How long is a Thang-Ta stick?
Officials' detail · Events and equipment · 1 of 2The phunachei is a cane stick in soft leather with domed ends: 2.6 ft and 350 g for seniors, 2.3 ft and 300 g for juniors, 2 ft and 250 g for sub-juniors. The chungoi is a thick leather shield 12 to 13 in across. Fighters wear a black suit with chest and head guards; they bring their own groin guard.
How it works
- Senior stick: 2.6 ft, 350 g.
- Junior stick: 2.3 ft, 300 g.
- Sub-junior stick: 2 ft, 250 g.
- Shield: 12 to 13 in.
- Suit: black.
- Guards: chest and head, supplied.
- Groin guard: player's own.
- Belt: any colour.
The glossary has the phunachei, the chungoi, the players' uniform and protection, the officials' dress, the central referee and the phunaba ama.
Tricky cases
Can a fighter wear a ring?
No. No ornaments, long hair or long nails.
The stick breaks mid-bout. Result?
The referee can replace it.
Who approves the stick and shield?
The technical committee.
What do referees wear?
White shirt and trousers, a dark blue coat and a red tie with a blue stripe.
Why the rule exists
Leather on the stick and shield replaces the sword and iron shield so that blows do not injure.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | 2.6 ft stick | L T 9 |
| Sub-junior | 2 ft stick | L T 9 |
| Officials | No tracksuits | L T 7 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Thang-Ta Game Rule, articles 7 to 9 and 20. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Thang-Ta Game Rule (scanned).