Muay Lao (Lao: ມວຍລາວ, lit. "Lao boxing") is a combat sport from Laos based on ancient Lao martial arts. It incorporates punches, kicks, elbow, and knee strikes. It can be traced back to the 15th century when it was used for military combat during the Lan Xang dynasty. It is similar to Muay Thai from Thailand and Pradal Serey from Cambodia. Muay Lao was an event at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane.
The bouts are five rounds and each round is three minutes.
The martial art is related to other forms of martial arts found in other parts of the Angkor cultural sphere including Pradal Serey in Cambodia and Muay Thai in Thailand.
Recent History
The country is recovering from the Cold War. Muay Lao is enjoying revival in part to the actions of the Lao Sports Association.
Three Lao boxers reach the gold medal match at the 32nd SEA Games.
Traditional style
Traditional style is called Muay Lai Lao. Lao boxing comes from an ancient boxing style known as "Mas Lak Hang". The martial art used to be performed at different festivals such as the fireworks festival. People referred to this martial art in ancient times as "tiger tail boxing".
See also
- Lethwei
- Muay Boran
- Muay Thai
- Pradal Serey
- Tomoi
- Bokator
References
External links
- Vientiane Times
- Vientiane Times-Provincial kick-boxers challenge city counterparts
- Vietnam Royal Tourism
- Former national kick-boxer returns for Vientiane event
- Laos in pictures
- Lao boxing video
- Muay Lao, the forgotten art of kickboxing - from GoAbroad.net
- UNESCO ICM Muay Lao
