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LETHWEI

THE ART OF 9 LIMBS

Myanmar Traditional Boxing or Lethwei, is considered one of the world’s most aggressive and powerful fighting arts. A thousand years old, Lethwei is a unique form of Southeast Asian boxing also known as the Art of 9 Limbs.  Unrivaled in today’s combat sports, Lethwei allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and tactics including bare-fist punching, kicking, elbowing, kneeing, clinching, throwing, trapping, and choking. 

Lethwei is an integral part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage and historical legacy. It is a symbol of strength and source of national pride. For the people of Myanmar, Lethwei is more than just a combat sport or fighting art. It is an essential element of their national identity, their traditions, and their culture. 

“Lethwei is linked to the identity of Myanmar…
it is a combat sport, a fighting art, and a culture.” 
– Saya Win Zin Oo

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LETHWEI AS COMBAT SPORT

An age-old tradition that has been quietly maintained in villages and towns throughout Myanmar, Lethwei matches have been held for centuries between various tribes and ethnic groups. Fights were traditionally held in a large dirt circle with no rounds, time limits, or weight classes. Fighters only won by knockout or the fight was declared a draw. More modern approaches to Lethwei has competitors fighting in boxing rings with weight classes, timed rounds, and a point system.

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LETHWEI AS FIGHTING ART

Fighting arts have always been an integral part of life in Myanmar. As an ancient “warrior sport” practiced long ago to prepare soldiers for war, Lethwei is credited for training the toughest, most ruthless fighters in the world and has a deserved reputation as one of the world’s most extreme fighting arts. Lethwei’s virtually unrestricted fighting approach provides a more complete approach to self-defense preparation. It is direct, pragmatic and much closer to real unarmed fighting.

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LETHWEI AS CULTURE

For hundreds of years, Lethwei tournaments have been held at festivals and celebrations. For the people of Myanmar, Lethwei offers more than just ringside entertainment. Lethwei reconnects them to their cultural identity and is an opportunity to celebrate their diversity. There is tremendous joy, camaraderie and fighting spirit displayed throughout the festival fights. Unlike commercial matches, traditional Lethwei matches continue to hold significance.

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THUT TI LETHWEI

Thut Ti Lethwei is a combat sport, fighting art, fitness development, and culture-based approach to Lethwei. It was established and perfected by Saya Win Zin Oo over more than 40 years of teaching and coaching. Practiced at the Thut Ti Lethwei Club of Yangon, Myanmar, Thut Ti Lethwei has produced numerous local, national, and international champions as well as countless satisfied martial arts students, fitness enthusiasts, and cultural devotees. Saya Win not only developed Thut Ti Lethwei to effectively train Lethwei as a combat sport, but also as a fighting art, a fitness practice, and a cultural tradition as well. Thut Ti Lethwei provides training for competition, self-defense, health, and personal enrichment. It has been adopted and adapted by numerous other Lethwei teachers, coaches, fighters, and gyms in Myanmar. As Win Zin Oo explains, “Lethwei can be beneficial not only for fighting but also to promote health and discipline.

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SAYA WIN ZIN OO

One of Myanmar’s premiere Lethwei Saya (teacher), Win Zin Oo is a highly respected and in-demand coach, instructor, and trainer. A professional Lethwei coach since 1982, Saya Win is the founder of the renowned Thut Ti Lethwei Club of Yangon. Over the more than 40 years he has been coaching and teaching Lethwei, Saya Win has produced numerous local, national and international Lethwei champions as well as top Lethwei coaches and promoters in Myanmar. As the first coach to take Lethwei onto the international stage, Saya Win was appointed the Joint Secretary of Myanmar Lethwei Federation in 1994. In 2007 he was appointed the Vice President of the Federation where he continues to serves as its primary technical advisor for training and competition. Widely respected for his extensive knowledge and experience as well as his ability to work with culturally diverse coaches, fighters, and representatives, Saya Win is considered the preeminent global ambassador for Lethwei.

