Lethwei

Lethwei – A Myanmar (Burma) Martial Arts Style

Lethwei is a Myanmar (Burma) martial arts that is similar to Muay Thai and Kickboxing. Lethwei is also known as Burmese boxing or Myanmar bare knuckle boxing.

Lethwei has less restrictions than Muay Thai because it allows techniques such as headbutts. In addition, participants in traditional Lethwei competitions fight without gloves. However, be aware that gloves are increasingly being used in modern Lethwei competitions in order to make it more of a sport and more popular on a global basis.

According to the Network of Myanmar American Association, “Traditionally, Lethwei fighters don’t fight with gloves, and we use a lot of other components such as throwing, choking and head butts. At a more elemental level, the momentum and fighting intensity are much faster”.

Demonstration of Lethwei Training Techniques

Reference Sources

  1. Network of Myanmar American Association, Myanmar Lethwei Boxing, http://netmaa.org/?p=2969, Added – 03/19/15