Chao Phraya Muay Thai grading syllabus ©

Researched, developed & created by

Kru Shaun Boland Chief Instructor & founder for Chao Phraya Muay Thai
Academies
&
Kru Leigh Edlin Senior Instructor for Chao Phraya Muay Thai academy Lincoln

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. GRADING STRUCTURE
3. 1ST KHAN
4. 2ND KHAN
5. 3RD KHAN
6. 4TH KHAN
7. 5TH KHAN
8. 6TH KHAN
9. 7TH KHAN (Assistant Instructor)
10. 8TH KHAN (Instructor)
11. COMBINATIONS
12. THEORY ANSWERS
INTRODUCTION

Historically the coloured belt system came from Japan when Jigaro Kano, the founder of
Judo, created a grading syllabus for his students and as a result the coveted Black Belt was
created. Other styles and systems followed suit and you can now grade in most martial arts
such as; Gung Fu, Taekwondo, Karate, Tang Soo Do and Ju Jitsu to name but a few.

Traditionally there are no official grading systems used by the Thais in Muay Thai. The grades
or ranks of Kru (instructor) Arjarn (master) and Bramarjarn (grand-master) are earned through
years of dedication and commitment in the art of Muay Thai and the majority of these mentors
have fought many professional fights to gain their status.

Gradings in Muay Thai have been introduced to satisfy the requirements and needs of the
Westerner for reward and merit.

Our original grading syllabus was created by Kru Shaun Boland in 2001 allowing the student
the opportunity to reach instructor status, but, more importantly, it offers them the chance to
grow both physically and mentally in the art of Muay Thai. Students were graded every 3
months with the aim to reach instructor status within 3-4 years. The grading syllabus ran
successfully for 5 years, however, in 2006 after much deliberation, Kru Shaun decided to
completely restructure the syllabus. His decision was based upon several reasons.

• A more comprehensive grading syllabus was required to reach the high standards of our
academy
• Certain elements of the old grading syllabus were not required
• Students were rushing to learn their grades prior to the 3 monthly gradings and standards of
technique were being sacrificed.
• Students were missing gradings during the summer holiday season
• Twice yearly gradings allow a better learning curve for the student

So that the students can concentrate on the technical & theoretical elements of the grade it
was decided to remove the fitness section. The student trains arduously throughout the year
and therefore their fitness should already be an attribute when grading. The student who is
unfit would, by default, not grade so the removal of the fitness section allows more time to be
spent technically and theoretically. In addition, if the fitness section is too difficult it is
hard to grade a student accurately if their techniques are blunted by exhaustion. After all, you
would not do a 5 mile run, 100 push ups and 100 sit-ups prior to a fight!

Gradings are held twice yearly and the student is assessed by either a senior instructor or the
Chief instructor. The student is required to demonstrate good techniques showing correct
balance, agility, speed and power in addition to understanding, discipline and heart. students
wear the coloured Prajit (arm band) as a symbol of their rank and achievement. The re-
structured syllabus is outlined below and it follows both traditional and modern aspects of
Muay Thai including theory sections on Thai Language, culture and history.
 GRADING STRUCTURE

1ST KHAN – WHITE PRAJIT

PURITY – The mind is open to learning; the student takes the first steps towards learning
balance, guard and stance and develops the basics of the 4 weapons of Muay Thai – kicks,
punches, knees and elbows. Discipline and structure are introduced in this phase.

2nd KHAN – YELLOW PRAJIT

SCHOLAR – The student now develops a base knowledge on how to combine the
techniques, to add timing and rhythm. Development of clinch work and sparring is also
enhanced. This phase introduces the student to Thai history, language & culture. The clinch
game starts

3rd KHAN – ORANGE PRAJIT

COMPETANCE – The student can now competently demonstrate techniques with
confidence, showing balance, agility, speed and power. The first stages of the Wai Kru and
Ram Muay are introduced in this phase.

4th KHAN – GREEN PRAJIT

TECHNICAL – The student has now developed a technical understanding of Muay Thai and
can demonstrate this in sparring. The student can also demonstrate the Wai Kru & Ram Muay
of Chao Phraya Muay Thai.

5th KHAN – BLUE PRAJIT

HARMONY – Both technical and academic knowledge can now be demonstrated by the
student. The harmonious blending of knowledge and skill is developed in this phase and the
student can demonstrate the balance of these attributes.

