Chao Phraya Muay Thai grading syllabus © Researched, developed & created by

Kru Shaun Boland Chief Instructor & founder for Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academies

& Kru Leigh Edlin Senior Instructor for Chao Phraya Muay Thai academy Lincoln

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 2. GRADING STRUCTURE

3. 1ST KHAN 4. 2ND KHAN 5. 3RD KHAN 6. 4TH KHAN 7. 5TH KHAN 8. 6TH KHAN

9. 7TH KHAN (Assistant Instructor) 10. 8TH KHAN (Instructor)

11. COMBINATIONS 12. THEORY ANSWERS

INTRODUCTION Historically the coloured belt system came from Japan when Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo, created a grading syllabus for his students and as a result the coveted Black Belt was created. Other styles and systems followed suit and you can now grade in most martial arts such as; Gung Fu, Taekwondo, Karate, Tang Soo Do and Ju Jitsu to name but a few. Traditionally there are no official grading systems used by the Thais in Muay Thai. The grades or ranks of Kru (instructor) Arjarn (master) and Bramarjarn (grand-master) are earned through years of dedication and commitment in the art of Muay Thai and the majority of these mentors have fought many professional fights to gain their status. Gradings in Muay Thai have been introduced to satisfy the requirements and needs of the Westerner for reward and merit. Our original grading syllabus was created by Kru Shaun Boland in 2001 allowing the student the opportunity to reach instructor status, but, more importantly, it offers them the chance to grow both physically and mentally in the art of Muay Thai. Students were graded every 3 months with the aim to reach instructor status within 3-4 years. The grading syllabus ran successfully for 5 years, however, in 2006 after much deliberation, Kru Shaun decided to completely restructure the syllabus. His decision was based upon several reasons. • A more comprehensive grading syllabus was required to reach the high standards of our academy • Certain elements of the old grading syllabus were not required • Students were rushing to learn their grades prior to the 3 monthly gradings and standards of technique were being sacrificed. • Students were missing gradings during the summer holiday season • Twice yearly gradings allow a better learning curve for the student So that the students can concentrate on the technical & theoretical elements of the grade it was decided to remove the fitness section. The student trains arduously throughout the year and therefore their fitness should already be an attribute when grading. The student who is unfit would, by default, not grade so the removal of the fitness section allows more time to be spent technically and theoretically. In addition, if the fitness section is too difficult it is hard to grade a student accurately if their techniques are blunted by exhaustion. After all, you would not do a 5 mile run, 100 push ups and 100 sit-ups prior to a fight! Gradings are held twice yearly and the student is assessed by either a senior instructor or the Chief instructor. The student is required to demonstrate good techniques showing correct balance, agility, speed and power in addition to understanding, discipline and heart. students wear the coloured Prajit (arm band) as a symbol of their rank and achievement. The re-structured syllabus is outlined below and it follows both traditional and modern aspects of Muay Thai including theory sections on Thai Language, culture and history.

