46 Muay Thai terms explained, including nak muay, teep, clinch, wai khru and mongkol, each with a one-line English meaning.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Muay Thai, check out our article on the top Muay Thai brands.
Half of Muay Thai terminology is Thai and the other half is gym English, and both get used in the same sentence in camps from Bangkok to anywhere else. A trainer will call for a teep and then for the clinch without switching languages. The words related to Muay Thai below cover the eight striking weapons, the gear and the ritual, and the words associated with the fight itself sit alongside them. Where a Thai term has a plain English equivalent, the Muay Thai glossary gives both.
Must-Know Muay Thai Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Clinch
- Elbow strike
- Kick
- Knee strike
- Nak muay
- Roundhouse kick
- Teep
- Thai pad
- Wai khru
- Yodmuay
- Anklet
- Bag work
- Cornerman
- Fairtex
- Fight shorts
- Gong
- Hand wraps
- Kru
- Mongkol
- Muay boran
- Neck wrestling
- Prajioud
- Ram muay
- Shin guard
- Spar
- Sweep
- Tie up
- Uppercut
- Wai
- Ring
Muay Thai Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Ajarn | A senior teacher, a step above kru in respect. |
| Anklet | The stretch fabric sleeve worn over the ankle for support and a little protection. |
| Art of Eight Limbs | The common description of Muay Thai, counting fists, elbows, knees and shins as eight weapons. |
| Bag Work | Drilling strikes on the heavy bag, for power, timing and conditioning. |
| Camp | A Muay Thai gym, and also the training period leading up to a fight. |
| Check | Lifting the shin to block an incoming leg kick. |
| Chok Dee | Good luck. The everyday phrase called out to a fighter before a bout. |
| Clinch | Close-range control of the opponent's head and arms, from which knees and elbows are thrown. |
| Cornerman | The coach or assistant who works the corner between rounds, giving instructions and treating cuts. |
| Cut Kick | A low kick thrown into the leg as the opponent steps in, to take their base away. |
| Elbow Strike | A short-range strike with the point of the elbow, the main cause of cuts in the sport. |
| Fairtex | A Thai equipment brand and training camp, widely known for gloves, pads and fight wear. |
| Farang | The Thai word for a foreigner, used in the gym without offence. |
| Fight Shorts | The short, wide-cut satin or nylon shorts worn for training and competition. |
| Gong | The sound that opens and closes each round. |
| Groin Guard | The hard cup worn under the shorts, compulsory in competition. |
| Hand Wraps | Cloth wrapped around the hand and wrist under the glove to hold the joints together. |
| Kao | The Thai word for knee. |
| Kick | A strike with the foot or shin, thrown at leg, body or head. |
| Knee Strike | A strike with the knee, thrown from range or, more often, out of the clinch. |
| Kru | The teacher. A senior instructor may be addressed as Ajarn. |
| Low Kick | A roundhouse kick to the outside or inside of the opponent's thigh. |
| Mongkol | The woven headband worn for the pre-fight ritual and removed by the trainer before the bell. |
| Muay Boran | The older Thai fighting systems from which modern Muay Thai developed. |
| Muay Femur | The technical, tactical fighting style built on timing and defense rather than power. |
| Muay Khao | The knee fighter's style, based on pressure and clinch work. |
| Muay Mat | The heavy-handed style that leans on punches and low kicks. |
| Nak Muay | A Muay Thai fighter. A foreign fighter is a nak muay farang. |
| Neck Wrestling | Clinch work aimed at controlling the opponent's head to set up knees or throw them off balance. |
| Prajioud | The armbands worn on the biceps, given by the fighter's gym and worn as a blessing. |
| Ram Muay | The individual dance a fighter performs in the ring before the bout, part of the Wai Khru. |
| Ring | The roped square the bout is fought in. |
| Rope Skipping | The standard Muay Thai warm-up, done long and steady before pads and bag work. |
| Roundhouse Kick | The circular kick that lands with the shin, thrown by swinging the whole leg through the target. |
| Shin Guard | Padding worn over the shin in sparring to protect both fighters. |
| Sok | The Thai word for elbow, heard in trainers' calls for elbow strikes. |
| Spar | Controlled practice fighting with a partner, at agreed intensity. |
| Sweep | Taking the opponent's base away with the foot or shin so they go down, legal in Muay Thai. |
| Te | The Thai word for kick. |
| Teep | The straight push kick, used to keep distance or break an opponent's rhythm. The name means foot jab. |
| Thai Pad | The long forearm pad a trainer holds to take kicks, knees and punches during rounds. |
| Tie Up | Getting hold of the opponent in the clinch to stop their movement or set up a strike. |
| Uppercut | A rising punch to the chin or body, thrown from below. |
| Wai | The Thai gesture of respect: a small bow with the palms pressed together. |
| Wai Khru | The ritual performed before the fight to honour teacher, family and tradition. |
| Yodmuay | A fighter of high standing, the word used for a champion or a master of the sport. |
#1 Clinch
In Muay Thai, the clinch is a grappling technique that involves close contact with the opponent, controlling their posture with your hands and arms. This position allows knee strikes and attempts to unbalance the opponent.
