Ancient Styles

Ancient Styles of Krabi-Krabong

Ajarn Phaya Nak Si Ayutthaya was a famous Krabi-Krabong teacher of the early Rattanakosin period and he is considered the forefather of modern-day Krabi-Krabong. Two of his main students, Ajarn Arimettha & Ajarn Samai Mesamarn co-founded the Buddhai Sawan Sword Fighting Institute, Thailand’s premier Krabi-Krabong school. The two main styles of Krabi-Krabong in Thailand today developed from these two students.

Paklang or Central style Krabi-Krabong has been developed & taught by Ajarn Samai Mesamarn. It is the style taught at Buddhai Sawan. This style is very direct, based in aggressive, powerful movements. It is relatively simple but highly effective. The main instructors of this style today are Ajarn Samai Mesamarn’s sons: Ajarn Pramote, Ajarn Wirayut & Ajarn Sila.

Northern Thailand or Lanna has its own styles of Krabi-Krabong as well, and the main representative style from this region is the Ari style, developed by Ajarn Arimettha, the senior of Ajarn Phaya Nak Si Ayutthaya’s two main students. After the founding of Buddhai Sawan, Ajarn Arimettha moved to Lampang in northern Thailand. There he developed a style of Krabi-Krabong that incorporated techniques and principles from both Central style and the old Northern or Lanna styles. These old styles in turn included Chinese, Burmese and Lao influences, reflecting the rich history of Lanna. As a result of such blending, Ari style employs a greater diversity of techniques than Paklang style. Movements tend to be more rounded and there is a greater emphasis on correct body structure over speed and power. Ajarn Arimettha’s most advanced student was Ajarn Wimon. Some of his prominent junior students include Kruu Pliak, Kruu Kung & Kruu Pong. All still train together, working to continue developing the style & promoting the art to select, dedicated students.

Krabi-Krabong Sangha draws on elements from both Paklang and Ari styles. As with all parts of Muay Sangha, the foundational concepts are those of balance and the middle way in thought, word, and deed. There is a strong focus on body structure, body unity and efficiency of movement. A main characteristic of Krabi-Krabong Sangha is that its movements are based on ancient Muay Thai concepts and it freely incorporates empty-hand fighting and grappling techniques for use in conjunction with weapons. Instruction in Krabi-Krabong Sangha is offered free of charge to long-time students of Muay Sangha, by invitation only.

Teachers of Krabi-Krabong History


Phra Naresuan Maharat (the father of Thai martial arts)	Phramajarn Nak Teb-Pasadin Sri Ayuthaya	Ajarn Ariyamettha	Ajarn Samai Mesamarn

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