The Oath used in the Wai Kru Ceremony

Although there may be some slight differences in the Ceremony with regards to the order of the Rituals and Buddhist prayers that are used, the following are the ones which are most commonly used in the I.M.T.F. During the Wai Kru Ceremony, each of the Trainees will Repeat the 'Age Old Oath' in Paying respect to the Masters (and Grand Masters) of Muay Thai. This is as follows:

"Today I pay homage to both bygone and living Muay Thai Masters. U-ga-sa, I invite all Grand masters of Muay Thai, such as -
Kru Gimiseng (Suntorn Taveesit)
Kru Ni-yom Tong-jit
Kru khet Sri-yapai
Kru Sudjai Cha-reon-rat
Kru Bua Ad-im
Kru Poon Pra-gan-chai
Kru Sa-waeng Si-si-bo
Kru Sa-mai me-sa-man
and Kru Sub Un-ta-go-sol'.

'I swear by this Oath to become their student and sincerely promise to abide by the Rules and Regulations, and give fidelity to my own Teacher. I will conscientiously try to preserve all the knowledge, skills and all the Traditional Rules and Practices which I shall learn'.

'In addition, once I have been trained by my Master, I will preserve the right to take the - pattern learned as my own. I sincerely promise not to be disrespectful to, insult, treat with contempt, nor take revenge on my Master, or students of my Master'.

In Muay Thai, the boxer will always preface the fight with Wai Kru and this tradition is still practised nowadays. This ceremony is usually performed to rousing Thai music from pipes and drums, and with the initial Ram Muay (the boxing movement). The Wai Kru & Ram Muay are useful, since the Boxer gains encouragement from paying homage to his Teachers and feels that he is not on his own: he has his Teacher & the other Teachers of the Muay Thai discipline to support him.

The Wai Kru process will also give him time to concentrate & revise what he has learned, as well as display the nature of his weapons and the high degree of his skill. The steps, movements & use of his weapons are designed to warm up the body's muscles, survey the field of play & conceal the contestant's style of fighting. When the traditional Sarama music sounds around the ring it is recognised by all who are present as a symbol of deference & respect. Prior to the fight, the music helps to urge the fighter on, and rouses his spirit until he is ready to face his opponent in the boxing ring in manly combat.

The accompanying photograph shows a number of the Mongkons placed in a ceremonial vessel ready for the presentation ceremony, with other special objects.

The Mongkon (Mangala) is the traditional Thai head band which is worn by Muay Thai exponents while paying respect to their teachers and carrying out the ritual dance prior to the contest. It is usually made from a special cotton yarn which has been bound together in a certain way. The Mongkon is a sacred object which a Master of Muay Thai has previously ceremoniously blessed at a special Teachers Homage Ceremony and can contain Sacred Buddhist items such as a picture and inscriptions. In the past (and sometimes at the present time) they have had a sacred amulet wrapped in them which a monk has said special prayers for. Ancient warriors & fighters used to wear the Mongkons before any bout of combat because they believed it would bring them good luck and enable them to win the fight. This tradition has carried on through, right upto the present time.