#2 Elbow strike
The elbow strike is a close-range move in Muay Thai using the point of the elbow to deliver a powerful blow. It can target various areas, such as the head or body, and is known for causing significant damage and cuts.
#3 Kick
A kick in Muay Thai is a fundamental technique involving striking the opponent with the foot or shin. Kicks can be directed at the legs, body, or head and vary in type, such as roundhouse or teep kicks.
#4 Knee strike
The knee strike is a potent Muay Thai maneuver where fighters use their knee to hit the opponent. It can be delivered from different positions, including the clinch, and aiming for the body or head.
#5 Nak muay
A “Nak muay” is a practitioner of Muay Thai, often referring to someone training or fighting professionally. “Nak muay farang” indicates a foreign Muay Thai fighter.
#6 Roundhouse kick
The roundhouse kick is a circular striking technique in Muay Thai, where the practitioner swiftly swings their leg around to land either the shin or the top of their foot against the opponent.
#7 Teep
The teep is a fundamental Muay Thai technique often likened to a front kick or push kick in other martial arts. It is used defensively to maintain distance or disrupt an opponent’s advance and offensively to push the opponent back and set up other attacks.
#8 Thai Pad
A durable, cushioned training tool worn on the forearms of a trainer or training partner, used for safely absorbing the impact of a fighter’s strikes during practice. Thai pads are essential for honing accuracy and power in Muay Thai techniques.
#9 Wai Khru
An elaborate pre-fight dance ritual performed by Muay Thai fighters to pay respects to their trainers, the sport’s traditions, and spiritual beliefs. The Wai Khru is as much a part of the fighter’s mental preparation as it is a cultural performance.
#10 Yodmuay
A title given to a Muay Thai fighter who has achieved a high level of skill and respect within the sport, often referred to as a “champion” or “master.” Yodmuay are celebrated for their prowess and contribution to Muay Thai.
#11 Anklet
A stretchable fabric sleeve worn around the ankle by fighters, Anklets provide support and warmth to the ankle joint and lower leg during training and bouts. They also offer a level of protection and can be part of the fighter’s personalized gear.
#12 Bag Work
Drilling techniques on a heavy punching bag, bag work is a fundamental part of Muay Thai training, improving a fighter’s striking power, timing, and endurance. It’s a key workout for honing combat skills without a partner.
#13 Cornerman
In Muay Thai, as in boxing and other combat sports, the cornerman is a coach or assistant responsible for advising the fighter between rounds, providing strategic guidance, and tending to any injuries or fatigue the fighter might be experiencing.
#14 Fairtex
Fairtex is a well-known brand and training camp based in Thailand, recognized globally for producing high-quality Muay Thai equipment and apparel, including gloves, pads, and fight wear. Fairtex also has a reputation for training successful Muay Thai fighters and promoting events.
#15 Fight shorts
Fight shorts in Muay Thai are specially designed shorts worn by fighters during training and competition. These shorts are typically made of lightweight, durable fabric to allow maximum mobility and comfort.
#16 Gong
The gong signals the beginning and end of each round in a Muay Thai fight. Its loud resounding sound is integral to the rhythm and traditions of the sport, marking the critical moments of rest and combat.
#17 Hand wraps
Fighters use hand wraps to support the wrist and knuckles, providing protection during training and fights. They help to prevent injuries by keeping the hand tight and aligned when delivering powerful strikes.
#18 Kru
A Kru is a respected teacher or master in Muay Thai, responsible for training and instructing fighters. The term signifies not only skill in the martial art but also leadership and wisdom.
