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Krabi Krabong is a Thai weapon-based martial art closely related to Burmese Banshay and Malay Silat.

Krabi Krabong

Aside from weapons, Krabi Krabong incorporates unarmed techniques as well. The empty-handed form is kick-based but also uses pressure points, locks, holds, and throws. The weapons techniques include training in these weapons:

• กระบี่ Krabi, sword
• พลอง Plong, staff
• ง้าว Ngao, bladed staff
• ดาบสองมือ Daab Song Mue, two swords, one in each hand
• ไม้ศอก Mai Sawk, or Mai Sun Sawk, a pair of clubs which are worn on the forearms.

Krabi Krabong was originally the art of fighting with weapons as taught by the Siamese army. Its origins are closely connected to martial arts from several other countries. As with similar styles like Silat and Banshay, the influence of Chinese and Indian styles on Krabi Krabong can be readily seen. For example, in the key technique of spinning the weapon in one hand while walking in a circular pattern is a also fundamental move in kalarippayattu.

Archeological findings show that the Thais once used more weapons than are found in Krabi Krabong today. After Ayutthaya sacked Angkor in Cambodia, their customs were brought into Thailand. However, Ayutthaya was then conquered by Myanmar and many irreplaceable archives and records were destroyed. Only from folk dances can the multitude of weapons in Krabi Krabong be seen. Arms like the keris and spear no longer survive in Thai weapon styles. The last influence came during the founding of the Chakri dynasty. Revolts broke out as the king began flogging monks and anyone else who crossed him and even having some of his wives executed on false charges. The Japanese emperor understood the situation and sent 1000 ronin to Siam to prevent a civil war. Krabi Krabong bears many similarities to Japanese bojutsu such as in the stances and direct movements.

The foremost school of Krabi Krabong today is the Buddhai Swan Sword Fighting Institute, in Thailand, which was led by the Grand Master Ajarn Sumai until his death in 1998.

Grandmaster Khru Ajarn Pramote Mesamana started Krabi Krabong at the age of 6 from his father Semai Mesamana.This tradition of teaching father to son has a long history line of Noble warriors going back to the time Ayuttya. Today at 68 he runs the Buddhai Sawan Krabi Krabong in Lad Prao. The Royal family of Thailand has given him permission to teach the Thai Army and to promote Krabi Krabong. His U.K representative is Paul Whitrod

• Banshay
• Muay Thai
• Silat

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