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THUT TI LETHWEI CLUB

Behind a hidden red gate in a quiet neighborhood of Yangon lies the Thut Ti Lethwei Club. Turning his home into the Thut Ti Lethwei Club more than 40 years ago, Saya Win Zin Oo has seen a steady procession of Lethwei champions, fighters, and students who have gathered for fight preparations and fitness workouts. Saya Win’s Thut Ti Lethwei Club has long been the leading destination among Lethwei champions, aspiring fighters, martial arts students, fitness enthusiasts, and Myanmar cultural devotees. For individuals traveling from all over the world, the Thut Ti Lethwei Club continues to be a premiere training site for Lethwei. According to Saya Win, “Anyone who is interested can experience Lethwei here. Participating in Lethwei isn’t only about having a strong body and learning tough techniques, but also about having a gentle mind and a kind heart.“

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THUT TI LETHWEI GLOBAL

Established to preserve the legacy of Thut Ti  Lethwei as developed and  taught by Saya Win Zin Oo, the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Education and Training Initiative, more simply known as Thut Ti Lethwei Global, provides the foundation for learning and teaching Thut Ti Lethwei. Under the direction and guidance of Saya Win Zin Oo, an advisory team of professionals with extensive experience in teaching, educational and curriculum development, martial arts programming, exercise science, medicine, media, and management came together to organize and develop a curriculum, training program, and instructor preparation program. Following best-practices for instructional development and delivery, Thut Ti Lethwei Global offers a systematic, evidence-based approach to learning Thut Ti  Lethwei.

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LEARN THUT TI LETHWEI

Thut Ti Lethwei Global offers a variety of opportunities to facilitate and enhance the Lethwei learning experience. One-on-one lessons, classes, targeted workshops and seminars are available in-person and virtually for those interested in exploring Thut Ti Lethwei. 

TEACH THUT TI LETHWEI

Thut Ti Lethwei Global offers an instructor preparation program  leading to certification. Designed to produce highly-competent Lethwei Saya (teachers), the Thut Ti Lethwei Global Instructor Certification Program offers both student-based and prior learning pathways to certification.

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SEMINAR TOUR 2023

MIDWEST

BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

JUNE 10-11

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BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON METRO AREA

JUNE 17-18

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

JUNE 24-25

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LETHWEI RESOURCES

NETFLIX "FIGHTWORLD" starring Frank Grillo

Actor Frank Grillo’s filmography includes Marvel Cinematic Universe films, MMA-centric movie “Warrior”, and TV series “Kingdom” so it may not be surprising to learn that he has a passion for combat sports. In this docuseries, the fight enthusiast travels around the world, immersing himself in different fight cultures to understand their traditions and the motivation for the combatants who participate in the various disciplines. Episode three, “Myanmar: Crossroads” focuses on Lethwei and features Saya Win Zin Oo and the Thut Ti Lethwei Club. 

TRADITIONAL BURMESE BOXING by Zoran Rebac

Through rare photographs and firsthand reports, enter a world few Westerners have ever seen. Learn traditional Burmese boxing techniques from the basic stances, kicks and strikes through advanced “experts only” moves, and be introduced to the grueling training exercises practiced in ancient times and the modern methods used by fighters today. This book is no longer in print, but used copies may still be available from used booksellers.

LETHWEI WEAR

Our mission at Lethwei Wear is to honor and support the thousand-year-old Myanmar Traditional Boxing method of Lethwei. One of the world’s most brutal and effective fighting arts, Lethwei is also known as the Art of 9 Limbs due to its extensive range of fighting techniques including bare-fist punching, headbutting, elbowing, kneeing, and kicking. Our designs celebrate the practice and traditions of Lethwei. Profits from the sales of Lethwei Wear apparel and accessories go to support the instruction and promotion of Thut Ti Lethwei in the United States and Worldwide. We offer hundreds of Lethwei, Thut Ti Lethwei, Lethwei America, and Southeast Asian Boxing branded items. Apparel collections include short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, rash guards, jackets, hats, beanies, shorts. Accessory collections include water bottles, mugs, hip packs, wall prints/posters, flags, and stickers.

