Talk:Lethwei

Strike to Groin

Does anyone know if it's allowed to strike the groin area? I've read that it was allowed in muay thai before the 1930s, so it isn't that farfetched if it's allowed in Lethwei. The kickboxing article also states that Lethwei is the art in which you're allowed to strike with any part and strike at any part of the body.--84.217.115.231 02:20, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

I believe it was at one point allowed, but it was looked upon as dishonorable (groin strikes that is). Infact until about 1934 Muay Thai and Burmese Boxing fought under the same rules. Muay Thai adopted more western style rules (timed rounds, boxing gloves, removed the head-butts, etc...) in an attempt to make it safer, and to promote the sport. They were very successful, as I beleive Muay Thai is now the national sport. Burmese Boxing maintianed it's old style rules to present day. Fighters wrap their hands, and all fist, foot, knee, elbow, and head-butting strikes are allowed. The rounds were "flexible", which means the round lasts 3-4 minutes generally, and it is ended by a telling blow. The fight is usually decided in the final round. Fighters are often given the oportunity to be revived if knocked out or knocked down in the early rounds. Look at the AFS site, Phil has some videos of fights there. Very interesting stuff. I have some fights on video, but it's copy protected material (I can't distribute it).

There are still traditional matches held in northern Thailand, where the Thai fighters, and the Burmese continue to match their skills. TheUglyAmerican 22:13, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

You are not allowed to strike to the groin in Burmese Boxing.

Headbutts

I have read that headbutts are no-longer allowed?