CHAIYA BASICS THEORY

The Story behind the name “Yang Sam Khum”

.....Getting the Chaiya Master Stance correct is of the most importance. The Stance, from which one can defend or attack in any one of the infinite variations, derives its full name “Yang Sam Khum Klum Dan Yuk” (3 steps in 3 step paths covering the entire beast's territory) from Hindu religious references. Grandmaster Ketr Sriyapai explained it as follows:

“… the banquet of the gods was over, and all the guests parted. The king-god Pra Isuan, host of the banquet, noticed a beast with sun-red eyes still waiting by his side, waiting for Pra Isuan to leave first. Pra Isuan, impressed, by the beast's loyalty and good manners, granted the beast one wish. The beast grabbed its chance and asked for ownership of approx. 100 sq. mile of jungle area where if any form of living were to trespass, it (the beast) would have the right to eat the trespasser. Pra Isuan realized this meant trouble, but as king of the gods, he had no choice but to honor his word.

.....Time passed and the beast enjoyed its newfound passion immensely. It lure through magic spells, angels, humans, and even other demons into its territory and wasted no time in claiming its right to eating helpless victims. Pra Isuan, after having been plead for help, sent Pra Narai (another god) to set the situation right. Disguised as a young Brahm (Hindu priest), Pra Narai set foot into the beast's territory and pretended to be terrified upon seeing the beast, which, not sensing the powerful force within the young Brahm, set ready to enjoy its meal. The young Brahm said to the beast:

.....Brahm: “Please sir, I had no idea this was your territory. I only came to perform a common Hindu ceremonial practice, which consists of walking 3 steps while chanting. I realize I will die, but if so may I please perform the ceremony so that I may die a proud Hindu?

.....The Beast not aware of being set up, and very much looking forward to its meal rushed the young Brahm to get it over. The young Brahm performed his ceremony – but instead of the human-Hindu ritual he claimed, it was in fact a magic spell of the gods that blew up his size gigantically and in 3 big steps, Pra Narai walked covering over the entire 100 sq. miles frightening the beast. Though trying to runaway and hide, the beast was squashed.

.....The Yang Sam Khum, which literally translates into “3 steps in 3 step paths”, refers to the ability to increase one's awareness, strength, and courage to the level that would frighten away even beasts. It is from this legend that Muay Thai derives its name for its unique footwork system - from which one can go in all directions safely without having to fear any attacks. Whether a fighter is skilled or not, one can judge clearly from his Yang Sam Khum.

Getting into “Jod Muay” basic guard position

  Jod Muay or Jod Mud have 3 step

.....Step 1: Stand straight, feet together, hands by the sides

.....Step 2: Spread feet approximately shoulder width apart, hands crossed in front of your face

.....Step 3: Take left foot 1 step forward parallel to right foot (at the back); body and feet turned 45 degrees. Raise the left fist to cover the point between your eyebrows (Unalom) and bring your fist forward (still at the same level) until it is approximately 12 inches in front of Unalom. (Keep elbows slightly tucked in). Station your right fist to cover the chin / Adam's apple and then bring it forward - your right fist should be about 3 inches from intersecting at the midpoint of your left forearm, but not touching. Right elbow comfortably held close to the body. Stay relaxed and loose.

Getting into "Tah Kru" (Master Stance) and "Yang Kao" (Moving Forward)

From the basic guard position, raise the left knee until touches left elbow. Keep calves and hamstrings tight together and flex toes pointed upward. This is the Tah Kru, or Master Stance.

To move forward, place left leg down – back into basic guard position. Now lift right knee up and simultaneously rotate fists in a circular fashion (as if right / left fist spinning a wheel and right fist ends on top) into Tah Kru on the right. Place right foot down. You have moved from left stance into right stance with one step forward.

You must completely master the 3 basics of Yang Sam Khum – Jod Muay, Tah Kru, and Yang Kao –this is the heart of Muay Chaiya. Remember, within this simple-looking footwork are infinite variations from the basics to the most advanced. Everything comes from Yang Sam Khum and everything goes back to it.

Grandmaster Ketr's individualized style of Yang Sam Khum was very fearsome as, inline with his Southern Chaiya (Thailand) upbringing, he would dance his head moving it left and right while at the same time writing magical spells with is feet. (There is a strong linkage between ancient Muay Thai and the belief of magical charms / spells).

The Wai Kru Ceremony

The 3 steps to Wai Kru Ceremony

Step 1 : Benjang Kapradit Gesture

.....Stand face to the east (the ancients consider it as the direction of knowledge). Sit down placing the elbows on the knees. Bend down 3 times, placing all 5 parts of the body – the two knees, two hands, and the forehead – to the ground as a respect to one's teacher and to bring about calmness in one's mind

Step 2 : Checking the Breath

• Place your right thumb onto your right nostril, breathing through the left nostril 2 –3 times. Repeat on other side and check to see which side is easier to breath.
• If found that fighters having trouble breathing, ancient muay masters will not allow fight to start – a charm must be given and fighters must rest until they can breathe well.
• Once properly breathing, the fighter then begins the Yang Sam Khum, by first stamping on the side which they breathe easier (please refer to Beliefs section for more understating on checking the Breath)

Step 3 : Yang Sam Khum Klum Dan Yuk

.....Once the above is completed, the fighter will start their Yang Sam Khum with their own individualized style. The fighter can move forward, sideways, turn around, but must not move backward. This is done to promote fighting spirit. The fighter can use one of any foot positions in their Yang Sam Khum – including the Sue Lak Hang (low kneel position)

.....The Wai Kru as was in the olden days was not designed as an art dance, but rather as a disguise for fighters to allow themselves the opportunity to

.....1) pay respect to their teachers
.....2) calm themselves
.....3) study the landscape of the arena as ancient fighting took place on dirt grounds (and use holes, sand, sunlight rays to their advantage)
.... 4) warm-up themselves
.... 5) assess one's opponent's skills through their Yang Sam Khum.

.....It is said that fighters have been known to back off out of the ring after having seen the other's fearsome Yang Sam Khum. As a general rule, fighters with the same Yang Sam Khum are from the same “fighting clan” and must not fight each other.