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INTRODUCTION TO LETHWEI

“Lethwei is linked to the identity of Myanmar – it is a fighting art, a combat sport and a culture.”
– Sayaji Win Zin Oo

Considered one of the world’s most brutal and effective fighting arts Lethwei is a unique form of Southeast Asian kickboxing that is also known as the Art of 9 Limbs. Lethwei uses all anatomical weapons including bare fists, legs, elbows, knees, and head. It allows a wide variety of fighting tactics including punching, kicking, elbowing, kneeing, clinching, throwing, trapping, and choking. Lethwei can be practiced as a combat sport, a fighting art, and an efficient method for fitness improvement.

Lethwei is the only Southeast Asian boxing method that is practiced bare-fisted. The boxing methods of the neighboring countries including Muay Thai in Thailand, Pradal Serey in Cambodia and Muay Lao in Laos have all adopted the wearing of gloves for their competitions. The lack of gloves allows for a wider range of striking techniques with the hands. and bare-fist punches must be thrown with greater skill and precision than those thrown when wearing gloves are worn. Fighters must take special care to protect their hands during competitions as well as training to prevent injury. 

The permitted use of headbutts further increases the distinctive nature and practice of Lethwei. Headbutting is an effective means of attack and counterattack, especially during clinching or grappling at close range.  the head can also be used defensively to counter a punch potentially causing significant damage to the opponent’s fist. The combination of bare-handed punching and headbutting, as well as trapping and throwing techniques puts Lethwei fighters at greater risk of harm. This is especially evident when compared to other forms of boxing where gloves are allowed, the head is not permitted as a weapon, and trapping, throwing, and choking techniques are illegal. The range of techniques, the distance from the opponent and impact area are the three essential characteristics of Lethwei. Its vast arsenal of technical and tactical skills provides for a much greater range of fighting measures.

The goal in Lethwei is not just winning. The ultimate purpose of Lethwei practice goes well beyond sport preparation. It also encompasses a rich traditional culture and value system. Ultimately, the goal of Lethwei training is to prepare one to absorb the difficulties in life and better prepare one to respond appropriately and effectively to them.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LETHWEI

Many of the distinctive southeast Asian cultural institutions, including the martial systems, were shaped by Indian and Chinese civilizations. The influence of Indian religions, in particular, is highlighted by the labeling of Southeast Asian civilizations as Hindu-Buddhist (Green, 2001). The Burma’s rich cultural and historical background and the intermingling of so many peoples and influences resulted in a broad tradition of combat disciplines.

Among the Myanmar people, it is a widely accepted belief that the Burmese monks had developed Lethwei around the 3rd century to train and defend themselves (Mingalapar: All About Myanmar, 2013). While this is a common belief, archeological and historical evidence has established that inscriptions on the temple walls of the magnificent ancient city of Bagan establish the existence of the sport of lethwei around 800 A.D. during the Pyu kingdoms. Ancient Myanmar armies successfully used Lethwei, Bando (empty-hand fighting techniques) and Banshay (armed fighting techniques) in many wars against neighboring countries.

For centuries, hundreds of Lethwei matches were held between different tribes and ethnic groups in the Burmese empire. They fought in a large dirt circle, surrounded by supporters and spectators. There was no round system or time limit. There were no weight classes. Kicks, punches, elbows, knees, holds and throws were permitted.

