Thailand’s Ancient Weapon Fighting Art: Krabi-Krabong

The ancient art of Krabi-Krabong is not taught at but a hand full of places in Thailand, however Tiger offers classes three times a week. Kru Waigoon “Oh“ Promsuwan is a bit of an institution here at Tiger Muay Thai, heading up the Krabi-Krabong classes at Tiger. Krabi Krabong is a weapons-based martial art originating in Thailand. It began with the Siamese military and was used by warriors on the battlefield, often alongside Muay Boran. Warriors fought for survival, thus combat techniques at the time were especially deadly, utilizing spears, swords, knives and arrows. When unarmed, Krabi Krabong employs a variety of strikes, locks, holds, kicks and throws as well. If weapons broke for example, battle would resume using these deadly unarmed techniques. Krabi Krabong is therefore not merely some weapons exhibition, but rather a complete battlefield art teaching principles of deadly combat. It can further be applied to everyday self-defense, using everyday objects as weapons.