10. Back in ancient times, competition fighting in Muay Chaiya was not as easy as you would think. New fighters would wished to compete would have to test their abilities by sitting on a “KROAK” (or rice-pounding mortar) that has been turned upside down. Then, they would cover their faces completely with white powder. They would either sit in a squatting position or sit with legs crossed in the “full lotus” position. There would be a group of experienced fighters who would punch and kick the novice fighter one at a time. The novice fighter would have to “BPUHD” (deflect), “BPID” (close), and “BPERD” (open) the various attacks. And… they had to be able to defend themselves against, at least, 3 of the experienced fighters before they could be allowed to fight in the ring.
USEFUL TIPS FROM THE TV PROGRAM, “Revealing the Secrets of Muay Chaiya” other episodes