As an unarmed combat sport, ancient royal chronicles as well as other written records showed that Lethwei became popular during the reign of the warrior King Anawratha. In 1044 he subdued the Tais, Shans and Mons and founded the first Burmese Empire. It spread to Myanmar’s neighboring countries during the reigns of the Nyaungyan dynasty (16th century) and of King Alaungpaya (18th century), as they extended their empire by conquering the neighboring kingdoms of Siam and Lao. It was during this period that Lethwei became the national sport. From the smallest town to the largest city, men and boys were trained in boxing along with other indigenous martial arts. Tournaments were held during every festival day. Boxers were handsomely rewarded for their style and skill. From 1044 to 1885, highly skilled boxers were designated “Royal Boxers,” and their names were recorded on the royal treasury roles.

In the Colonial period that began after the British Invasion in 1885, Burmese Boxing went into serious decline. It was embargoed, oppressed and looked down upon, used primarily as entertainment for British Officials and rich merchants, who often imported Indian fighters from India to take part in the tournaments. It remained an active sport in the rural villages, where it was quietly propagated and kept alive, despite British suppression that saw Burmese Boxers classed as vagrants and habitual criminal offenders subject to arrest.

Burmese boxing was banned from 1886 until 1948 when the nation once again enjoyed its sovereignty. The British were aware of the potential threat posed by these combat sports and tried to discourage them by punishing those who practiced them. Articles 109 and 110 of the British penal code even classified Burmese boxers and other Thaing practitioners (Bando and Banshay) as criminals. Nevertheless, these forms of combat were maintained by concealing them as dances or cultural traditions during festivals, especially in the Shan and Karen States. Similarly, Laban was maintained in the State of Arakan.

In Lethwei, participants fight without gloves or protection, wrapping only their hands in hemp or gauze cloth. Rules are similar to Muay Thai but allow and encourage all manner of takedowns along with head-butts. In fact, until the mid-1930s when Muay Thai was “modernized” (the introduction of timed rounds, western style boxing gloves, and elimination of head-butts), both Lethwei and Muay Thai fought under the same rules. Fights are traditionally held outdoors in sandpits instead of rings, but in modern times they are now held in rings. Popular techniques in Lethwei include leg kicks, knees, elbows, head butts, raking knuckle strikes, and take downs. In the past, sometimes biting and gouging were also permitted in the matches.

LETHWEI AS COMBAT SPORT

“Like with all combat sports you have to be quite crazy to do it.”
– Saya Win Zin Oo

Fighting sports and martial traditions have always been an integral part of life in Myanmar (Burma). In ancient times, some fighting sports were preparations for war and survival. Others served as a rite of passage for boys transitioning into adulthood. Lethwei – the art of bare-knuckle fighting – is one of those age-old traditions that has been quietly maintained for centuries in the rural villages throughout Myanmar. Hidden from the rest of the world for decades, Lethwei, like Myanmar itself, is experiencing a revival and rediscovery both at home and abroad.

Lethwei contests are generally held during festivals or as a special event and boxers often travel around the country in search of fights. The Lethwei boxers are to some extent akin to old-time pugilists who fought bareknuckle in England and America in the 1800s and early 1900s. Participants wrap their hands in hemp or gauze cloth. These wraps provide little in the way of padding and cause frequent cuts and abrasions.

Fights are traditionally held outdoors in circular sandpits. Generally, Lethwei matches have no weight classes. Fighters are sized up and matched by experienced promoters or referees. This type of matchmaking goes back to ancient times, where many sports, such as Kushti or Indian wrestling, as well as bare knuckle fighting throughout Southeast Asia, employed similar methods.

If a knockout does occur, the boxer is revived and has the option of continuing. This practice is called a “special rest” that provides a second chance to the downed fighter. It is a unique rule to Lethwei. If one of the fighters is knocked out, his comer Is given two minutes to resuscitate and rejuvenate the fighter so that he can continue with the match. Some say this rule survives from the days of grudge matches – when an opponent would be given any opportunity to avenge his wrong – including a second chance after being knocked out.

