How The Muay Thai Grading System Works

Understanding the history behind the art of Muay Thai is vital in understanding why the form does not have a ranking system like other martial arts.

Muay Thai as a fighting style emerged out of war-torn Thailand in the late 16th Century. Muay Thai was born out of a need to fight without weapons. Even today, Muay Thai maintains much of its traditional and spiritual values, which have endured for hundreds of years. In Thailand, Fighters wear traditional armbands called praijoud, but these do not traditionally stand for any rank, just symbolic equipment.

Does Muay Thai Have a Grading System?

For much of the history of Muay Thai, fight experience was the determining factor in ranking an individual’s skill. Instead of working towards a black belt, Muay Thai fighters or nak muays worked towards championship belts. Muay Thai belt ranks come on winning the actual belts rather than set ranks. Muay Thai has become more widespread now, and remains a combat martial art even though it has many partly recreational participants. This does not detract from the outcome. Many modern Muay Thai gyms have implemented an internal grading system to assess students of the style, to enhance its technical knowledge and enable a more even ability to split students when sparring.

Grading in Martial Arts

Despite the wider Muay Thai not following a standard international grading system, there are many benefits to implementing an internal grading system in gyms. Most martial arts have a grading system to indicate the level of competence (not mastery) that the wearer has achieved. Firstly, having a Muay Thai grading system in place allows trainers to develop a reference point for assessing their students’ abilities. Secondly, following the progression of a ranking system provides a goal for the students to aim towards, particularly if they do not have an interest in competing for championship belts or ring fighting. Having a grading system in place is very beneficial in engraining a sense of determination and focus on students of the style. A grading system promotes an attitude that is always looking for personal growth and continual learning.

A notable organisation that endorses implementing a ranking system within Muay Thai is the WTBA (World Thai Boxing Association). Their mission is to “promote and preserve the traditional martial arts of Thailand”. However, even this system is implemented in different ways around the world. Will Muay Thai grading ever be constant?

Muay Thai Grading System Australia

In Australia, some schools use the traditional Thai armband, the praijoud or singlet grading system to rank students. These are not arbitrary rankings and consider the fundamental aspects of each student’s Muay Thai ability, including their skill, experience, and dedication to the art. Judging the students’ ability falls to their trainers, which can invariably cause discrepancies.

UMF strongly supports the idea that you must work hard to achieve higher rankings and show a substantial level of commitment to your chosen style. It is imperative that individuals take the time to earn their ranks in these complex martial arts disciplines. Their ranks signify the massive amount of dedication and discipline it has taken to earn their belt or praijoud.

The Muay Thai grading system in Australia varies from gym to gym. Based on predetermined levels, students will rise through the levels and receive either certificates or coloured praijoud to recognise their achievements. Some gyms also have different coloured shorts or singlets to denote ranks within their students.

Muay Thai at UMF Academy

Training in Muay Thai at UMF Academy provides you with a vast number of benefits, whether you are looking to rise through the ranks or not. The benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as for self-defence, are just as significant as winning belts.

UMF Academy uses a Muay Thai grading system to keep a high level of motivation amongst our students. UMF Academy offers high-intensity Muay Thai kickboxing workouts for anyone looking to get the ultimate body workout.

Whether you are looking for a top-level sparring experience or fitness for the everyday athlete, UMF Academy is the place for you. Our unique curriculum contains expertly devised drills and exercises to take your training to the next level and maximise the benefit you’ll get from your martial arts training.

Our team of coaches and trainers live and breathe martial arts and are sure to nurture your rise through the Muay Thai belt ranks – book in with a trial class with us today to get started with our Muay Thai kickboxing.