathway

Thut Ti Lethwei Global recognizes and values the diverse kickboxing and martial arts backgrounds individuals bring, including their learning, teaching, coaching, and competitive experiences. In alignment with this philosophy, Thut Ti Lethwei Global offers an Advanced Placement Pathway within its Instructor Certification Program. This specialized track provides a streamlined opportunity for qualified individuals to become certified instructors in Thut Ti Lethwei. It is designed for those with substantial prior experience in training and teaching kickboxing or related martial arts who aspire to share the art of Thut Ti Lethwei with others.

The Advanced Placement Pathway significantly reduces the time required to earn Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Certification. Admission and placement within the Thut Ti Lethwei Global program are determined through a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s prior training, teaching, and competitive accomplishments in recognized kickboxing disciplines.

To be eligible for the Advanced Placement Pathway, candidates must meet the following minimum requirement: at least five years of documented experience in training, teaching, coaching, and/or competing in a recognized kickboxing art. Examples of qualifying disciplines include, but are not limited to:

  • Muay Thai/Thai Boxing
  • STX Boxing
  • Inosanto Blend Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do
  • Savate
  • Bando Kickboxing
  • Sanda
  • Inosanto Blend Panantukan

This pathway ensures that individuals with significant experience can bring their expertise to Thut Ti Lethwei while upholding the high standards of the art.

The advanced placement assessment process is tailored to each candidate’s unique background and qualifications. To begin, interested individuals will submit documentation and supporting materials detailing their prior training, teaching, and competitive history. These materials help establish the foundation for the individual’s eligibility. Following the submission, candidates participate in a in-person review conducted by Sayar Win Zin Oo, alongside select members of the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Executive Team. This interview allows for an additional evaluation of the candidate’s experiences and alignment with the program’s standards.

Once a candidate’s qualifications are reviewed and deemed suitable for advanced placement, they will be accepted into the program as a Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Candidate. This pathway exemplifies Thut Ti Lethwei Global’s commitment to fostering excellence by recognizing and building upon an individual’s prior achievements and expertise. 

Individuals interested in participating in the Advanced Placement Pathway in the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Preparation Program should contact the Thut Ti Lethwei Global team by clicking HERE.

Thut Ti Lethwei Global Academy Disclaimer

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Thut Ti Lethwei Global
Instructor Levels

Instructor Candidate
Prerequisite Techniques

Shown is the list of prerequisite kickboxing techniques required for admission to the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Program as an Instructor Candidate.

The individual must be able to demonstrate required techniques from both leads.

  1. standard guard/fighting position
  2. forward / back step (shuffle)
  3. sidestep (side shuffle)
  4. step through, forward & backward
  5. pivot, clockwise & counterclockwise
  6. cross over, forward & backward
  7. cross behind, forward & backward
  8. switch step (thai)
  9. jab
  10. cross
  11. hook, lead & rear
  12. uppercut, lead & rear
  13. overhand, lead & rear
  14. push kick, lead & rear
  15. round kick, rear
  16. long knee, rear
  17. horizontal elbow, lead & rear
  18. diagonal down elbow
  19. reverse (spinning) elbow, rear
  20. clinch position with cup grip
  21. clinch push knee, lead & rear
  22. clinch crescent knee, left & right
  23. clinch – head turn take down, left & right
  24. clinch – foot sweep, left & right
  25. leg check, lead & rear
  26. slip, inside & outside
  27. bob & weave, inside & outside
  28. cover & roll, lead & rear

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.