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K.M.A Khan System (Khan 10–19)


  • Khan 10 – Assistant Coach Level Examination

    Mongkol: Red

    Overview

    Khan 10 marks the transition from student to entry-level instructor. It recognizes a practitioner who has developed strong technical foundations, cultural understanding, and is ready to begin assisting in teaching.

    Eligibility

    • Minimum 217 hours of training

    • Must have passed Khan 9 (verified in membership book) or be eligible to take the Khan 10 degree via level of experience

    • Examination conducted by a Kru Khan 13+ (KMA registered)

    Examination Requirements

    Technical Proficiency

    • High-level execution of all Khan 9 techniques

    • Full understanding of the purpose and “heart” of movements

    • Demonstration of all weapons (punches, elbows, knees, kicks)

    • 3 rounds × 3 minutes pad work

    • Wai Kru performed with agility and precision

    • Defensive techniques executed clearly and powerfully

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Deeper knowledge of Muay Thai history

    • Proficiency in all 15 Mae Mai and 15 Luk Mai

    Cultural Awareness

    • Demonstrated respect for Thai culture and traditions

    • Clear understanding of Muay Thai as a cultural martial art

    Outcome

    • Recognized as an Assistant Coach (Entry Level)

    • Foundation for progression to Khan 11

    Khan 11 – Assistant Teacher / Coach

    Mongkol: Red & White

    Overview

    This rank certifies an individual as a qualified assistant instructor, capable of teaching and supporting student development.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 1 year holding Khan 10

    • At least 1 year coaching experience

    • Ability to teach and register minimum 30 students per year

    • Strong knowledge of:

      • Techniques

      • History, traditions, customs

      • Rules (Muay Thai & Muay Boran)

    ExaminationAssessed by KMA Kru Yai / Ajarn (Khan 14+)

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 8

    Khan 12 – Kru (Teacher)

    Mongkol: Red & Yellow

    Overview

    A prestigious rank recognizing a fully qualified teacher responsible for instructing, managing classes, and developing students.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 1 year as Khan 11

    • Minimum 3 years teaching experience

    • Proven ability to:

      • Teach and manage classes

      • Develop students effectively

    Assessment

    • Examination by KMA Ajarn (Khan 15+)

    • Submission of:

      • Examination video

      • Previous grading records

      • Annual teaching portfolio

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 9

    Khan 13 – Kru Yai (Senior Teacher)

    Mongkol: Red & Silver

    Overview

    A senior teaching rank awarded to individuals with significant contribution and leadership in Muay Thai and Muay Boran.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 4 years as Khan 12

    • Advanced teaching ability and seminar support

    • Experience in:

      • Judging and refereeing

      • Gym and event management

    • Proven student development record

    • Annual portfolio submission

    Awarding

    • Examination in Thailand

    • Assessed by KMA Ajarn / Pramajarn (Khan 17+)

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 10

    Khan 14 – Ajarn (Master)

    Mongkol: Silver

    Overview

    A highly respected title recognizing a master instructor and leader in Muay Thai.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 5 years as Khan 13

    • Extensive experience in:

      • Teaching and seminars

      • Judging and refereeing

      • Gym and event management

    • Strong mentorship record

    • Annual portfolio submission

    Assessment

    • Comprehensive examination in Thailand

    • Conducted by Pramajarn (Khan 18+)

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 11

    Khan 15 – Puchuy Pramajarn (Assistant Grand Master)

    Mongkol: Gold & Silver

    Overview (Revised)

    This rank recognizes a senior leader of the highest professional level, combining mastery in teaching with global influence, leadership, and organizational responsibility.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 7 years as Khan 14

    • Proven leadership in:

      • Managing large-scale programs, gyms, or organizations

      • Conducting advanced seminars and international activities

    • Deep expertise in judging, refereeing, and curriculum

    • Significant global contribution to Muay Thai development

    • Strong mentorship lineage

    • Annual portfolio submission

    Assessment

    • Examination in Thailand

    • Conducted by Pramajarn (Khan 19+)

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 12

    Khan 16 – Bramajarn (Grand Master)

    Mongkol: Gold

    Overview

    A lifetime achievement rank recognizing exceptional mastery, character, and contribution to Muay Thai and Muay Boran.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 10 years as Khan 15

    • Minimum age: 55+

    • Widely recognized leader with:

      • Extensive knowledge and experience

      • Long-standing service to KMA

      • Strong global reputation

    Awarding

    • No standard examination

    • Awarded by KMA Senior Grand Master Committee

    • Requires full portfolio and contribution report

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 14

    Khan 17 – Pramajarn (Senior Grand Master)

    Mongkol: Gold

    Overview

    A rare and revered title recognizing an individual who has shaped the direction and preservation of Muay Thai globally.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 10 years as Khan 16

    • Typically 65+ years of age

    • Lifetime of distinguished service and influence

    Awarding

    • Committee-based recognition (no examination)

    • Based on legacy, impact, and global contribution

    Authority

    • May grade students up to Khan 14

    Khan 18 – Associate Grand Master

    Mongkol: Gold with Emerald

    Overview (Revised)

