So what is all this bowing (wai) about? If you haven’t noticed a common theme in Asian culture is bowing it’s a way of showing respect. In Thai culture you’re taught from an extremely early age the importance of respecting your elders. This respect, sometimes superficial permeates every aspect of your relationships.

Even Ronald knows how to Wai Properly

The basics

You would never ever touch the top of the head of someone older. It’s so ingrained in me that it makes me cringe to see it happen even here in the States. When elders are present in a room, they get the chair and you can pull up some floor. You always refer to someone older then you as P’ee (pronounces Pea). Unless they are your parents age (then Na or Ah). Pi is literally older brother or older sister. Have you ever seen the old Kung Fu movies where the characters are always going on about big brother Wong? That’s why.

Teachers and Trainers

Teachers and trainers in Muay Thai occupy a very special place on your life as a Nak Muay (fighter). In Thailand the relationship between teacher and student is regarded as highly as a parent, child relationship. The way one wai’s also demonstrates the level of respect you are showing. The deeper and lower your bow, the more respect. You will ALWAYS wai lower then your teacher regardless of your age. Next time your in your Gym greet your Kru or Trainer with a deep Wai, they certainly deserve it. Here is good article that goes into the etiquette of bowing.

The Essence of Muay Thai

I came across this photo on one of the forums.  It’s Gerome LeBanner paying respects to Ernesto Hoost.  It was Hoost’s K-1 tribute/farewell. I’ve always considered LeBanner a brutish thug. When I saw this photo, it changed my opinions about him completely. Here he is humbling himself and paying respects to one of his elders. This is at the very heart of Muay Thai. If you train Muay Thai and consider yourself a true Nak Muay, this is what you need to internalize.