6. In the old days when people fought competitively, they would bind their fists with rope in order to protect the bones from being broken and all. It allows the fingers to have something to hold onto preventing them from moving around or anything of that nature. In Muay Chaiya, they would bind the fists only up to the wrists. With regards to the mid-region fighting style known as Muay Lopburi, they would bind the fists down to about halfway down the forearm. With regards to the fighting style in the Isan province, they would often bind their fists all the way down to the elbow. They would braid, knit, or weave a series of patterns known as “KAANG SING” (or “Lion’s Shin”) along the way. There would also be a series of large-sized “GkOHN HAWY” (or “Spirals”) designs. The reason for binding the fists with rope is to protect the bones located on the back of the hand as well as the fingers themselves.
USEFUL TIPS FROM THE TV PROGRAM, “Revealing the Secrets of Muay Chaiya” other episodes