Myanma Lethwei

Myanma traditional boxing (Myanma Lethwei) is the national art of self-defence which stimulates hereditary courage and the national spirit. As all the Myanmar nationals can hold, boxing matches in every region in Myanmar, the traditional boxing becomes the national art of self-defence. It is the heritage not only owned by one national but by all the nationals of Myanmar.

Myanma traditional boxing is the high standard of fighting art without weapons. The traditional boxing match is man to man fighting. Thus, it is regarded as manliness. In an ancient saying, if a man has no tattoo marks, he is regarded as womanish. So also, if a man does not know the traditional boxing, he is regarded as a sissy.

At the time of ancient Myanmar kings, traditional boxing matches were held in grand scale. Pictures of a man standing on his head, wrestlers and dancers can be found on the wall of a cave near Bagan. The pictures of the two wrestlers are vivid. Both are stout and they look like real sportsmen. It is assumed that boxing might have developed in the Bagan era.

The boxers of pre war period could break bamboo poles with their fists and they were able to hit certain marks on the face. They could fight tirelessly from sunrise to sunset to get high reward to get the champion's flag (Alan Lu Pwe).

After the independence in post-war period, Myanma traditional boxing revived as the national heritage. The Boxers, mostly farmers, kept the Myanma traditional boxing alive. Twenty of Myanmar top boxers were sent to Thailand in 1955 and to China in 1960 to participate in the boxing matches held there.

In the past, the boxing matches were held on the ground of about 24 feet wide. The ground was covered with sand or husks of paddy. Nowadays, the boxers fight in the ring which is 20 feet wide. They wear only short pants and the top is tied by longyi of triangle shape. Their hands are bandaged. There are two referees in the ring and three judges on the bench (Khone Daing). Myanmar traditional music is being played while they are fighting.Various spirits are worshipped before the match is started for a successful ending.

Myanma traditional boxing is an art of fighting and self-defence. When a boxer fights his opponent he can tactfully use his feet, hands, knees, elbows and head. (Nine weapons) Therefore, the famous old boxers said that there were nine entering hits and nine defending. They said that fists were to blow, elbows to make a side thrust, head to hit, feet, knees and forearms to strike.

Thus, by preserving and practicing Myanma traditional boxing, patriotism and union spirit are strengthened and uplifted. Besides, there are many advantages to be developed which are good character, health and fitness, self-confidence, safety at work, defense of the country and Myanmar young people's love for their country.

The Rules of boxing matches

In the past the rules and regulations of Myanma traditional boxing matches are varied in accordance with different regions. But at present the rules and regulations observed and practiced by the boxers are the same through out Myanmar.

Now, Myanma traditional boxing matches are held as " Gyar Pwe" (interim boxing match), "Alan Lu Pwe" (Boxing match to get champion's belt and " Sein Khaw Pwe" (Boxing match of challenge) according to the size of the festivals.

The competitors must strictly follow the rules and regulations mentioned below –

1. The competitors must have a medical check up and those medically unfit will not be admitted.

2. They have to dress neatly and their hair and nails have to be cut.
They have to get on the stage from the prescribed corner in prescribed manner.

3. There must not be any hard things under the bandages and in the socks. If these are found, the boxer will be expelled and action will be taken against him.

4. Oil must not be used on the Body more than necessary and chili style ointment must not be used.

5. At the beginning of the match, every competitor has to demonstrate his style of fighting.

6. He can worship in accordance with his faith but it must not be against the national culture.

7. Team leaders or trainers and judges must arrange the competitors to be matched so that they cannot be wounded.

8. The two competitors must not fight each other until the ring referee allows them to do so.

9. They must stop fighting if the referee shouts "halt" or show with hand or foot.

10. If a boxer falls down while fighting, he must be lying flat on the floor.

11. The boxers must not scratch, bite, pull the hair and kick the groin area of each other.

12. If they are holding each other for a long time, the referees must stop the match.

13. If one of the two boxers steps back and gives up, the match must be stopped.

14. If one boxer falls and lies flat on the floor, he must not be attacked. If he is attacked, the attacker will lose the match.

15. If the two boxers are pretending to fight, the referees must stop the match and take action against them.

16. If the referees and judges ask one of the boxers to give up the fight, he must willingly accept it.

17. Boxers must compete according to three conditions ie one will lose because of fear, give up the match because of injury, because of the inability to fight any more.)

18. Referees and judges must advise the number of rounds.

19. Boxers must not sleep, look back and run round in the ring. If the does not pay attention to the frequent warnings of the referees and judges, he will be declared as a loser.

20. In the interim matches (Gyar Pwe), the boxers must compete three rounds of three minutes for each round, If there is no winner the match will end in a draw. If one boxer falls down, referees will take care of him for two minutes. After that he becomes the loser.

21. In the matches to get the champion's belt (Alan Lu Pwe), the boxers must compete on three conditions, Kyauk Shone (lose because of fear), Kwe Shone (lose because of injury) and Thet Lone Shone (because of inability to fight any more). If there is no winner, the match must be continued another thirty minutes. If one of the boxers has injury cut and bleeds, it must be approved by the doctor he cannot continue to fight.

22. If one boxer falls down in the Alan Lu Pwe, the referee will take care of him. If he falls down and can't get up after three calls for challenge, he will be declared the loser.

23. In 5 rounds match Sein Khaw Pwe, the boxers must compete in five rounds of three minutes fighting and three minutes of rest. They are allowed to extend the rest time to six minutes only once during first 3 rounds. If one boxer is wounded during first 3 rounds, he can win the match with the approval of the doctor and the decision of the referees and the competition jury.

24. In 7 rounds match Sein Khaw Pwe, the boxers must compete in seven rounds of three minutes fighting and three minutes of rest. They are allowed to extend the rest for six minutes once in first 6 rounds. If one boxer is wounded during first 6 rounds, he can win the match with the approval of the doctor and the decision of the referees and competition jury.

25. In 10 rounds match Sein Khaw Pwe, the boxers must compete in ten rounds of three minutes fighting and three minutes of rest. They are allowed to extend the rest for six minutes once in first 7 rounds. If one boxer is wounded during first 7 rounds, he can win the match with the approval of the doctor and the decision of the referees and competition jury.

26. In 12 rounds match Sein Khaw Pwe, the boxers must compete in twelve rounds of three minutes fighting and three minutes of rest. They are allowed to extend the rest for six minutes once in first 8 rounds. If one boxer is wounded during first 8 rounds, he can win the match with the approval of the doctor and the decision of the referees and competition jury.

Boxers must observe the rules and regulations laid down by the Myanma Traditonal Boxing Federation and boxing matches are being held in accord with our tradition.