GRADING STRUCTURE 1ST KHAN – WHITE PRAJIT PURITY – The mind is open to learning; the student takes the first steps towards learning balance, guard and stance and develops the basics of the 4 weapons of Muay Thai – kicks, punches, knees and elbows. Discipline and structure are introduced in this phase. 2nd KHAN – YELLOW PRAJIT SCHOLAR – The student now develops a base knowledge on how to combine the techniques, to add timing and rhythm. Development of clinch work and sparring is also enhanced. This phase introduces the student to Thai history, language & culture. The clinch game starts 3rd KHAN – ORANGE PRAJIT COMPETANCE – The student can now competently demonstrate techniques with confidence, showing balance, agility, speed and power. The first stages of the Wai Kru and Ram Muay are introduced in this phase. 4th KHAN – GREEN PRAJIT TECHNICAL – The student has now developed a technical understanding of Muay Thai and can demonstrate this in sparring. The student can also demonstrate the Wai Kru & Ram Muay of Chao Phraya Muay Thai. 5th KHAN – BLUE PRAJIT HARMONY – Both technical and academic knowledge can now be demonstrated by the student. The harmonious blending of knowledge and skill is developed in this phase and the student can demonstrate the balance of these attributes. 6th KHAN – BROWN PRAJIT FLUIDITY – The student can now demonstrate all aspects of Muay Thai showing skill, control, discipline, agility and heart. Fighting skills are honed and the student can demonstrate these within a competitive environment. 7th KHAN – RED/WHITE PRAJIT COMPREHENSION – The student now demonstrates clear understanding of both technical and theoretical knowledge Muay Thai and can teach and pass this knowledge on competantly and confidently to a class. This is the first stage towards becoming an instructor. Upon completion of this grade the student receives the status of Assistant instructor. 8TH KHAN – RED PRAJIT & RED MONGKON ENLIGHTENMENT – The student tests to become an instructor and demonstrates the ability to teach others. Knowledge of fighter training in addition to fighter preparation is required. The student must be able to demonstrate hand-wrapping, massage and corner-man/trainer skills. The ability to teach correct pad holding for both beginners and fighters is essential. At the end of this grade the student receives their instructor status. 9th KHAN – RED/SILVER PRAJIT & RED/SILVER MONGKON RESPONSIBILITY – The instructor runs their own school demonstrating discipline, knowledge and empathy. Training of fighters and organising fights for their Nak Muay is also required. At the end of this grade the instructor will be awarded senior instructor status 10th KHAN – RED/BLACK PRAJIT & RED/BLACK MONGKON DEVELOPMENT – This is the grade of the chief instructor and it is their responsibility to promote the continuing development of Muay Thai & Thai culture through their teachings.

1st KHAN – WHITE PRAJIT Basic Movement Demonstrate:-

Guard and stance.

forward, back and side movement Pad work Demonstrate:-

Round kicks

Push kicks

Jab and cross

Hooks

Upper cuts

Side elbows

Forward Knees Defence Demonstrate

Knee blocks (against round kicks)

guard defence against straight punches

Parry from front and rear teeps

Clinch Demonstrate:-

3 x different grips/holds

Moving opponent to left, right, forwards and backwards Sparring

3 x 1 minute rounds of Muay Thai sparring. (technical steady pace, very light contact)

Theory Answer or demonstrate the following:- · What is the correct name of our school in Thai? · What is the correct name of our school in English? · Demonstrate the wai position when paying respect to a teacher · Say hello in Thai · Say thank you in Thai · What does Muay Thai translate to? · Count to 10 in Thai

2nd KHAN – YELLOW PRAJIT Basic Movement Demonstrate:-

the walking guard

the circular step Pad work Demonstrate:-

Body punches

Cobra punches

Low kicks

Side teeps

Push knee

Spear (forward) elbows Defence Demonstrate:-

Guard defence against straight punches and hooks

Evasion against body and head kicks

Guard check and riposte Clinch Demonstrate:-

Standard tie up and knees from this position

Advantage Grip and knees from this position

Under-hooks and knees from this position Sparring Demonstrate 3 x 2 minute rounds of light contact “C class” Muay Thai sparring. Theory

· Translate the following: Shok, Madt, Sawk, Kow, Dhe, Tao · Translate the following: Kru, Arjarn, Bramarjarn · What does chock and yudt mean in a fight? · Translate quick quick into Thai · Count to 20 in Thai · Name the King of Thailand · What was Thailand previously known as? · What is the capital of Thailand? · From top to bottom, what are the colours of the Thai national flag? · What is the camp we train at in Chiang Mai called? · Who is the manager of the camp?

