Lethwei
လက်ဝှေ့
Lethwei or Burmese boxing, is a full contact combat sport from Myanmar that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.
Lethwei is related to Muay Thai from Thailand.
Lethwei is considered to be one of the most brutal martial arts in the world, as the sport is done bare-knuckle with only tape and gauze while fighters are allowed to strike with their fists, elbows, knees, and feet, and headbutts are also permitted.
Disallowed in most combat sports, headbutts are important weapons in a Lethwei fighter's arsenal. This is the reason Lethwei or "Lert Rit" or "Muay Boran" is also known as The Art of 9 Limbs.
Records exist of Lethwei matches dating back to the Pyu Empire (2nd century BCE to mid-11th century CE) in Myanmar. Lethwei, along with Bando and its armed sibling Banshay (sword, staff and spear), were successfully used by ancient Myanmar armies in many wars against neighboring countries.
In ancient times, matches were held for entertainment and were popular with every strata of society. Participation was opened to any male, whether king or commoner. At that time, matches took place in sandpits instead of rings. Boxers fought without protective equipment, only wrapping their hands in hemp or gauze. There were no draws, the fight went on until one of the participants was knocked out or could no longer continue. Back then, Burmese boxing champions would enter the ring and call for open challenges.
The Myanmar Traditional Boxing Federation or MTBF is a branch of the Myanmar's Ministry of Health and Sports and is the highest governing body for Lethwei worldwide.
World Lethwei Championship (also known as WLC) is a Lethwei promotion based in Yangon, Myanmar.