Traditional matches required two officials or referees (one to represent each boxer) to uphold the rules of the fight. The referees would step in to separate the boxers after clashing, throwing and tripping techniques. There was also a chief referee who would step in if any problems arose.

There are few rules and restrictions. Hair-pulling, slapping, biting, eye-gouging and striking the genitals are all prohibited. Once the opponent is on the ground, a fighter cannot continue to strike him. If both fall at the same time, the use of elbows and knees to strike each other is prohibited.

To grow the combat sport of Lethwei globally, organizers of Lethwei events began adopting specific components from other international combat sports. This fairly recent adaptation of Lethwei, typically referred to as Myanmar Traditional Boxing, has competitors going from battling in sandpits to fighting in boxing rings. New rules were implemented in the changes as well. Weight classes and timed rounds have been implemented.

However, in an attempt to maintain its uniqueness and traditions, this version of Lethwei is retains critical elements like their equipment, fighting techniques and special rules. Bare-fisted punching, head-butts, trapping, choking, and throwing are still allowed. Fighters may still win by knockout, injury, or submission, with many fights ending in a draw.

Lethwei matches today are carried out in both the traditional manner and the more modern, commercial version of Lethwei started in 1996 called Myanmar Traditional Boxing. The modern style has changed to make the contests more of a standardized sport under government organization. It should be noted that the modern style of Myanmar Traditional Boxing greatly resembles Muay Thai in its sporting outlook, and not quite the rougher and tumble fighting of its rural roots.

Traditional Lethwei would not be what it is without its colorful and charming opening, the boxing dance, and the orchestral accompaniment through the entire fight, consisting mostly of traditional instruments. The initial ceremony is conducted according to old Burmese customs to ensure a fortunate outcome, since boxing is quite a dangerous discipline will soon realize. The referees and match organizers conduct the ceremony. Various fruits—coconuts, bananas, and pineapples, and red grass are placed in large dishes. Also in the dishes are several old coins and two lighted candles. The referees and organizers then circle around the corners of the ring accompanied by the orchestra which plays a special melody for the occasion, after this the tournament may commence.

Musical accompaniment by a musical ensemble consisting of drums, hne, cymbals and bamboo clappers performs during the rituals and throughout the match and is integral to every Burmese Lethwei fight, both big and small. The volume and tempo of the music rise and fall along with events in the ring. The accompanying music is called the Lay Kin and the traditional Burmese music ensemble that performs it is called the Saing Waing. The tempo of the music would increase with the start of the fight and the tune would reach a frenzied pitch during the exchanges of blows and clashes between the boxers.

The bout begins with a challenge, a rhythmic and relaxed dance called the Lethwei Yay, performed by both boxers to the drumbeats of a live orchestra. This dance is performed again at the end of the fight by the winner. It is a warrior dance intended to display the skill and courage of the fighter and said to also pay homage to Buddha and to Khun Cho and Khun Tha, the Nats (spirits) whose domain includes Myanmar kickboxing. Every ethnicity and boxing school has its own version of this dance according to its techniques.

The traditional Lekkha Moun gesture is also performed by boxers before and after the fights, as well as part of the Lethwei Yay. The Lekka Moun involves placing the left hand under or on top of the right shoulder and slapping the bent left elbow three times with the right palm. Former champions and legends in retirement also perform this gesture between two bouts. Some fighters even perform it during a combat as a challenge or to signal that they did not feel the blow dealt by their opponent. Occasionally, even the referees and jury members will perform the Lekka Moun before the Lethwei fight begins. All in all, the Lekka Moun is part of the tradition and culture of Lethwei and the Myanmarese people value it immensely.

In addition to gauze or hemp wrapped hands, fighters compete barefoot except for occasionally wearing nylon anklets to absorb perspiration. Simple, dark-colored shorts rather than baggy boxing trunks are usually worn. If the shorts worn by the contestants appear too similar in color, the fighters may wear a longyi (a small sarong type garment) folded in the form of a triangle wrapped around the waist. The longyi is typically worn over the front of the shorts to make it easier for spectators to differentiate the opponents.