6th KHAN – BROWN PRAJIT

FLUIDITY – The student can now demonstrate all aspects of Muay Thai showing skill, control,
discipline, agility and heart. Fighting skills are honed and the student can demonstrate these
within a competitive environment.

7th KHAN – RED/WHITE PRAJIT

COMPREHENSION – The student now demonstrates clear understanding of both technical
and theoretical knowledge Muay Thai and can teach and pass this knowledge on competantly
and confidently to a class. This is the first stage towards becoming an instructor. Upon
completion of this grade the student receives the status of Assistant instructor.

8TH KHAN – RED PRAJIT & RED MONGKON

ENLIGHTENMENT – The student tests to become an instructor and demonstrates the ability
to teach others. Knowledge of fighter training in addition to fighter preparation is required. The
student must be able to demonstrate hand-wrapping, massage and corner-man/trainer skills.
The ability to teach correct pad holding for both beginners and fighters is essential. At the end
of this grade the student receives their instructor status.

9th KHAN – RED/SILVER PRAJIT & RED/SILVER MONGKON

RESPONSIBILITY – The instructor runs their own school demonstrating discipline,
knowledge and empathy. Training of fighters and organising fights for their Nak Muay is also
required. At the end of this grade the instructor will be awarded senior instructor status

10th KHAN – RED/BLACK PRAJIT & RED/BLACK MONGKON

DEVELOPMENT – This is the grade of the chief instructor and it is their responsibility to
promote the continuing development of Muay Thai & Thai culture through their teachings.
1st KHAN – WHITE PRAJIT

Basic Movement

Demonstrate:-
 Guard and stance.
 forward, back and side movement

Pad work

Demonstrate:-
 Round kicks
 Push kicks
 Jab and cross
 Hooks
 Upper cuts
 Side elbows
 Forward Knees

Defence

Demonstrate
 Knee blocks (against round kicks)
 guard defence against straight punches
 Parry from front and rear teeps

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
 3 x different grips/holds
 Moving opponent to left, right, forwards and backwards

Sparring

 3 x 1 minute rounds of Muay Thai sparring. (technical steady pace, very light
contact)

Theory

Answer or demonstrate the following:-

· What is the correct name of our school in Thai?

· What is the correct name of our school in English?
· Demonstrate the wai position when paying respect to a teacher
· Say hello in Thai
· Say thank you in Thai
· What does Muay Thai translate to?
· Count to 10 in Thai
2nd KHAN – YELLOW PRAJIT

Basic Movement

Demonstrate:-
 the walking guard
 the circular step

Pad work

Demonstrate:-
 Body punches
 Cobra punches
 Low kicks
 Side teeps
 Push knee
 Spear (forward) elbows

Defence

Demonstrate:-
 Guard defence against straight punches and hooks
 Evasion against body and head kicks
 Guard check and riposte

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
 Standard tie up and knees from this position
 Advantage Grip and knees from this position
 Under-hooks and knees from this position

Sparring

Demonstrate 3 x 2 minute rounds of light contact “C class” Muay Thai sparring.

Theory
· Translate the following: Shok, Madt, Sawk, Kow, Dhe, Tao
· Translate the following: Kru, Arjarn, Bramarjarn
· What does chock and yudt mean in a fight?
· Translate quick quick into Thai
· Count to 20 in Thai
· Name the King of Thailand
· What was Thailand previously known as?
· What is the capital of Thailand?
· From top to bottom, what are the colours of the Thai national flag?
· What is the camp we train at in Chiang Mai called?
· Who is the manager of the camp?
3rd KHAN – ORANGE PRAJIT

Basic Movement

Demonstrate:-
· forward back walking movement with leg blocks
· standing inside and outside leg blocks

Pad work

Demonstrate:-
- Upper cut elbows
- Downward slash elbows
- Clinching forward and slap/round knees
- Diagonal Knees

Defence

Demonstrate:-
- Guard defence against straight punches and hooks and uppercuts
- Evasion from low kicks
- Catching round kick and riposting
- Parry push kicks and riposte
- Defence against Forward knees

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
- Slide clinch and knees from this position
- Clinch turn (disengage) and knee
- Swimming (chap kow)

Wai Kru/Ram Muay

Demonstrate:-
- Entering the ring
- Sealing of the ring ceremony
- Wai Kru

Sparring

Demonstrate 3 x 1 minute rounds of clinching

Demonstrate 3 x 2 minute rounds of light contact “C class” Muay Thai sparring.

