Muay Thai Student Creed

HISTORY: THE USE OF THE PA PRAJIAD STARTED WHEN A THAI BOY WENT TO PAY RESPECTS TO HIS MOTHER AND INFORM HER THAT HE WAS GOING TO FIGHT IN THE WAR AGAINST THE BURMESE. THE BOY SAID TO HIS MOTHER, "MOM, I WANT TO PAY RESPECTS TO YOU; I AM GOING TO GO FIGHT IN THE WAR AND I WANTED TO TELL YOU GOOD BYE IN CASE I DON’T MAKE IT BACK." THE MOTHER RESPONDED BY TEARING OFF A PIECE OF HER SARONG AND TYING IT AROUND HER SON'S ARM, TELLING HIM, "BRING THIS BACK TO ME WHEN YOU ARE DONE FIGHTING." THIS GAVE HIM SOMETHING MORE TO FIGHT FOR BECAUSE HE HAD TO KEEP HIS WORD TO HIS MOTHER AND STAY ALIVE SO THAT HE COULD RETURN THE CLOTH ARMBAND SHE HAD GIVEN HIM. THE ARMBAND IS SUPPOSED TO BE PLACED ON THE FIGHTER BY A FAMILY MEMBER OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO THEM AS A WAY TO KEEP THE FIGHTER CONNECTED TO HIS FAMILY DURING THE WAR (FIGHT). IN MODERN DAYS, DURING MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING, INSTRUCTORS WILL PLACE THE ARMBANDS ON FIGHTERS BEFORE THEY ENTER THE RING FOR THEIR MUAY THAI CLASSES. OUT OF RESPECT TO THIS TRADITION, THE ARMBANDS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO EVER TOUCH THE GROUND. THIS practice also embodies the values found in the student creed, emphasizing respect and dedication.