What are the basic rules of Muay Thai?
B · Beginner · The contest · 1 of 5Muay Thai is fought in a ring over three rounds with punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Judges score each round for clean, forceful strikes, and the athlete ahead wins on points unless the fight ends early by stoppage or knockout. Before the fight each athlete performs the Wai Kru. Amateur contests under IFMA use head guards and other protection.
How it works
- Governing body: the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).
- Weapons: punches, kicks, knees and elbows.
- Contest: three rounds.
- Scoring: judges award rounds on the ten-point must system.
- Ritual: the Wai Kru before the first round.
- Protection: head guard, shin and elbow guards, gum shield, groin guard.
- Entries: one athlete per nation in each division.
- Disciplines: full contact, semi contact and the cultural events.
The glossary has the Muay Thai, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, the Muaythai Combat, the Muaythai skill, the ten-point must system and the Wai Kru.
Tricky cases
Are these the rules for fights in Bangkok's stadiums?
No. Professional stadium fights follow other rules.
Can an athlete grab and throw an opponent?
Only with a Muay Thai technique; hip throws and tackles are fouls.
Is the sport called Muay Thai or Muaythai?
Both. IFMA writes it as one word.
Can a nation enter two athletes in one division?
No, except the host where agreed in advance.
Why the rule exists
IFMA rules turn a traditional fighting art into a safe amateur sport. Protective kit and youth limits make it open to children and adults.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full contact | Full IFMA rules | 2.1.1 |
| Semi contact | Light, controlled contact | 2.1.2, 31.3.1 |
| Cultural events | Wai Kru and Mai Muay performances | 2.1.3, 34 |
From the rule book
IFMA, Rules & Regulations for International Competition, version 3.057, rules 2, 3, 7, 15, 20 and 29. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IFMA Rules & Regulations, version 3.057.