3rd KHAN – ORANGE PRAJIT Basic Movement

Demonstrate:- · forward back walking movement with leg blocks · standing inside and outside leg blocks

Pad work Demonstrate:-

- Upper cut elbows - Downward slash elbows - Clinching forward and slap/round knees - Diagonal Knees

Defence

Demonstrate:- - Guard defence against straight punches and hooks and uppercuts - Evasion from low kicks - Catching round kick and riposting - Parry push kicks and riposte

- Defence against Forward knees Clinch Demonstrate:-

- Slide clinch and knees from this position - Clinch turn (disengage) and knee - Swimming (chap kow)

Wai Kru/Ram Muay Demonstrate:-

- Entering the ring - Sealing of the ring ceremony - Wai Kru

Sparring Demonstrate 3 x 1 minute rounds of clinching Demonstrate 3 x 2 minute rounds of light contact “C class” Muay Thai sparring. Theory Answer or demonstrate the following

· Count to 30 in Thai · Demonstrate hand wrapping as used for training · Translate; wai kru, ram muay · Name the 3 musical instruments of Muay Thai music · Describe the meaning of the 3 colours of the Thai national flag · What is the capital of Northern Thailand

· Who sacked the Ancient capital of Ayutthaya? · How many rounds are there in a professional Muay Thai bout? · How long are the duration of rounds and the breaks between each round?

4th KHAN – GREEN PRAJIT Basic Movement Demonstrate:-

· Evasive footwork · 2 methods of Switching stance · Cross stitch movement

Pad work Demonstrate

- Jumping knee - Jumping teep - Back elbow - Back fist - Pad combinations 1 to 5

Defence Demonstrate

- Guard defence against straight punches and hooks and uppercuts - Mon Yan Lak – push kick defence from round kicks and punches (partner with belly

pad) - Teep catch ripostes (e.g. pull into knee/cross/takedown)

Clinch Demonstrate:-

· 3 escapes from the advantage grip · 2 take-downs

Wai Kru/Ram Muay Demonstrate:-

· Approaching ring rites · sealing of the ring ceremony · Wai Kru

Sparring Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work Theory • Name the legendary Thai Nak Muay famous for defeating 10 Burmese in competition during captivity • Count to 50 in Thai • What protective equipment is compulsory in full rules professional Muay Thai? • Name 3 UK Muay Thai camps • What is the main religion of Thailand? • What is the currency of Thailand? • Name the ceremonial head band worn by the Nak Muay and what is it for? • What are the ancient ancestor arts of Muay Thai called? • Translate Mae Mai & Luk Mai

5th KHAN – BLUE PRAJIT Basic Movement Demonstrate:-

· Attacking footwork · Side stepping

Pad work Demonstrate

- crocodile tail kick - Rear back kick - Teep to face - Teep to thighs - pad combinations 1 to 10

Defence

· Catch round kick and take down · Catch Teep and take down · High kick defence (3 point block)

Clinch Demonstrate:-

- knee bar - inner hip throw - 2 x elbows from clinch - 2 x clinch entries

Wai Kru/Ram Muay Demonstrate:-

- Approaching ring rites - Sealing of the ring ceremony - Wai Kru - Seated Ram Muay

Sparring Demonstrate 5 x 2 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work Theory Answer or demonstrate the following

· Wrap another person’s hands for training · What is the Thai name for grading band and what are they used for? · What is Thai for 100, 1000, 10000 and 1000000 · What is the ancient art of Thai massage in Thai? · What is the Thai name for the boxers liniment used in fighter massage? · What is the name for the Thai New Year? · How many judges are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?

6th KHAN – BROWN PRAJIT Basic Movement

· Demonstrate:- · Evasive & attacking footwork

Pad work

· Demonstrate 3 attacking combinations of choice

· Demonstrate pad combinations 1 to 15 Defence

· 2 x Defence from teep catches · 2 x Defence from round kick catches (eg. Knee bar)

Clinch Demonstrate:-

· 3x entries into clinch · inner hip throw defence · forward hip throw using head control · Controlling head to lower for striking

Wai Kru/Ram Muay Demonstrate:-

- Approaching ring rites & sealing of the ring ceremony - Wai Kru - Seated ram muay - Fisherman ram muay

Sparring Demonstrate 5 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work Additional Complete the following (outside of the grading) • Demonstrate pad holder with a partner for 3x3 minute rounds (fully padded with active instruction) • Take the warm up for one class

7th KHAN – RED AND WHITE PRAJIT (Assistant Instructor) Basic Movement

· Teach basic guard and stance · Teach Forward, side and back movement

Pad work

· Demonstrate pad combinations 1 to 20 · 30 repeat round kicks each leg · 100 straight knees on heavy bag

