Grading Syllabus

Historically the coloured belt system came from Japan when Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo, created a grading syllabus for his students and as a result the coveted Black Belt was created. Other styles and systems followed suit and you can now grade in most martial arts such as; Gung Fu, Taekwondo, Karate, Tang Soo Do and Ju Jitsu to name but a few.

Kru Shaun's first Judo grading - Sept 1973

Traditionally there are no official grading systems used by the Thais in Muay Thai. The grades or ranks of Kru (instructor) Arjarn (master) and Bramarjarn (grand-master) are earned through years of dedication and commitment in the art of Muay Thai and the majority of these mentors have fought many professional fights to gain their status.

Gradings in Muay Thai have been introduced to satisfy the requirements and needs of the Westerner for reward and merit.

Kru Shaun created our original grading syllabus in 2001 allowing the student the opportunity to reach instructor status, but, more importantly, it offers them the chance to grow both physically and mentally in the art of Muay Thai. Students were graded every 3 months with the aim to reach instructor status within 3-4 years. The grading syllabus ran successfully for 5 years, however, in 2006 after much deliberation, Kru Shaun decided to completely restructure the syllabus. His decision was based upon several reasons.

A more comprehensive grading syllabus was required to reach the high standards of our academy
Certain elements of the old grading syllabus were not required
Students were rushing to learn their grades prior to the 3 monthly gradings and standards of technique were being sacrificed.
Students were missing gradings during the summer holiday season
Twice yearly gradings allow a better learning curve for the student

Student Rachael Bowcutt receiving grade from Kru Shaun

Nak Muay Leigh Edlin receiving his Assistant Instructor grade from Kru Shaun

So that the students can concentrate on the technical & theoretical elements of the grade it was decided to remove the fitness section. The student trains arduously throughout the year and therefore their fitness should already be an attribute when grading. The student who is unfit would, by default, not grade so the removal of the fitness section allows more time to be spent technically and theoretically. In addition, if the fitness section is too difficult it is hard to grade a student accurately if their techniques are blunted by exhaustion. After all, you would not do a 5 mile run, 100 push ups and 100 sit-ups prior to a fight!

Gradings are held twice yearly and the student is assessed by either a senior instructor or the Chief instructor. The student is required to demonstrate good techniques showing correct balance, agility, speed and power in addition to understanding, discipline and heart.

Theoretical Testing

All students wear the coloured Prajit (arm band) as a symbol of their rank and achievement. The re-structured syllabus is outlined below and it follows both traditional and modern aspects of Muay Thai including theory sections on Thai Language, culture and history.

Light sparring

Light sparring

Grading Structure

1ST KHAN - WHITE PRAJIT
PURITY – The mind is open to learning; the student takes the first steps towards learning balance, guard and stance and develops the basics of the 4 weapons of Muay Thai – kicks, punches, knees and elbows. Discipline and structure are introduced in this phase.

2nd KHAN – YELLOW/BLUE PRAJIT
SCHOLAR – The student now develops a base knowledge on how to combine the techniques, to add timing and rhythm. Development of clinch work and sparring is also enhanced. This phase introduces the student to Thai history, language & culture.

3rd KHAN – BLUE/WHITE PRAJIT
COMPETANCE – The student can now competently demonstrate techniques with confidence, showing balance, agility, speed and power. The first stages of the Wai Kru and Ram Muay are introduced in this phase.

4th KHAN – BROWN/WHITE PRAJIT
TECHNICAL – The student has now developed a technical understanding of Muay Thai and can demonstrate this in sparring. The student can also demonstrate the Wai Kru & Ram Muay of Chao Phraya Muay Thai. The first stages of Mae Mai & Luk Mai are introduced this phase.

5th KHAN – BLACK/WHITE PRAJIT
HARMONY – Both technical and academic knowledge can now be demonstrated by the student. The harmonious blending of knowledge and skill is developed in this phase and the student can demonstrate the balance of these attributes. The Mae Mai & Luk Mai techniques are also developed in this stage.

6th KHAN – RED/WHITE PRAJIT
FLUIDITY – The student can now demonstrate all aspects of Muay Thai showing skill, control, discipline, agility and heart. Fighting skills are honed and the student can demonstrate these within a competitive environment.

7th KHAN – RED/YELLOW PRAJIT
COMPREHENSION – The student now demonstrates clear understanding of both technical and theoretical knowledge of Muay Thai and this is the first stage towards becoming an instructor. Upon completion of this grade the student receives the status of Assistant instructor.

8TH KHAN – RED PRAJIT & RED MONGKON
ENLIGHTENMENT – The student tests to become an instructor and demonstrates the ability to teach others. Knowledge of fighter training in addition to fighter preparation is required. The student must be able to demonstrate hand-wrapping, massage and corner-man/trainer skills. The ability to teach correct pad holding for both beginners and fighters is essential. At the end of this grade the student receives their instructor status.

