Principles and Techniques
Fighters can use all limbs, knees, elbows, and headbutts are allowed, which makes it entirely different from Muay Thai. No gloves nor other protection are used. Myanma Lethwei is considered an extreme, bold and uncompromised style of kickboxing.
Originally fighters could only win or lose by knockout or when the other fighter abandonned. There were no such results as draws and no point system existed. Fights were traditionally held outdoors in sandpits instead of rings. The goal was not so much the winning and losing, but fighting hard and learning lessons about survival. However, in its modern form (since 1996) Lethwei more and more ressembles Muay Thai.
Modern Competition
Current matches are regulated in similar rules to Muay Thai and other kickboxing matches. Myanmar traditional music is playing live during the matches (similar to Muay Thai matches), and the music plays in tune with the moves and tempo of the fight in the ring. The modern style has changed to make the contests more of an organized sport under the government's organization. However, Lethwei boxers have difficulties competing in international competitions staging various full contact styles, as their extreme style and techniques are often banned from the ring.
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