#19 Mongkol
The Mongkol is a traditional headband worn by Muay Thai fighters during the pre-fight ritual (Wai Khru). It is believed to bring good luck, protection, and spiritual guidance.
#20 Muay Boran
Muay Boran is the ancient form of Thai martial arts from which modern Muay Thai evolved. It’s a more diverse combat system that includes techniques not allowed in competitive Muay Thai today.
#21 Neck wrestling
A form of clinch work in Muay Thai where fighters try to control their opponent’s head using the neck to gain a dominant position. This can set up strikes or dictate the fight’s pace.
#22 Prajioud
Prajioud are traditional armbands worn by Muay Thai fighters, typically made from pieces of fabric given by the fighter’s trainer. They are believed to carry symbolic blessings and protection. Fighters wear them during fights and ceremonial occasions like the Wai Khru (a ritual performed to honor one’s teachers).
#23 Ram muay
The Ram Muay is a traditional dance performed by Muay Thai fighters before a fight begins. This dance serves multiple purposes: it is a warm-up, a spiritual ritual to pay respect to the fighter’s trainers and ancestors, and a way to demonstrate grace and style.
#24 Shin Guard
Protective gear worn on the shins to prevent injury during training and combat; shin guards are essential for sparring sessions to reduce the risk of bruises or fractures.
#25 Spar
A form of training where fighters practice techniques and strategies with a partner in a controlled environment; sparring helps simulate real fighting conditions while minimizing the risk of serious injury.
#26 Sweep
A technique used to unbalance an opponent by striking or kicking their legs from under them; sweeps are a strategic way to bring an opponent to the ground and gain an advantageous position.
#27 Tie up
Refers to the action of grappling with an opponent in the clinch to control their movement or posture; it’s a pivotal component for setting up strikes or preparing for a takedown.
#28 Uppercut
A powerful, vertical punch that travels from the lower body upwards, typically aimed at the chin or torso; an effective uppercut can stun an opponent or even score a knockout.
#29 Wai
A traditional Thai gesture of respect that involves a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion; the wai is commonly used when greeting a kru (teacher), fellow fighters, or paying respect to cultural customs.
#30 Ring
The fighting arena bounded by ropes where Muay Thai bouts take place; the ring is a square platform that allows fighters to showcase their skills within a confined and controlled space.
FAQ
What is a Muay Thai fighter called?
A nak muay. A foreign fighter is a nak muay farang, and a fighter who has reached the top of the sport may be called a yodmuay.
Why is Muay Thai called the art of eight limbs?
Because it uses eight striking surfaces: two fists, two elbows, two knees and two shins. Boxing uses two, kickboxing four, and the extra elbows and knees are what set Muay Thai apart.
What is it called when Muay Thai fighters grapple in close?
The clinch. Fighters control the head and arms, called neck wrestling or tying up, and from that position throw knees and short elbows or sweep the other fighter off balance.
What is a push kick called in Muay Thai?
A teep. The Thai name means foot jab, and it is used the way a boxer uses the jab: to hold distance, interrupt an attack and set up something heavier.
What is the headband Muay Thai fighters wear called?
The mongkol. It is worn for the Wai Khru before the fight and taken off by the trainer before the first round. The armbands worn with it are prajioud.
What is the dance Muay Thai fighters do before a fight?
The Wai Khru Ram Muay. Wai Khru is the act of paying respect to the teacher, and Ram Muay is the fighter’s own dance around the ring. It also serves as a warm-up and a way to settle nerves.
Strikes (teep, roundhouse kick, elbow strike, knee strike, uppercut), the clinch (tie up, neck wrestling, sweep), gear (hand wraps, shin guard, Thai pad, anklet) and tradition (Wai Khru, Ram Muay, mongkol, prajioud). All of them appear in the Muay Thai glossary above.
What are some Muay Thai terms for beginners?
“Clinch,” “Teep,” and “Roundhouse kick” are some Muay Thai terms beginners should start with. These basics cover key striking techniques and strategies in Muay Thai.
What are some funny Muay Thai terms?
While Muay Thai is generally serious, terms like “Teep” (a push kick that literally means “foot jab”) can bring a lighter tone to training sessions.
What is a famous Muay Thai phrase?
“Chok dee na krub/kha” is a famous Muay Thai phrase, meaning “good luck” in Thai, often heard before fights, encapsulating the sport’s spirit and camaraderie.
