Muay Thai fighters wear the Pra Jiad, armbands blessed by Buddhist monks to bring good luck. These symbolize a connection to family, gym, and tradition. Worn during matches, the Pra Jiad is part of the Wai Kru ceremony. While some western gyms use a ranking system, this isn’t traditional in Thailand.
Pra Jiad – Muay Thai Armbands
Pra Jiad are the traditional armbands worn by Muay Thai fighters, symbolizing the deep cultural and spiritual connections of the sport to Thailand. Muay Thai, with its rich history and ties to Thai Buddhism, reflects the nation’s legacy, including its role in the fight for independence through trained soldiers. The Pra Jiad represents a fighter’s connection to their family, gym, and heritage, continuing the traditions passed down through generations.
What is the Pra Jiad?
Pra Jiad are traditional armbands worn by Muay Thai fighters during bouts, often representing their trainer, gym, or personal significance. Blessed by Buddhist monks, these armbands are considered sacred and must not touch the ground or be stepped over. While they’re worn during fights, Pra Jiad aren’t used in training.
Alongside the Mongkon (headband), which is worn before the match, the Pra Jiad is part of the Wai Kru, a ritualistic prayer and dance. Once the Wai Kru ends, the Mongkon is removed, but the Pra Jiad remains on throughout the fight. Historically, they were made from fabric sourced from a fighter’s family, though today, they’re typically crafted from hemp or nylon.
While not mandatory, the Pra Jiad is worn by many international fighters as a sign of respect to Muay Thai traditions. Fighters like Buakaw and female champion Phayahong have worn them in international competitions, though they are not allowed in MMA or Olympic boxing. Foreign fighters, including legends like John Wayne Parr, Jonathan Haggerty, and others, often wear the Pra Jiad to honor the sport’s traditions. Unlike hand wraps or trunks, the Pra Jiad and Mongkon carry a deeper, sacred cultural meaning tied to Thai history and Buddhism.
How did the Pra Jiad originate?
The Pra Jiad has deep historical roots tied to Thailand’s fight for sovereignty, dating back to the conflicts between Siam (Thailand) and Burma from 1547 to 1855. During this period, Thai soldiers, trained in Muay Boran (the precursor to Muay Thai) and Krabi Krabong (armed combat), would tie a piece of their mother’s sarong around their arm before heading into battle. This piece of cloth, blessed by Buddhist monks, was believed to bring good luck and protection. This tradition has continued through the centuries and remains a significant part of Muay Thai culture.
Similarly, the Mongkon, a headpiece worn during Buddhist prayer sessions, was also part of the military tradition. It was worn by soldiers during battle after being blessed for good fortune. These traditions are integral to Muay Thai today, with both the Pra Jiad and Mongkon considered sacred objects. Once blessed, they are thought to bring luck and spiritual protection to the fighter.
The bond between a Muay Thai fighter and their family is also rooted in this tradition. Many fighters join the sport to support their families, with figures like Rodtang Jitmuangnon acknowledging the significant role his parents played in his success. The continued practice of wearing the Pra Jiad and Mongkon reflects this enduring connection between tradition, family, and fighter success in Muay Thai.
Pra Jiad Ranking System
In some western Muay Thai gyms, the Pra Jiad is used as a ranking system, similar to the belt systems in Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, or Judo. This practice is not traditional to Thailand, where the Pra Jiad holds cultural and spiritual significance rather than serving as a performance-based ranking tool.
The western adaptation starts with a white Pra Jiad and progresses through yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, and culminates with black. Some gyms even use variations of black for instructors, including black and white, red and black, and black and gold rankings.
This system is an invention of some western gyms to help students quickly understand their progression in Muay Thai, especially those familiar with other martial arts belt systems. Additionally, some gyms use it as a way to keep clients engaged, as it provides visible milestones. However, it’s important to note that this ranking system has no historical or cultural link to traditional Muay Thai practices in Thailand.
The link between Buddhism and Muay Thai
Muay Thai, while not a Buddhist tradition itself, is deeply intertwined with Buddhist ceremonies and teachings. The Wai Kru, a ceremonial dance, and the Pra Jiad and Mongkon, both blessed by Buddhist monks, reflect this connection. Historically, Buddhist monks played a role in training soldiers in Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong at temples, and Muay Thai matches were often held at Buddhist Wats (temples).
Every male Muay Thai fighter spends at least two weeks as a Buddhist monk during their lifetime, embracing meditation and spiritual reflection instead of daily training. Prominent trainer Ajarn Gae, who worked with stars like Superbon and Rodtang, exemplifies the connection between Muay Thai and Buddhism. After a career-ending injury, Gae spent ten years as a monk, furthering the bond between the sport and spiritual discipline.
The Pra Jiad, historically worn by warriors to symbolize their connection to family and home, continues to be blessed by Buddhist monks for good luck, preserving the traditions that link Muay Thai to Buddhism even today.
