The First Muay Boran Book Ever

Baeprien Muay Thai is the first Muay Thai book ever published. It was written by Luang Wisan Darunakorn and published in 1923 as a coursebook for teaching Muay Thai in physical education classes. Only 1000 copies were printed, which is why even in its homeland it is a very rare work, which only a few possess. Gaawut Productions is proud to present the first English translation of this work, marking a milestone in the spreading of authentic Muay Thai worldwide.

About Luang Wisan Darunakorn

Luang Wisan Darunakorn around the year he wrote the book

Major General Luang Wisan Darunakorn (Aun Sarikbutr) was a Thai nobleman and major student of Muay and Krabi Krabong of Phra Chai Chok Chana (On) and Khun Yisan Suppayakorn (Sang Daab.)

He was the first teacher at the Suan Kulab Wittalayai School (the first physical education school in Thailand that would become the Department of Physical Education.) and later was the director between 1922 and 1934.

In 1923 he published "Baeprien Muay Thai" the first coursebook to teach Muay Thai in physical education schools. Aun Sarikbutr, therefore, influenced the most prominent masters and students of Muay in the first half of the 20th century.

He also produced one of the most extensive books on Thai astrology.

Luang Wisan Darunakorn the year of his death, 1949

Extract from the book

I solemnly extend my deepest respects to the Triple Gem, comprising the figures of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, along with heartfelt acknowledgments to the Devas, esteemed teachers, honorable parents, and the revered monarch, King Rama VI. I, Luang Wisan Darunakorn, with utmost dedication, present this comprehensive Thai boxing course book, meticulously designed to foster proficiency in both the physical and mental aspects of the students. Integrated into the physical education curriculum dates in 1923, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of martial arts education.

Introduction I have authored this Thai boxing coursebook intending to provide a comprehensive learning resource for male adolescents seeking proficiency in the enduring discipline of Thai boxing. I aim to perpetuate its longstanding popularity by emphasizing its significance as more than a mere exercise. Thai boxing demands a dedicated approach, as it entails engaging with real opponents, where any lapse in skill could lead to injury. It is crucial to approach this discipline with a commitment to rigorous practice, cultivating not only self-defense skills but also mental acuity, physical strength, and heightened agility.

Moreover, engaging in Thai boxing entails confronting pain consistently, thereby cultivating inner strength and emotional stability. This rigorous training instills resilience. Instead of yielding to disappointment and sadness, they develop awareness in challenging situations. This disciplined approach helps learners refrain from being overly reactive to pain, recognizing it as a necessary part of their journey and an opportunity for growth through learning from mistakes. These essential qualities should be imparted by educators to their students.

Recognizing the inherent benefits of Thai boxing, the Thai Ministry of Education has incorporated it into the physical education curriculum. Nevertheless, there was no textbook for this course, so I have created this coursebook to serve this purpose. It is my aspiration that both teachers and students employ this resource comprehensively, fostering academic and practical utilization. Encouraging the development of innovative techniques, I have organized the content into chapters to facilitate a thorough comprehension of the various techniques as follows:

Individual Moves (Tha Dieow) – Practicing how to stand, walk, jump, punch, kick, foot-thrust, elbow, etc. How many techniques there are, and also when to use them.

Combinations (Tha Kla) – Using the combinations of individual techniques which are addressed as technique (Mai) 1, 2, 3, etc. so that the learners can practice the techniques of Thai boxing in order and conveniently.

Pleng Muay, Look Mai, and Mahd-ded – Allowing learners to create strategies for counteracting opponents’ proficiency and enabling spontaneous self-defense tactics during fights. These strategies include techniques (Mai), counter-techniques (Mai-Kae), stratagems (Mai Taai), tactics (Mai Kled), and secret tactics (Mai Kled Lab). The old version of Thai boxing tactics that I acquired from Phra Chai Chok Chana (Aon) and Khun Yisan Suppayakorn (Sang Daab) have also been compiled and documented in the third chapter.

Upon thorough study of all the chapters, learners will attain a comprehensive understanding of boxing tactics. However, the journey to becoming a skilled boxer necessitates disciplined, continuous practice to achieve proficiency and cultivate physical strength. Proficiency and strength, in turn, foster intelligence and efficiency, hallmarking the attributes of an excellent boxer. Last but not least, I would like to express gratitude to Mr. Sawas Phuthatto for his contribution to illustrating boxing techniques within this sourcebook.

15th September 1923 ​

Luang Wisandarunakorn

-Extract from the book "Baeprien Muay Thai", English Edition.

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