Traditionally, every boxer had tattoos on his legs that symbolized manhood, skills and courage. Colorful tattoos on the legs were believed to give boxers supernatural strength, durability, skill and speed. Ancient Burmese, Thai, Laotians, Mon and Kayin boxers tattooed their legs, arms and bodies with interesting designs and patterns. Some of the temple boxers and royal boxers had their chest tattooed with animal designs such as tigers, cobras, etc. This practice is not as common today as in the past.

LETHWEI AS FIGHTING ART

“If I had to pick up only one thing that makes
a Lethwei warrior, I pick courage”
– Saya Win

Lethwei is an ancient “warrior sport” practiced long ago by Burmese soldiers to keep them fighting fit between battles. Credited for training the toughest, most ruthless martial arts fighters in the world, Lethwei has built a reputation for being one of the most dangerous forms of martial art. More akin to street-fighting than other kickboxing styles, Lethwei is direct, pragmatic and much closer to real unarmed fighting.”.

Defense, conditioning, and learning to absorb punishment are very important to the fighter as a result of the unrestricted body weapons and unrestrained rules of traditional Lethwei. Lethwei fighters spend a great deal of time preparing the body to absorb impact and conditioning their weapons for offense. Battling without gloves demands that Lethwei fighters be well prepared to absorb repeated blows to the head and a heavy build-up of scar tissue is practically guaranteed. These factors make Lethwei tremendously effective as a form of personal defense.

If Lethwei is viewed in the context of preparing one for individual combat, one can see that it not only teaches timing, distance, and movement but also the ability to absorb and deliver punishment. The goal is not so much winning and losing but fighting hard and learning lessons about survival.

The fighting itself is far more applicable to street defense than other kickboxing systems. The strategy is more primal and final than the calculated and sometimes plodding strategies of more limited methods of kickboxing. The bare-fist punches of Lethwei are better designed to effectively and efficiently inflict damage than the gloved hands of other approaches.  Further, the head-butting, trapping, clinching, and  throwing that are found within Lethwei make it ideal system of self-defense.

Learning to fight bare-fisted with techniques that include all possible anatomical weapons and virtually unrestricted fighting tactics provides a more complete approach to self-defense preparation.

Saya Win explains, ‘If you have to pick up only one thing that makes a Lethwei warrior, I pick courage.’ He adds, ‘I refer to it as facing something that you’re afraid of and choosing to take the pain with a sense of determination. This spirit it very important to both professionals and the fighters in small villages.’  As he speaks, there is a sense that he is not only speaking about Lethwei fighters but, Myanmar’s people. The courage and fighting spirit at the heart of the sport runs deeper, to the core of a nation that has had to pick itself up again and again.”

LETHWEI AS CULTURE

“The philosophy of Lethwei is to be humble like a lamb in normal life, but to be brave like a lion in the ring,”
 – Sayaji Win Zin Oo

Lethwei is a millennia-old boxing tradition which is an integral part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage. Lethwei has remained as a national art and a historical legacy and serves as a symbol of strength and national pride for the people of Myanmar.

For the Myanmar people, Lethwei is more than just a sport or a martial art, it is a part of the national identity, tradition, and culture that has grown over the centuries. Training is initiated at a very young age and is used as a means of displaying strength and courage, particularly among the various ethnic groups who practice it. Matches are an important rite of passage for young boys, who must show their bravery to prove that they have become men. It plays an important role in developing a strong family base. Lethwei provides a vital social function as it is often passed on from father to son and is used by the society and communities to educate, train and mentor youths. Lethwei training camps often form a second family for young people and help them learn respect, humility and mutual support.

