The technical progression classifies the techniques of Muay Boran in four categories :

1. CHERNG MUAY : the principles of use of the natural human weapons (hands, feet, shins, knees, elbows, head) and their various combinations, to strike the vital areas of the opponent's body

2. KON MUAY KEE : the ways and techniques to defend (by evading, blocking, deflecting, anticipating) and counter the attacks of the fist category

3. CHAP KO : standing grappling and close quarter fighting using especially elbows, knees, the head, joint locks, throws and take downs

4. MAE MAI - LUK MAI : the fundamental forms of Muay Boran

1.       15 Mae Mai Muay Thai : the 15 fundamental techniques of Muay Thai

2.       15 Luk Mai Muay Thai : the 15 complementing techniques of Muay Thai

Practicing these forms develops four key fighting notions : timing, distance, targeting the vital parts of the opponent's body and using ones natural weapons with maximum efficiency.

MAE MAI LUK MAI
(Master and Complimentary Techniques of Muay Thai)

In ancient times the science of Muay Thai was known as Pahuyuth (multi -skilled) and divided major boxing tricks into two kinds:

1. Mae Mai (Master tricks)   2. Luk Mai (Complimentary tricks)

These represent every Muay Thai movement, using fists, feet, Knees and elbows in a wide variety of combinations.

The Mae Mai and Luk Mai techniques may vary slightly from school to school, some even have more techniques. It is generally accepted however, that there are 15 master and 15 complimentary techniques.