Theory

Answer or demonstrate the following

· Count to 30 in Thai
· Demonstrate hand wrapping as used for training
· Translate; wai kru, ram muay
· Name the 3 musical instruments of Muay Thai music
· Describe the meaning of the 3 colours of the Thai national flag
· What is the capital of Northern Thailand
· Who sacked the Ancient capital of Ayutthaya?
· How many rounds are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?
· How long are the duration of rounds and the breaks between each round?
4th KHAN – GREEN PRAJIT

Basic Movement

Demonstrate:-

· Evasive footwork
· 2 methods of Switching stance
· Cross stitch movement

Pad work

Demonstrate
- Jumping knee
- Jumping teep
- Back elbow
- Back fist
- Pad combinations 1 to 5

Defence

Demonstrate
- Guard defence against straight punches and hooks and uppercuts
- Mon Yan Lak – push kick defence from round kicks and punches (partner with belly
pad)
- Teep catch ripostes (e.g. pull into knee/cross/takedown)

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
· 3 escapes from the advantage grip
· 2 take-downs

Wai Kru/Ram Muay

Demonstrate:-
· Approaching ring rites
· sealing of the ring ceremony
· Wai Kru

Sparring

Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work

Theory
• Name the legendary Thai Nak Muay famous for defeating 10 Burmese in competition during
captivity
• Count to 50 in Thai
• What protective equipment is compulsory in full rules professional Muay Thai?
• Name 3 UK Muay Thai camps
• What is the main religion of Thailand?
• What is the currency of Thailand?
• Name the ceremonial head band worn by the Nak Muay and what is it for?
• What are the ancient ancestor arts of Muay Thai called?
• Translate Mae Mai & Luk Mai
5th KHAN – BLUE PRAJIT

Basic Movement

Demonstrate:-
· Attacking footwork
· Side stepping

Pad work

Demonstrate
- crocodile tail kick
- Rear back kick
- Teep to face
- Teep to thighs
- pad combinations 1 to 10

Defence

· Catch round kick and take down

· Catch Teep and take down
· High kick defence (3 point block)

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
- knee bar
- inner hip throw
- 2 x elbows from clinch
- 2 x clinch entries

Wai Kru/Ram Muay

Demonstrate:-
- Approaching ring rites
- Sealing of the ring ceremony
- Wai Kru
- Seated Ram Muay

Sparring
Demonstrate 5 x 2 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work

Theory
Answer or demonstrate the following

· Wrap another person’s hands for training

· What is the Thai name for grading band and what are they used for?
· What is Thai for 100, 1000, 10000 and 1000000
· What is the ancient art of Thai massage in Thai?
· What is the Thai name for the boxers liniment used in fighter massage?
· What is the name for the Thai New Year?
· How many judges are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?
6th KHAN – BROWN PRAJIT

Basic Movement

· Demonstrate:-
· Evasive & attacking footwork

Pad work

· Demonstrate 3 attacking combinations of choice

· Demonstrate pad combinations 1 to 15

Defence

· 2 x Defence from teep catches

· 2 x Defence from round kick catches (eg. Knee bar)

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
· 3x entries into clinch
· inner hip throw defence
· forward hip throw using head control
· Controlling head to lower for striking

Wai Kru/Ram Muay

Demonstrate:-
- Approaching ring rites & sealing of the ring ceremony
- Wai Kru
- Seated ram muay
- Fisherman ram muay

Sparring
Demonstrate 5 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work

Additional

Complete the following (outside of the grading)

• Demonstrate pad holder with a partner for 3x3 minute rounds (fully padded with active
instruction)
• Take the warm up for one class
7th KHAN – RED AND WHITE PRAJIT
(Assistant Instructor)

Basic Movement

· Teach basic guard and stance

· Teach Forward, side and back movement

Pad work

· Demonstrate pad combinations 1 to 20

· 30 repeat round kicks each leg
· 100 straight knees on heavy bag

Clinch

Demonstrate:-
- Take down from slap knees
- How to take the back and score
- 3 x releases
- 3 x takedowns
- 3 x elbows in the clinch