For hundreds of years, Lethwei tournaments have been held at festivals, funerals and celebrations with Buddhist monks and villages gathering around the sand pits where fights were traditionally held. The Burmese calendar year is lunar and enlivened by a continual array of festivals. The best-known of these is Thingyan, a four-day celebration culminating on New Year’s Day, and which is closely followed by a series of local pagoda festivals. Lethwei matches are a central component of these festive events. The matches take on a totally different cultural importance and feel than those of the bigger commercial Lethwei shows and spectacles held in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. The fights are traditionally held in a sand or dirt circle with the crowd surrounding the fighters. The fights are celebratory and the crowds show up to cheer the local fighters. There is a tremendous joy, camaraderie and fighting spirit displayed throughout the festival. In the villages, martial tradition was an important component of the spiritual and physical growth of each young man, and during the lively festival fights he could demonstrate his fighting prowess.

One distinguishing feature of the Thingyan and pagoda fights is that they are more about the celebration than blood lust. The refs want a spirited bout and often – especially with children – keep the bouts short and lively. The crowd and promoters often reward the more spectacular and gutsy fighters with money for their spirited performance.

For the people of Myanmar, it offers more than just ringside entertainment, it reconnects them to their cultural identity.  It is an opportunity for them to celebrate their diverse ethnic backgrounds and their community. Lethwei gives us a glimpse back into the distant past. Its long, rich history shows us a world where gallant fighters fought as an act of manhood and pride and often as preparation for the horrors of endless battlefields that were once part of Myanmar’s ancient past.

Most practitioners of Lethwei are farmers and laborers who participate in their leisure time. Although contestants fight bare-fisted and barefooted, courtesy and concern for safety are essential elements inherent in the art.

According to Saya Win Zin Oo, the aggression that is witnessed in a Lethwei fight is left inside the ring and is not seen outside the ring. Outside the ring is all about respect. Outside observers are often struck by the gentle, brotherly nature of the fighters after a fight. He explains, ‘the fights are really violent but, there’s not as much testosterone, arrogance or attitude as you see in MMA or boxing. They don’t want to kill their opponent, they just want to win the fight’ adding, ‘In traditional Lethwei fights there’s no trash talking.’ During a Lethwei match where one of the fighters goes down, it is not unusual to see the other fighter help his opponent up. At the same time, others run to aid the downed fighter.

Saya Win explains, ‘The heart of the fighting system is linked with sporting spirit, after the bloody fight they hug each other.  Watching the fighters outside the ring, one can see the best way to practice combat sports and martial arts. Rather than raging through the streets, jacked up on testosterone and glory of the victory, world class Lethwei champions typically live simple, unassuming lives, greeting their fans with humility’.

This sporting spirit is fostered in the fighters from an early age. Win explains that a ‘noble mind’ is what makes a Lethwei champion truly great. ‘The courage to forget and forgive is very important, somebody punches you and you bleed and the next day you have to sit together. If you’re not at that standard you won’t be recognized as a genuine Lethwei fighter. I think it goes back to the politeness, the obedience, perseverance, courage – those are the components of a true Lethwei fighters”.

SAYA WIN ZIN OO

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

One of Myanmar’s foremost Lethwei Saya or teachers, Win Zin Oo is highly respected and sought-after coach, instructor, mentor, and trainer. Well-educated, unassuming and kind-hearted, Saya Win is the founder and senior coach of the renowned Thut Ti Lethwei Club of Yangon, Myanmar. A professional Lethwei coach since 1982, Saya Win transformed his home into the Thut Ti Lethwei Club (Thut Ti translates as “courage”) and has overseen the practice of Lethwei there to the present day. Since his Thut Ti Lethwei club opened its doors, Saya Win has seen a steady procession of fighters and non-fighters alike. Saya Win’s understanding and practice of Lethwei was initially learned from his grandfather, a farmer and amateur Lethwei competitor. It was further cultivated under the tutelage of Saya Win’s Lethwei teachers including Saya Aung Gyi, Saya Moe Gyoe, Saya Duang Ni and Saya Maung Nyunt.

