Welcome to Kru Muaythai Association
+668 1302 4622
krumuaythaiassociation@gmail.com
logo
Menu

History of KMA



KRU MUAYTHAI ASSOCIATION

Kru Muaythai Association (KMA): Mandate and Authority

The Kru Muaythai Association (KMA) was formally registered and granted a mandate by the Office of the National Culture Commission on May 9, 2003.

As the highest governing body concerning Muay Thai and Muay Boran as a cultural martial art and educational system, the organization was founded in 2003 by the world's most recognized Grandmasters of both disciplines. The KMA's registration with the Office of Cultural Commission, Ministry of Culture, Thailand, provides it with the authority to create a standardized curriculum, implement a formal examination system, and unify the world's legitimate Masters.

KMA Mandate and Objectives

The KMA is formally mandated to execute the following core objectives:

1.     Standardization and Development: Unify all grandmasters, masters, experts, and organizations interested in Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong. This collaboration is intended to support and develop standardized curricula that achieve national and international acceptance.

2.     Curriculum Research and Structure: Conduct comprehensive research on existing and new documentation at all levels to establish the organizational structure and academic curriculum for teaching Muay Thai.

3.     Educational Programs: Organize and administer courses for interested individuals.

4.     Grading and Examination: Establish and conduct standardized examinations and gradings following the official Khan (ขั้น) and grade structures defined within the curriculum.

5.     Technical Guidance: Offer expert advice and assistance regarding the traditional knowledge and techniques of Muay Thai.

6.     Cultural Promotion: Support and promote all activities related to the tradition and culture of Thai martial arts.

7.     Membership Support: Provide support and assistance to members, adhering to the guidance of the executive committee.

8.     Ethical Compliance: Operate strictly outside the realm of politics, gambling, or any activities that may be disruptive to the culture and tradition of Thailand.

The Khan Grading System

Members of the KMA are internationally recognized and accredited experts in the arts of Muay Thai and Muay Boran, and they are ranked according to the Khan (ขั้น) grading system.

This system was developed for the KMA by Grandmaster Chinawut Sirisompan (GM. Woody). It represents a significant advancement by seamlessly combining the globally recognized color-coded grading system of modern martial arts with the uniquely Thai elements of traditional amulets and ceremonies.

The KMA registers teaching-level representatives within this structure, which spans from:

  • Khan 1–10: Student levels under the World Muay Boran Federation (WMBF) curriculum.
  • Khan 11: The rank of "Assistant Teacher/Master" or Puchuay Kru (ผู้ช่วยครู).
  • Khan 19: The highest rank of Senior Grandmaster.

The Role and Significance of 'Kru'

The term Kru (ครู) is a revered Thai title meaning teacher, master, or instructor, specifically referring to the person who imparts knowledge to their sid (pupils). The role of the Kru is highly respected in Thai society, extending far beyond academic instruction into moral and life guidance.

Qualities and Commitment of a Kru

A true Kru embodies exceptional personal and ethical standards:

  • Moral Integrity: They uphold high moral standards and lead respectable lives, characterized by kindness, sincerity, and humility.
  • Knowledge and Perseverance: They are highly knowledgeable individuals who never cease learning, constantly seeking and updating their expertise to pass on the latest knowledge and techniques to their students.
  • Devotion to Teaching: They are wholly devoted to their teaching commitment, ensuring their pupils attain full knowledge and achieve success in their respective fields.
  • Guiding Light: A Kru acts as a moral compass, encouraging students to pursue correct actions and methods to achieve success.

The Rewards of Being a Kru

The primary rewards for a Kru are intrinsic and relational:

  • The profound sense of achievement in witnessing the improvement and success of their pupils.
  • Receiving genuine respect, love, and loyalty from their students.
  • Gaining widespread respect and seeing the growth in the number of pupils who willingly submit to their guidance.

🙏 Wai Kru: The Tradition of Homage

Wai Kru is a cultural tradition that serves as the formal demonstration of a pupil's respect, gratitude, and submission to their Kru, acknowledging the commitment required for teaching and training.

Cultural Significance

  • A Cultural, Not Religious, Act: Wai Kru is a deep-seated tradition and cultural practice in Thailand; it is not a religious ceremony.
  • Universal Practice: This ceremony is performed across various domains—not only by martial artists (such as Thai boxers and sword fighters) but also by academic students, artists, professionals, and anyone who has a teacher (Kru) in their life.
  • The 'Wai' Gesture: The term "Wai" specifically refers to the act of paying respect by pressing both hands together in front of the chest.
  • Comprehensive Homage: The demonstration of Wai Kru implies paying respect not only to the present Kru but also extends homage to all past teachers of the discipline and throughout one's lifetime.