    One of the highest honors in Muay Thai, awarded to an individual whose lifetime contribution, leadership, and influence are considered foundational to the art worldwide.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 10 years as Khan 17

    • Minimum age: 65+

    • Globally recognized for:

      • Exceptional ability and knowledge

      • Impeccable character

      • Long-standing service and support to KMA

    Awarding Process

    • Approved by KMA Examination Board (minimum 75% majority)

    • Final endorsement by Senior Grand Master Committee

    • Based on lifetime legacy and global impact

    Khan 19 – Senior Grand Master

    Mongkol: Gold with Diamond

    Overview (Revised)

    The highest possible honor within the K.M.A system.
     This title represents the ultimate authority and legacy in Muay Thai, reserved for individuals whose life’s work has permanently shaped the art.

    Requirements

    • Minimum 12 years as Khan 18

    • Minimum age: 65+

    • A lifetime of:

      • Extraordinary contribution

      • Global influence

      • Unquestionable leadership and integrity

    Awarding

    • Conferred solely by the KMA Senior Grand Master Committee

    • Based on unanimous recognition of legacy, impact, and service

    Significance

    The Gold Mongkol with Diamond symbolizes the pinnacle of Muay Thai achievement, a recognition not just of mastery, but of historical importance to the art itself.

    Closing Statement

    The K.M.A Khan system is more than a ranking structure.
     It is a lifelong pathway of discipline, responsibility, and cultural preservation - ensuring that Muay Thai and Muay Boran are passed on with authenticity, respect, and integrity for generations to come.



 



History


 Thai Martial Arts are comprised of many unique and ingenious traditions, techniques, concepts, ceremonies and practices however, like virtually all other Martial Arts prior to the twentieth century, a uniform system of ranking was not part of the curriculum. 

Over centuries of battlefield and later, sporting combat in Siam and abroad, there was no real distinction between teachers and disciples other than the designation of "Kru" (ครู) and "Sit" (ศิษย์). 

Kru, which roughly translates as "teacher" or "master", is derived from the traditional Sanskrit title of "Guru". The title of Guru has been used ubiquitously in India for Millennia to describe experts in a broad range of fields; both religious and secular. The title of Kru however, was seen as an inadequate in today modern climate of traditional Martial Arts in clarifying seniority among it's title holders. Traditionally, age and/or Martial proficiency used to determine which Kru held seniority. 

Beginning in the late 1950s Muay Thai came into the consciousness of those outside of Southeast Asia in general and Thailand in particular, on a large scale when Karate practitioners began learning the Art in Japan. 

It was in 1975 when Masters Woody (Chinawut Sirisompan) Toddy (Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana) and Sken (Kaewpadung) began sharing the methods and culture of Thai Boxing with Europeans. This would cause a domino effect that disseminated the Art across the globe. 

In 2003 a group of the world's top experts and scholars of Muay Thai Boran banded together to form an association with the most ambitious objectives ever undertaken for the Art. Senior Grand Masters. Yodtong Senanan (Sriwaralak), Phosawat Saengsawan, Jarusdej Ulit, GM. Pranom Ampin (Kru Dang) Dr. Sompon Saengchai, Pajon Muenson and Nachapon Banlenpadit; along with Grandmaster Woody, who was still living in England at the time, founded the "Kru Muay Thai Association" (สมาคมครูมวยไทย) and registered the organization with the Royal Thai Government's National Cultural Commission Ministry of Culture on May 9th, 2003. recognized by the Thai government throughout the to the Ministry of Culture and Education. . 

  • Realizing the inadequacy of an absence of a standardized ranking system, the collective, spearheaded by Grandmaster Woody, went about creating a ranking system that would combine tradition with innovation and garner the Art the much needed and deserved legitimacy and structure in the modern world of Martial Arts Sciences. 
      •  
      Grandmaster Woody used his extensive knowledge of Traditional Thai Culture 
      Grandmaster Woody set about the tedious journey of codifying a revolutionary ranking system for the Martial Art of Muay Thai Boran.
      Grandmaster Woody's objectives in the development of this ranking system went beyond just standardization and included two other important goals :


      1. The first objective of the Khan ranking system was to provide former professional fighters a means to utilize their knowledge and experience in making a living for themselves once they retire from fighting. In Thailand professional fighters tend to retire around the age of 25, these still youthful men often find themselves working in dead end jobs with no prospect of upward mobility, wasting their talents and knowledge. The Khan grade provides these valuable Martial Artists a means to become accredited and recognized by the Thai government and earn a meaningful living with the skills and knowledge that they spent years of their life developing.

