Muay thai words · Intermediate

The semi-contact discipline, added in 2026, scored on precise, controlled light contact. A strike with excessive force is a foul, and injuring or knocking down an opponent disqualifies the athlete who did it.

The sacred headband worn for the Wai Kru, put on by the athlete's second in the ring and taken off before the fight.

A Muay Thai athlete.

A graded level of Muay Thai skill. Elite athletes need at least Khan 6, younger groups less, and coaches and officials at least Khan 7.

Each morning of competition the athlete passes a medical check, then is weighed once; the weight recorded is final. Missing it or failing it is a loss by walkover. Over 5 per cent above the class at a pre-contest check is disqualification.

One of the two white corners. An athlete whose opponent is knocked down must go there and wait while the referee counts.

Soft bandages or Velcro wraps of no more than 5 m on each hand, fitted under supervision. Tape as a bandage is banned.

Compulsory cloth guards with Velcro fixing, supplied by the organisers.

A chest-and-body protector in the corner colour, compulsory for U12 to U24 and Masters 40+ and 45+, and not worn by Elite and Masters 35+ athletes.

A compulsory guard for all athletes, metal or polycarbonate for men and polycarbonate or foam for women. Women in Elite and Masters 35+ also wear chest protection.

Any part of the body except the groin and the back of the neck (C1 to C7). Gloves, forearms, feet and shins do not score unless the strike is hard enough to affect the opponent.

How a round winner is graded by the difference in scoring strikes: up to 7 is a small margin (10-9), 8 to 14 a large margin (10-8) and 15 to 21 total domination (10-7). If strikes are equal, the more forceful athlete wins the round.

The number of counts after which the referee stops the contest: for Elite, U24 and Masters 35+, three in a round or four in the contest; fewer for younger and older groups.

A win when the opponent does not leave the corner after the rest, does not want to go on after a count or is retired by their second throwing in the towel.

A win when the opponent does not appear within 2 minutes of being called, or fails the weigh-in or medical.

Removal from the contest for a serious foul, three warnings or disobeying the referee; the opponent wins and the disqualified athlete loses any medal from that stage.

A written challenge by the team manager within 30 minutes of the decision (5 minutes in a gold medal bout), with a 500 US dollar fee, refunded less 100 if upheld.

A reminder from the referee for a minor foul, often without stopping the fight. Three of the same caution make a warning.

A formal penalty: the referee stops the fight, shows the foul and signals the judges. Each judge may then take a point; three warnings mean disqualification.

Strikes banned in younger groups: U14 may not knee or elbow to the head, and U8 to U12 may not strike the head at all. Using one is a foul.

Once a count starts, the fight does not resume before "Baed" (eight), even if the athlete is ready sooner.

Compulsory rest after a knockout or stoppage from head strikes: at least 30 days after one, 90 days after two within 90 days and 12 months after three within 12 months, with no fighting or sparring.

Three or five judges at ringside, from countries other than the athletes', who score each round independently. Five are used at Olympic-tier events.

At least three officials who oversee each contest and can overrule the referee and judges; protests go to them through the Technical Delegate.

A coach in the athlete's corner; each athlete has one or two. Seconds stay off the ring during rounds, may spray water in the rest and can retire their athlete.