Global Expansion of Muay Thai

In the late 1950s, Muay Thai began gaining international attention, particularly when Karate practitioners in Japan started studying the art.

A major turning point came in 1975, when:

  • Grandmaster Woody (Chinawut Sirisompan)

  • Toddy (Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana)

  • Sken (Kaewpadung)

began teaching Muay Thai in Europe.

This marked the beginning of a global expansion, spreading Muay Thai far beyond Thailand.

Formation of the Kru Muaythai Association

In 2003, a group of the world’s leading Muay Thai Boran masters and scholars united to preserve and formalize the art. Founding figures included:

  • Grandmaster Yodtong Senanan (Sriwaralak)

  • Phosawat Saengsawan

  • Jarusdej Ulit

  • Grandmaster Pranom Ampin (Kru Dang)

  • Dr. Sompon Saengchai

  • Pajon Muenson

  • Nachapon Banlenpadit

  • Grandmaster Woody (Chinawut Sirisompan)

Together, they established the Kru Muaythai Association (K.M.A), officially registered with Thailand’s Ministry of Culture on May 9, 2003.

Why the Khan System Was Created

As Muay Thai spread globally, it became clear that the art lacked a structured and standardized ranking system.

Under the leadership of Grandmaster Woody, the K.M.A developed the Khan (ขั้น) grading system, combining traditional values with modern structure.

Key Objectives

1. Supporting Fighters After Retirement
 Professional fighters in Thailand often retire young (around age 25). The Khan system provides them with:

  • Official recognition

  • Teaching credentials

  • A sustainable career path

2. Recognizing Non-Fighters
 Many dedicated practitioners—both in Thailand and internationally—study Muay Thai for its cultural and technical depth, not for competition.

The Khan system allows these individuals to:

  • Be formally recognized

  • Progress through structured learning

  • Become certified instructors and experts

Structure of the Khan System

The Khan system consists of 19 levels, divided into clear stages:

Student Levels (Khan 1–10)

  • Khan 1–4: Beginner

  • Khan 5–7: Intermediate

  • Khan 8–10: Advanced

Khan 10 is considered equivalent to a “Black Belt” level, marking readiness to enter the teaching pathway.

Instructor Pathway

Khan 11 – Assistant Instructor (Puchuay Kru)

After completing a Krop Kru ceremony, students may begin teaching as assistants.

  • Red & White Mongkol

  • Apprentice teaching role

Khan 12 – Kru (Teacher)

After at least 1 year, candidates may qualify as a fully recognized Kru.

  • Red & Yellow Mongkol

  • Fully qualified instructor

Khan 13 – Kru Yai (Senior Instructor)

Achieved after 3–5 years of teaching experience.

  • Red & Silver Mongkol

  • Senior teacher and leader

Khan 14 – Ajarn (Master)

The first level of Mastery, derived from the Sanskrit “Acariya”.

  • Silver Mongkol

  • Reserved for highly experienced and contributing instructors

Grand Master Pathway

Khan 15 – Assistant Grand Master

Beginning of Grand Master level

  • Apprentice to Grand Masters

  • Works closely with senior leadership

  • Gold & Silver Mongkol

Khan 16 – Grand Master (Bramajarn)

A rare and prestigious honor recognizing lifetime mastery.

  • Gold Mongkol

  • Derived from “Brahma” (supreme deity in Hindu tradition)

Khan 17 – Senior Grand Master (Assistant Level)

  • Advanced leadership role

  • Significant contribution to the art

Khan 18 – Associate Senior Grand Master

  • Recognized global authority

  • Major influence on the art’s development

Khan 19 – Senior Grand Master

The highest rank in the Khan system

  • Reserved for a select few

  • Lifetime contribution to Muay Thai

  • Represents the highest level of knowledge, honor, and legacy

Special Recognition

Mongkol 9 is a special honorary level, held only by a select number of living Grand Masters following the passing of Grandmaster Yodtong Senanan in 2013.

Symbolism of the Mongkol

  • Khan 11–13: Red-based Mongkols (progression of teaching ranks)

  • Khan 14: Silver (Master level)

  • Khan 15+: Gold (Grand Master lineage)

  • Khan 18–19: Enhanced with Emerald and Diamond, symbolizing the highest honors

Closing Statement

The Khan system is more than a ranking structure.
 It is a bridge between tradition and modernity, ensuring that Muay Thai and Muay Boran are preserved with authenticity, respect, and cultural integrity. It honors not only fighters but teachers, scholars, and guardians of Thai heritage.