Clinch Demonstrate:-

- Take down from slap knees - How to take the back and score - 3 x releases - 3 x takedowns - 3 x elbows in the clinch

Wai Kru/Ram Muay Demonstrate:-

- Approaching ring rites & sealing of the ring ceremony - Wai Kru - Seated ram muay - Standing ram muay - Fisherman ram muay

Sparring

· Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include full Muay Thai (with elbow pads)

· Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of clinch work Additional Complete the following (outside of the grading):- · Teach one complete class · Demonstrate to a minimum of 10 students hand wrapping for class · Referee 3 rounds of sparring in a grading · Hold pads for a student over 5 x 3 minute round whilst giving instruction on technique . Complete one of the following courses:

· PAD-MAN · CORNER-MAN · JUDGING

·

8th KHAN – RED PRAJIT AND RED MONGKON (Instructor) Basic Movement As requested by examiner Demonstrate one of the Muay Boran forms Pad work

· 10 x 3 minute rounds free pad work with Chief or senior instructor (A greater standard of technique, power, speed, accuracy and timing will be expected than that shown in previous khan).

· 100 alternate repeat kicks · 100 clinch knees

Clinch Teach class:- Entry to clinch 3 x holds Movement Knees in clinch 3 Take-downs 3 Clinch releases Defence

· Teach a total of 10 x defensive techniques from the following: Kicks, Punches, elbows, knees, clinch (2 techniques each) Sparring Teach and control a sparring class

Additional Complete the following (outside of the grading)

· Must have competed in at least one interclub

Complete 2 of the following courses:

PAD-MAN

CORNER-MAN

JUDGING · Teach 5 x classes

Combinations 1. Jab, cross, rear diagonal round kick 2. Jab, cross, lead round kick 3. Lead Pecking kick, cross 4. jab, body punch, lead hook 5. rear faint round kick into teep, rear straight knee, rear side elbow 6. Cross, Lead body hook, low round kick 7. Lead body hook, lead hook, cross, lead uppercut, cross 8. Round kick, heavy cross/jab 9. Jab, faint body round kick, low round kick (submarine) 10. (assuming orthodox) Faint left teep, right round kick, left straight knee, right spear elbow 11. Rear Round kick, lead hook, cross, switch stance, rear round kick, lead hook, cross 12. Faint rear teep to high round kick, hook, cross, uppercut, cross, jab, cross 13. (assuming orthodox) clinch left knee x 2, step round right knee, push opponent away right round kick 14. Faint rear round kick into teep, 2 x lead repeat kicks, cross, cross stitch right of opponent left round kick 15. Lead (Stop) teep, rear (get rid) teep, jumping teep 16. Lead teep to thigh, rear jumping round kick 17. Faint lead round kick, spinning back elbow 18. (R 1) jab, cross, lead hook, rear round kick, lead hook, right low round kick, left knee, rear downward smash elbow 19. (R 2) Jab, rear downward smash elbow, lead skip knee, step past opponent with lead leg, turn back leg round, rear knee, left side elbow 20. (R 3) Jab, rear side elbow, lead downward smash elbow, push opponent back rear jumping elbow

THEORY ANSWERS

1st KHAN

What is the correct name of our school in Thai? = Kai Muay Chao Phraya Muay Thai What is the correct name of our school in English? = River of Kings Demonstrate the wai position when paying respect to a teacher Say hello in Thai = Sawatdee Khrup/Kah Say thank you in Thai = Khop kunekhrup/kah What does Muay Thai translate to? = Box Free Count to 10 in Thai NUNG SOHNG SAAM SEE HAH HOK JEDT BAHT GAO SIP

2ND KHAN

· Translate the following: Shok, Madt, Sawk, Kow, Dhe, Tao · = PUNCH, FIST, ELBOW, KNEE, KICK, FOOT · · Translate the following: Kru, Arjarn, Bramarjarn · = TEACHER, MASTER, GRANDMASTER · · What does chock and yudt mean in a fight? · = BOX, STOP · · Translate quick quick into Thai · = RHEO RHEO (LEWL, LEWL) · · Count to 20 in Thai · NUNG · SOHNG · SAAM · SEE · HAH · HOK · JEDT · BAHT · GAO · SIP · SIP ET · SIP SOHNG · SIP SAAM · SIP SEE · SIP HAH · SIP HOK · SIP JEDT · SIP BAHT · SIP GAO · YEE SIP

