What are fouls in Thang-Ta?
I · Intermediate · The fight · 2 of 3Faults include hitting with the stick's handle, thrusting with the stick, over-hitting, kicking in phunaba ama, catching the opponent's stick, hitting a falling or off-balance player, hitting the groin, hitting with the shield and hitting after Leppo. Each brings a warning, Cheirak. Three warnings in a bout disqualify, as do throwing a weapon or a direct kick in phunaba ama.
How it works
- Handle: fault.
- Thrust: fault.
- Over-hitting: fault.
- Catching the stick: fault.
- Falling opponent: fault.
- Groin: fault.
- Three warnings: disqualification.
- Throwing a weapon: disqualification.
The glossary has the faults, the warning (cheirak), the disqualification (Thang-Ta), the phunaba ama, the chungoi and the phunachei.
Tricky cases
A fighter argues with the referee. Result?
A warning; repeated arguing is disqualification.
A fighter drops the stick three times. Result?
The referee may disqualify them.
A handle strike injures the opponent. Result?
The referee may disqualify the striker; the injured fighter wins.
Who sets the length of a disqualification?
The technical committee.
Why the rule exists
Banning strikes on a falling player protects someone who cannot defend.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Faults | Warning | L T 16 |
| Three warnings | Disqualification | L T 17 |
| Three drops | Referee may disqualify | L T 20 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Thang-Ta Game Rule, articles 15 to 17, 20 and 24. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Thang-Ta Game Rule (scanned).