Wai Kru/Ram Muay

Demonstrate:-
- Approaching ring rites & sealing of the ring ceremony
- Wai Kru
- Seated ram muay
- Standing ram muay
- Fisherman ram muay

Sparring

· Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include full Muay Thai (with elbow
pads)
· Demonstrate 3 x 3 minute rounds of clinch work

Additional
Complete the following (outside of the grading):-

· Teach one complete class

· Demonstrate to a minimum of 10 students hand wrapping for class
· Referee 3 rounds of sparring in a grading
· Hold pads for a student over 5 x 3 minute round whilst giving instruction on technique
. Complete one of the following courses:
· PAD-MAN
· CORNER-MAN
· JUDGING
·
8th KHAN – RED PRAJIT AND RED MONGKON

(Instructor)

Basic Movement

As requested by examiner
Demonstrate one of the Muay Boran forms

Pad work
· 10 x 3 minute rounds free pad work with Chief or senior instructor
(A greater standard of technique, power, speed, accuracy and timing will be expected
than that shown in previous khan).

· 100 alternate repeat kicks

· 100 clinch knees

Clinch

Teach class:-
Entry to clinch
3 x holds
Movement
Knees in clinch
3 Take-downs
3 Clinch releases

Defence

· Teach a total of 10 x defensive techniques from the following:

Kicks, Punches, elbows, knees, clinch (2 techniques each)

Sparring

Teach and control a sparring class

Additional
Complete the following (outside of the grading)

· Must have competed in at least one interclub

 Complete 2 of the following courses:
 PAD-MAN
 CORNER-MAN
 JUDGING
· Teach 5 x classes
Combinations

1. Jab, cross, rear diagonal round kick

2. Jab, cross, lead round kick
3. Lead Pecking kick, cross
4. jab, body punch, lead hook
5. rear faint round kick into teep, rear straight knee, rear side elbow
6. Cross, Lead body hook, low round kick
7. Lead body hook, lead hook, cross, lead uppercut, cross
8. Round kick, heavy cross/jab
9. Jab, faint body round kick, low round kick (submarine)
10. (assuming orthodox) Faint left teep, right round kick, left straight knee,
right spear elbow
11. Rear Round kick, lead hook, cross, switch stance, rear round kick, lead
hook, cross
12. Faint rear teep to high round kick, hook, cross, uppercut, cross, jab, cross
13. (assuming orthodox) clinch left knee x 2, step round right knee, push
opponent away right round kick
14. Faint rear round kick into teep, 2 x lead repeat kicks, cross, cross stitch
right of opponent left round kick
15. Lead (Stop) teep, rear (get rid) teep, jumping teep
16. Lead teep to thigh, rear jumping round kick
17. Faint lead round kick, spinning back elbow
18. (R 1) jab, cross, lead hook, rear round kick, lead hook, right low round
kick, left knee, rear downward smash elbow
19. (R 2) Jab, rear downward smash elbow, lead skip knee, step past
opponent with lead leg, turn back leg round, rear knee, left side elbow
20. (R 3) Jab, rear side elbow, lead downward smash elbow, push opponent
back rear jumping elbow
 THEORY ANSWERS

1st KHAN

What is the correct name of our school in Thai?

= Kai Muay Chao Phraya Muay Thai

What is the correct name of our school in English?

= River of Kings

Demonstrate the wai position when paying respect to a teacher

Say hello in Thai

= Sawatdee Khrup/Kah

Say thank you in Thai

= Khop kunekhrup/kah

What does Muay Thai translate to?

= Box Free

Count to 10 in Thai

NUNG
SOHNG
SAAM
SEE
HAH
HOK
JEDT
BAHT
GAO
SIP
2ND KHAN

· Translate the following: Shok, Madt, Sawk, Kow, Dhe, Tao

· = PUNCH, FIST, ELBOW, KNEE, KICK, FOOT
·
· Translate the following: Kru, Arjarn, Bramarjarn
· = TEACHER, MASTER, GRANDMASTER
·
· What does chock and yudt mean in a fight?
· = BOX, STOP
·
· Translate quick quick into Thai
· = RHEO RHEO (LEWL, LEWL)
·
· Count to 20 in Thai
· NUNG
· SOHNG
· SAAM
· SEE
· HAH
· HOK
· JEDT
· BAHT
· GAO
· SIP
· SIP ET
· SIP SOHNG
· SIP SAAM
· SIP SEE
· SIP HAH
· SIP HOK
· SIP JEDT
· SIP BAHT
· SIP GAO
· YEE SIP

· Name the King of Thailand

· = BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ
·
· What was Thailand previously known as?
· SIAM

· What is the capital of Thailand?