· Name the King of Thailand · = BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ · · What was Thailand previously known as? · SIAM

· What is the capital of Thailand? · BANGKOK (KRUNG TEP) · · From top to bottom, what are the colours of the Thai national flag? · RED, WHITE, BLUE, WHITE,RED · · What is the camp we train at in Chiang Mai called? · KAI MUAY LANNA (KIAT BUSABA) · · Who is the manager of the camp? · ANDY THOMSON

3RD

KHAN

· Count to 30 in Thai NUNG SOHNG SAAM SEE HAH HOK JEDT BAAT GAO SIP SIP ET SIP SOHNG SIP SAAM SIP SEE SIP HAH SIP HOK SIP JEDT SIP BAAT SIP GAO YEE SIP YEE SIP ET YEE SIP SOHNG YEE SIP SAAM YEE SIP SEE YEE SIP HAH YEE SIP HOK YEE SIP BAAT YEE SIP GAO SAAM SIP

· Demonstrate hand wrapping as used for training · · Translate; wai kru, ram muay · = TEACHER RESPECT, BOXERS’ DANCE · · Name the 3 musical instruments of Muay Thai music · PI JAVA, CHING, KLONG · · Describe the meaning of the 3 colours of the Thai national flag · RED IS FOR THE BLOOD OF THE NATION, THE PEOPLE · WHITE IS FOR BUDDHA – PURITY · BLUE IS THE ROYAL COLOUR REPRESENTING THE KING · · What is the capital of Northern Thailand · = CHIANG MAI ·

· Who sacked the Ancient capital of Ayutthaya? = BURMA (MYANMAAR) · How many rounds are there in a professional Muay Thai bout? = 5 · How long are the duration of rounds and the breaks between each round? 3 MINS & 2 MINS

4TH KHAN

Name the legendary Thai Nak Muay famous for defeating 10 Burmese in competition during captivity = NAI KHANOM TOM • Count to 50 in Thai AS 1-30 PLUS 31 = SAAM SIP ET SAAM SIP SOHNG SAAM SIP SAAM SAAM SIP SEE SAAM SIP HAH SAAM SIP HOK SAAM SIP JEDT SAAM SIP BAAT SAM SIP GAO SEE SIP SEE SIP ET SEE SIP SOHNG SEE SIP SAAM SEE SIP SEE SEE SIP HAH SEE SIP HOK SEE SIP BAAT SEE SIP GAO HAH SIP • What protective equipment is compulsory in full rules professional Muay Thai? GUM-SHIELD, PROTECTIVE CUP, BOXING GLOVES • Name 3 UK Muay Thai camps • What is the main religion of Thailand? THEREVADA BUDDHISM • What is the currency of Thailand? THAI BAHT • Name the ceremonial head band worn by the Nak Muay and what is it for? MONGKON, SYMBOLIC AS THE HEAD IS CLASSED AS HOLY AND WHERE THE SPIRIT LEAVES • What are the ancient ancestor arts of Muay Thai called? MUAY BORAN, MUAY KAAD CHERK, KRABI KRABONG, MUAY CHAIYA • Translate Mae Mai & Luk Mai MASTER TECHNIQUES, MINOR TECHNIQUES

5TH

KHAN

· Wrap another person’s hands for training · What is the Thai name for grading band = PRAJIT · What is Thai for 100, 1000, 10000 and 1000000 NUNG ROI, NUNG PAHN, SIP PAHN, NUNG LAAN · What is the ancient art of Thai massage in Thai? = NUAD BORAN · What is the Thai name for the boxers liniment used in fighter massage? = NAM MUAY · What is the name for the Thai New Year? = SONGKRAN · How many judges are there in a professional Muay Thai bout? = 3