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제목 [아시아] Lethwei

  • 조회수
    427
  • 작성일
    2020-12-22
  • 첨부

© ICM, 2018

Name Lethwei, Lethawae
Alternative Names Burmese boxing
Origin Myanmar
Main Techniques Mixed (Striking, Grappling)
Weapons N/A
Purpose of Practice Close Combat
Type of Origination Transmitted
Degree of Sportification
Yes (Year: )      No
General Information Lethwei is a Burmese kick-boxing similar to Muay Thai. It allows almost all unarmed techniques, including kicks, punches, head-butts, knee and elbow strikes. It is different to Muay Thai in that they do not wear gloves and just wrap their hands to protect their fists.
History/Development Historical records of lethwei can be found at the murals of Bagan Pagoda in Bagan, suggesting lethwei existed over a thousand year. In feudal times of Myanmar, there was an occupation called ‘lethwei fighter’ who was paid to practise lethwei professionally. It is known that a famous lethwei player Thar Han danced and performed the art before his match in the Ming Mindon period.
Since the British colonial rule in the 1880s, Lethwei was also known as an entertainment show for high-ranking British. After liberation, Lethwei recovered its status as a martial art and was introduced overseas. Some countries like Soviet Union expressed a particular attention to lethwei. Sports experts from Soviet Union learnt the art and introduced the art to their country. As a result, Russia and the post-communist countries had more than 100 training centres of lethwei. Eurasian lethwei challenge matches are held annually. Lethwei practitioners participate in fighting matches held in different countries like Germany, Australia, Japan, China, and others.
Transmission
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Additional Materials
References - ICM. (2018). “Final Report of Research into martial arts in five Asian countries: Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia” (세계무예 조사용역 최종보고서: 아시아 5개국(라오스, 미얀마, 베트남, 태국, 캄보디아).