A prominent figure in the modern history of Lethwei, Saya Win was the first coach to take Lethwei onto the international stage, bringing his fighters to countries including Australia and Japan. He has spent his entire coaching and teaching career improving and promoting the practice of Lethwei. He was appointed the Joint Secretary of Myanmar Lethwei Federation in 1994 and in 2007 was assigned as the Vice President of the Federation. In his role as Vice President, Saya Win serves as the primary technical advisor for training and competition. 

Appearing in the Netflix martial arts documentary series, “Fightworld”, Saya Win is the focus of episode 3, “Myanmar: Crossroads”.  He has also been featured prominently in numerous articles and documentaries on the art of Lethwei. Saya Win is widely respected for his extensive knowledge and experience of Lethwei as well as his ability to work with culturally diverse coaches, fighters, and representatives.  He is considered the preeminent global ambassador for Lethwei.

In his more than 40 years as a Lethwei coach and teacher, Saya Win has coached numerous local, national and international Lethwei champions including Saw Gaw Mu Doe, Lone Chaw, Maung Maung Gyi, Shwe Du Won, Shan Lay Thway Saw Thae Aung, Saw Thae Myo, Eh Htee Kaw, and Moe Pa Lae. In addition to producing top Lethwei fighters, Saya Win’s teaching and influence has helped produce many top Lethwei coaches such as Moe Pa Lae, head coach of “Cement Factory Lethwei Club”, Kyaw Soe, head coach of “Na Ga Mann Lethwei Club”, and Saw Thae Aung, head coach of “Kanyaw Thwi” Lethwei Club. Additionally, Lethwei promoters like Soe Than Win, Vice President of the World Lethwei Championship and Saw Nyi Nyi, TNT Lethwei Promotions also experienced Saya Win and the Thut Ti Lethwei Club’s approach to Lethwei practice.

Saya Win and the Thut Ti Lethwei Club have been an example of authentic Lethwei and owner-run operations. Saya Win introduced the model of the Lethwei gym not only for training fighters, but also as a place to provide Lethwei training for health, fitness, and personal enrichment. Presently, the owners and coaches of many of the modern Lethwei gyms in Myanmar such as Phoenix and Balance trained with Saya Win at the Thut Ti Lethwei Club and adopted its model. To this day, fighters and martial artists from around the world come to his Thut Ti Lethwei Club to learn and train.   

In addition to sharing his passion for Lethwei through his coaching and leadership, Saya Win continues his professional work in Disaster and Emergency Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Safety, and Security. He has worked with numerous non-profit, government, non-government, and charitable organizations including World Vision, Save the Children, U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Disaster Center, UNICEF, and World Food Program. He has received several awards for his work in disaster management and humanitarian work. Saya Win earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering as well as master’s in business administration (MBA). His MBA Capstone thesis examined applying a business model to the combat sports and martial art of Lethwei. He also earned an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance as well as completing a Fellowship in Southeast Asia Development Management.

Since beginning his journey as a teacher and coach of Lethwei so many years ago, Saya Win has continued to apply his personal philosophy of Lethwei as not only a vehicle for preparing individuals for fight competitions but equally as a means of personal development and enrichment. Saya Win has used Thut Ti Lethwei to meet the needs of his students, whether those needs were as a Lethwei fighter, to study Lethwei as a martial art/fighting system, for fitness and personal development, or learning about a vital piece of Myanmar culture. In Saya Win’s own words:

“I want to personally contribute to the development and spread of Lethwei as a fighting sport, a martial art, a form of self-defense, and for fitness. I want to show the respect and quality of the fighters and teachers. Lethwei is also a deeply rooted part of our culture. I want to share this important aspect of Lethwei as well. I want it to be something that a diverse audience can understand, train in, and enjoy.” 
                                                                      Win Zin Oo