      2. The second aspect of the Khan ranking system that the Grandmasters sought to address was the fact that many individuals outside of Thailand and even within the borders of the Kingdom had an interest in learning the traditional Martial Art of Muay Thai Boran but we're not interested in being fighters. Many of the world's best teachers and Grandmasters have themselves never in fact participated in the ring fighting sport of Muay Thai but rather are true Masters and Scholars of the rich Traditional Marital Art which encompasses an in-depth knowledge of the various ancient styles. The Khan ranking system gives those who are not fighters recognition for their years of dedicated practice and study of the Art by certifying them as legitimate experts in the field Muay Thai Boran.
      This system, which came to be called the "Khan" (ขั้น) grading system, consists of 19 grades or levels. 
      The first 10 grades are student grades. 
      The Khan grades of 1 through 4 are novice or beginner levels;
      Khans 5 through 7 signify intermediate ranks; and 
      Khans 8 through 10 are reserved for advanced students.
      Khan 10 is the Kru Muay Thai Association's Khan grade equivalent of a "Black Belt" in other Martial Arts.
      Those students who have achieved the rank of Khan 10 and have a desire to become instructors undergoing a ceremony known as "Krop Kru" and begin as apprentice or Trainee/Assistant Instructors known in Thai as "Puchuay Kru" (ผู้ช่วยครู), at the rank of Khan 11 or Mongkol 1. Khan 11 holders wear red and white Mongkol and Brajeat and a red uniform with white sleeve trim, red collar with Thai designs and a white sash or "Pakaoma" (ผ้าขาวม้า). 

      After a period of at least one year, and at the discretion of and recommendation of supervising superior Khan grade Instructor, the Trainee may take the exam to become a "Kru" (ครู), or Teacher/Fully Qualified Instructor. Mongkol 2 holders wear a red and yellow Mongkol and the traditional red uniform with yellow sleeve trim, red collar with Thai embellishments and a yellow sash.

      Once awarded Khan 12 or Monkol 2, the exponent may apply for a promotion to Khan 13 known as "Kru Yai" (ครูใหญ่) or Senior Instructor/Assistant Master, after a duration of three to five years since being promoted to Khan 12, providing that they have met all of the requirements and pass the examination of khan 13 or Mongkol 3 representatives wear a red and silver Mongkol and the red uniform with silver sleeve trim, red collar with Thai designs and a silver sash. 

      The next level of achievement is the rank of Khan 14. Khan 14 signifies the first level of "Mastership" which is known in the Thai language as "Ajahn" (อาจารย์). Like the aforementioned designation of Kru, Ajahn is derived from Sanskrit title of "Acariya". Promotion to the rank of Master is a very significant honor reserved only for the most dedicated Muay Thai Boran exponents who demonstrate extraordinary knowledge of the Art and contributions to its proliferation in their nation and abroad. 
      Applicants for Khan 14 for must present themselves to the Kru Muay Thai Association's Executive Committee, made up of the Senior Grandmasters, for the examination or khan 14 or Mongkol 4 holders wear a silver Mongkol and the red uniform with silver sleeve trim and collar and a silver sash. 

      Once Mastership has been earned, the Master will then, through continued work and promotion of the Art and their nation and the world as a whole, be considered for the rank of Khan 15 or Mongkol 5. This fifth Mongkol marks the commencement of the highest honor and responsibility known as "Grand mastership". 

      Mongkol 5 or khan 15 much like Mongkol 1 and 3, is an apprentice rank where the Master becomes an Assistant Grandmaster known in the Thai language as "Puchuay Bramajahn" (ผู้ช่วยปรมาจารย์). 
      This Assistant Grandmaster works closely with a Grandmaster on the path to becoming a full Grandmaster. Mongkol 5 representatives wear a red uniform with silver sleeve trim and a gold collar, a silver and gold sash with a gold and silver Mongkol.

      Once promoted to Assistant Grandmaster, the title holder is eligible for advancement to the sacred rank of full Grandmaster after a minimum period of 7 to 10 years since obtaining Mongkol 5. 

      Khan 16 or Mongkol 6 denotes certified Grandmaster or "Bramajahn" (ปรมาจารย์) and is a rare and high honor indeed. Bramajahn, much like all terminology used in Thai Martial Arts, is also derived from Sanskrit words of "Brahma", the principal Hindu deity considered the first and supreme deity.
      Once becoming a Grandmaster, the next stages again after a minimal period of 7 to 10 years is Khan 17 or "Puchuay Brahmajahn Awuso" (ผู้ช่วยปรมาจารย์อาวุโส) which means Assistant Senior Grandmaster.
      Khan 18 or "Rong Bramajahn Awuso" (รองปรมาจารย์อาวุโส), meaning Accociate Senior Grandmaster.

      Finally, the highest-rank possible in the Khan system, Khan 19 or Senior Grandmaster, "Brahmajahn Awuso" (ปรมาจารย์อาวุโส), a title reserved for only a select few of the most accomplished knowledgeable and honorable representatives who have dedicated their entire lives to the promotion proliferation and advancement of the Noble Art and have made consistent and significant contributions. 

      Mongkol 9 is a rank only held by five living Grandmasters after one of the chief founders of the Kru MuayThai Association, the legendary GM. Yodtong, passed away in 2013. 
      Mongkol's 6-9 all wear the red uniform with gold sleeve trim and collar, gold sashes and gold Mongkols.