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| General Information |
Thaing means “self-defense” in Myanmarese. Thaing is a collective, umbrella term traditionally referring to all martial arts of Myanmar including Bando (unarmed), Banshay (weapon-based), Lethwei, Naban, and other fighting systems. As Lethwei has developed into a more distinct, bare-handed martial art similar to Muay Thai, Thaing is practised with a focus on Bando and Banshay. Naban, a wrestling style, is also making its own path establishing an association. |
| History/Development |
Thaing is known to be originated under Pagan Empire in the 8th century. It started as cane and stick fighting, which later developed into different forms using longer sticks and spears.
During the wars with the U.K. in the 19th century, Myanmar ended up under colonial rule of the U.K. Burmese soldiers, Thaing practitioners, tried to recover their country, but it was not possible against modern weapons. As they failed, Thaing teachers disappeared with the decline of the martial art and support for promoting it. During the colonisation, Thaing was in decline and prohibited by the government. In the late 19th century, some leading practitioners secretly taught and transmitted Thaing to disciples despite pressure from the authorities. |
Transmission
(Policies/institutions) |
Thaing has been distributed to different regions. In Europe, Saya Richard Morris recognised as European Grand Master by Myanmar Thaing Federation played a key role in nurturing French Thaing practitioners. |
| Relevant Organisations |
- All-Myanmar Thine Federation
- Myanmar Thaing Federation
- American Bando Association
- East-West Martial Arts/Bando Alliance
- International Thaing/Bando Association |
| Additional Materials |
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| References |
- Ok, G., Choi, S. K., Park, C, Park, K. H. & Kim, T. Y. (2018). “Research into martial arts in five Asian countries (Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia) – Final report (submitted to ICM)”. | | |
