Sai's Studio 2000 Muay Thai Alternative Fitness

The wai khru ceremony (pronounced [wâ?i k^(h)ru-?]) is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship. It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand. Wai khru has long been an important rite in the traditional martial and performing arts, as well as in astrology and other traditional arts; students and performers of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong, as well as Thai dance and classical music, will usually perform a wai khru ritual at their initiation as well as before performances to pay respect and homage to both their teachers and the deities who patronize their arts.

The Muay Thai fighter usually enters the ring by jumping or climbing over the top rope. Then, before the Ram Muay is begun, the Muay Thai fighter will usually walk around the ring, counter-clockwise, touching the rope, and offer a prayer in each corner. This seals off the ring from all outside distractions (evil spirits), and negative influences. The fighter then kneels down and bows three times to the direction of their Instructor or corner .During the Ram Muay the fighters wear a mongkon "Muay Thai Head Ring". The fighter may end the ritual by stamping their authority three times usually in her opponent's corner, thereby symbolically killing the opponent. Or, alternatively they may end the Ram muay with a gesture which looks like they are killing their opponent with a bow and arrow..(fight ending).