Krabi Krabong, the traditional Thai weapons martial art, includes multiple styles or lineages, each with its own emphasis, origins, and philosophy. While it’s not standardized like modern Muay Thai, several key styles and lineages are recognized across Thailand, mostly named after the regions, temples, or masters that preserved them.
Here are the main styles of Krabi Krabong, with brief descriptions:
⚔️ 1. Wat Phutthaisawan Style (Ayutthaya)
- Most famous and widely taught style of Krabi Krabong
- Originates from the ancient capital Ayutthaya
- Known for fluid footwork, powerful slashes, circular strikes, and weapon transitions
- Often taught alongside Muay Boran techniques
- Currently preserved at the Phutthaisawan Sword Fighting Institute
?ﾸﾏ 2. Muay Thai Chaiya / Southern Style Integration
- From southern Thailand, often blends with Muay Chaiya (empty-hand style)
- Very low, grounded stances and defensive movement
- Emphasizes economy of motion, counters, and joint control
- Used more for close quarters and self-defense situations
? 3. Lopburi Style
- From the central region of Lopburi, an ancient Thai kingdom
- Known for precise and elegant movements, sometimes described as “dancing with weapons”
- Focuses on deception, agility, and fast striking
- Historically connected to Thai royalty and palace guards
? 4. Korat Style
- From the Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) area in northeast Thailand
- Emphasizes strength, power strikes, and aggressive tactics
- Techniques are bold, linear, and meant to overpower the enemy
- Less decorative, more battlefield-focused
? 5. Bangkok Royal Guard / Modern Military Style
- Practiced by some military units and royal guards
- Focus on efficiency and lethality
- Incorporates Lerdrit (military Muay Thai) with Krabi Krabong
- Techniques are direct, often involving disarms, traps, and finishing cuts
? 6. Khon Kaen Style
- From the Isaan region, particularly Khon Kaen province
- Focuses on dual-weapon use, including paired swords (daab song mue)
- Known for combining dance-like movements with raw power
- Often performed during ceremonies and festivals
? 7. Temple-Based or Family Styles (Various)
- Many monasteries or family lineages have their own unique styles
- These may focus on different weapons: staff (phlong), sword (daab), shield, spear (ngao), or chakram
- Not all are open to the public or well-documented, often passed down orally or through ritual
Summary of Main Styles:
| Style | Origin | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Phutthaisawan | Ayutthaya | Balanced, ceremonial, flowing |
| Chaiya-Integrated | South Thailand | Defensive, grounded, compact |
| Lopburi | Central Thailand | Deceptive, agile, refined |
| Korat | Northeast Thailand | Powerful, aggressive, linear |
| Royal Guard | Bangkok/Military | Tactical, lethal, efficient |
| Khon Kaen | Isaan | Ceremonial, dual-weapon mastery |
| Temple/Family Styles | Various | Secretive, unique techniques and rituals |
Would you like a visual family tree or lineage diagram showing the relationships among these? Or a deeper dive into the weapons used in each?
Ittirit Krabi Krabong (sometimes spelled Itthirit, Ittarit, or Ittirrit) refers to a particular expression of Krabi Krabong that emphasizes power, explosiveness, and direct application, often blending traditional techniques with more practical, combat-oriented movement.
? Overview of Ittirit Krabi Krabong:
- “Ittirit” (อิทธิฤทธิ์) translates loosely to “supernatural power” or “formidable force” in Thai.
- In the martial arts context, it implies dynamic energy, inner strength, and devastating technique.
- This style tends to highlight practical battlefield efficiency, explosive power, and a more “martial” or less ceremonial approach.
? Key Characteristics:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Power-centric | Movements are sharp, aggressive, and rooted in structure and speed |
| Combat-ready | Less performance-based than some ceremonial lineages; more emphasis on actual application |
| Fluid weapon transitions | Switching from sword to staff to empty-hand is often seamless |
| Spiritual focus | Often includes energetic cultivation or mental focus training, akin to internal martial arts |
| Rare | Taught by specific masters or schools, not commonly found in public dojos or exhibitions |
⚔️ Weapons Used:
- Krabi (sword)
- Daab Song Mue (twin swords)
- Phlong (staff)
- Ngao (spear)
- Occasionally mixed with empty-hand strikes and throws
? Lineage & Mystery:
- May be associated with lesser-known family or regional systems, or integrated into modern Krabi Krabong evolutions
- Some instructors or systems use the term “Ittirit” to distinguish their approach from more traditional or theatrical schools
- Not officially codified or standardized, so the expression of “Ittirit” varies by lineage
Comparison: Ittirit vs. Wat Phutthaisawan Style
| Feature | Ittirit Krabi Krabong | Wat Phutthaisawan Style |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Practical combat application | Traditional forms and ceremonial aspects |
| Technique Emphasis | Explosive, efficient movements | Graceful, flowing techniques |
| Training Approach | Real-world self-defense scenarios | Preservation of historical martial traditions |
| Weapon Usage | Broad range with emphasis on adaptability | Emphasis on classical weapons and forms |
| Philosophy | Modern adaptation of ancient techniques | Maintenance of cultural heritage |
Central FL Systema 