· BANGKOK (KRUNG TEP)
·
· From top to bottom, what are the colours of the Thai national flag?
· RED, WHITE, BLUE, WHITE,RED
·
· What is the camp we train at in Chiang Mai called?
· KAI MUAY LANNA (KIAT BUSABA)
·
· Who is the manager of the camp?
· ANDY THOMSON
 RD
3 KHAN

· Count to 30 in Thai
NUNG
SOHNG
SAAM
SEE
HAH
HOK
JEDT
BAAT
GAO
SIP
SIP ET
SIP SOHNG
SIP SAAM
SIP SEE
SIP HAH
SIP HOK
SIP JEDT
SIP BAAT
SIP GAO
YEE SIP
YEE SIP ET
YEE SIP SOHNG
YEE SIP SAAM
YEE SIP SEE
YEE SIP HAH
YEE SIP HOK
YEE SIP BAAT
YEE SIP GAO
SAAM SIP

· Demonstrate hand wrapping as used for training

·
· Translate; wai kru, ram muay
· = TEACHER RESPECT, BOXERS’ DANCE
·
· Name the 3 musical instruments of Muay Thai music
· PI JAVA, CHING, KLONG
·
· Describe the meaning of the 3 colours of the Thai national flag
· RED IS FOR THE BLOOD OF THE NATION, THE PEOPLE
· WHITE IS FOR BUDDHA – PURITY
· BLUE IS THE ROYAL COLOUR REPRESENTING THE KING
·
· What is the capital of Northern Thailand
· = CHIANG MAI
·
· Who sacked the Ancient capital of Ayutthaya?
= BURMA (MYANMAAR)
· How many rounds are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?
=5
· How long are the duration of rounds and the breaks between each round?
3 MINS & 2 MINS
 4TH KHAN

Name the legendary Thai Nak Muay famous for defeating 10 Burmese in competition during
captivity
= NAI KHANOM TOM

• Count to 50 in Thai
AS 1-30 PLUS
31 = SAAM SIP ET
SAAM SIP SOHNG
SAAM SIP SAAM
SAAM SIP SEE
SAAM SIP HAH
SAAM SIP HOK
SAAM SIP JEDT
SAAM SIP BAAT
SAM SIP GAO
SEE SIP
SEE SIP ET
SEE SIP SOHNG
SEE SIP SAAM
SEE SIP SEE
SEE SIP HAH
SEE SIP HOK
SEE SIP BAAT
SEE SIP GAO
HAH SIP

• What protective equipment is compulsory in full rules professional Muay Thai?

GUM-SHIELD, PROTECTIVE CUP, BOXING GLOVES

• Name 3 UK Muay Thai camps

• What is the main religion of Thailand?

THEREVADA BUDDHISM

• What is the currency of Thailand?

THAI BAHT
• Name the ceremonial head band worn by the Nak Muay and what is it for?
MONGKON, SYMBOLIC AS THE HEAD IS CLASSED AS HOLY AND WHERE THE SPIRIT
LEAVES

• What are the ancient ancestor arts of Muay Thai called?

MUAY BORAN, MUAY KAAD CHERK, KRABI KRABONG, MUAY CHAIYA

• Translate Mae Mai & Luk Mai

MASTER TECHNIQUES, MINOR TECHNIQUES
 TH
5 KHAN

· Wrap another person’s hands for training

· What is the Thai name for grading band

= PRAJIT

· What is Thai for 100, 1000, 10000 and 1000000

NUNG ROI, NUNG PAHN, SIP PAHN, NUNG LAAN

· What is the ancient art of Thai massage in Thai?

= NUAD BORAN

· What is the Thai name for the boxers liniment used in fighter massage?
= NAM MUAY

· What is the name for the Thai New Year?

= SONGKRAN

· How many judges are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?

=3