9th KHAN – RED/SILVER PRAJIT & RED/SILVER MONGKON
RESPONSIBILITY – The instructor runs their own school demonstrating discipline, knowledge and empathy. Training of fighters and organising fights for their Nak Muay is also required. At the end of this grade the instructor will be awarded senior instructor status

10th KHAN – RED/BLACK PRAJIT & RED/BLACK MONGKON
DEVELOPMENT – This is the grade of the chief instructor and it is their responsibility to promote the continuing development of Muay Thai & Thai culture through their teachings.

11th KHAN – SILVER PRAJIT & SILVER MONGKON
MASTER – This is the grade of the AJARN, Master of Muay Thai. This grade can only be awarded by Thai officials and signifies spiritual and physical enlightenment in the art of Muay Thai. The Arjarn is a representative of Muay Thai and as such will seat on governing bodies and committees whose aim is promotion and growth of the art and culture of Muay Thai and Thailand.

12th KHAN - GOLD PRAJIT & GOLD MONGKON
GRANDMASTER – This is the grade and position of the BRAMAJARN, Grand-master of Muay Thai and is awarded by their peers for outstanding contribution, longevity and dedication in the art of Muay Thai. The grandmaster encompasses all the qualities and attributes required to lead the way towards the development in Muay Thai and Thai culture and yet remains humble and subservient to the art. Showing all the attributes from purity, Scholarship, competence, technicality, harmony, fluidity, comprehension, enlightenment, responsibility, development and master, the grand-master remains humble and continues to grow and learn. This is the highest level and through this level purity is once again achieved bringing the life cycle of the student to grandmaster in full circle.

Our first academy grading –Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academy 2001

Grade Requirements

1ST KHAN – WHITE PRAJIT

Demonstrate guard and stance
Using the Thai pads to strike demonstrate the following techniques:
- Left & right round kicks
- Front & rear teeps
- Jab
- Cross
- Left & right hooks
- Left & right upper-cuts
- Left & right Side elbows
- Left & right knees
Using the Thai pads demonstrate the following combinations as a 1 minute drill:
- Jab/Cross/Jab – Rear knee – Lean back avoiding cross – counter with rear round kick
- Jab/Body punch – Step round lead hook – rear round kick
- Jab/cross x 2 – Grab alternate knee strikes x 4 – twist pad holder around and release – rear round kick x 2
Demonstrate defences from the following attacks:
- Left & right round kicks
- Jab & cross
- Long Knee
- Side Elbow
- Front & rear Teep
3 x 1 minute rounds of boxing (hands only) sparring.
Answer or demonstrate the following:
- What is the correct name of our school?
- What does this translate as?
- Demonstrate the correct Wai when bowing to your instructor.
- Say Hello in Thai
- Say thank you in Thai
- What does Muay Thai translate to?
- Count to 10 in Thai

2nd KHAN – YELLOW/BLUE PRAJIT

Demonstrate the following combinations on the Thai pads:
- Jab/cross/lead upper-cut/cross/knee
- Rear teep/ double round kick
- Jab/rear knee/rear side elbow
- Jab/cross/hook/low round kick
- Jab/cross x 2/grab clinch/ knees x 4/ twist release/ round kick x 2
Demonstrate the following techniques on the Thai pads or kick shield:
- Body punch
- Lead & rear downward elbow
- Lead & rear upper-cut elbow
- Reverse spinning elbow
- From clinch – forward & side knees
- Lead & rear low kicks
- Cobra punch
After grabbing your opponents leg, demonstrate the following counters:
- Grab/Knee
- Kick
- Rear cross
After your leg has been grabbed demonstrate two releases
3 x 2 min rounds of Sparring (no elbows to head or knees to face)
Answer or demonstrate the following:
- Translate to English: 1. SHOK 2. MUDT 3. SAWK 4. KOW 5. DHE 6. TAO
- Translate: Kru, Arjarn & Bramarjarn
- What does CHOCK mean?
- What does YUDT mean?
- Translate ‘Quick, quick’ into Thai
- Count to 20 in Thai
- Name the King of Thailand
- What was Thailand previously known as?
- What is the capitol of Thailand?
- From top to bottom state the order of colours of the Thai national flag
- What is the name of the camp in Chiang Mai Thailand that we train at?
- Who is the Kru who runs this camp?

3rd KHAN – BLUE/WHITE PRAJIT

On the Thai pads demonstrate the following drills:
- 10’s
- Jab/cross drill
Against partner demonstrate the following defences:
- Parry jab & cross
- Parry Teeps
- Leg block kicks
- Avoid low kick
- Avoid high kick
- Avoid kick to body
Demonstrate the clinch drill
Demonstrate the fisherman Ram Muay
Demonstrate part 1 of the Wai Kru
3 x 1 minute rounds of clinching
3 x 2 minute rounds of sparring
Answer or demonstrate the following:
- Count to 30 in Thai
- Demonstrate hand-wrapping for use in training
- Translate Wai Kru
- Translate Ram Muay
- Name 3 Musical instruments played during Muay Thai bouts
- What is the capital of Northern Thailand?
- Who sacked the Ancient capital of Ayutthaya?
- How many rounds are in a professional Muay Thai bout?
- How long is the duration of these rounds?
- How long are the breaks between each round?

4th KHAN – BROWN & WHITE PRAJIT

Demonstrate pad holding for 3 x 3minute rounds with a partner
On the Thai pads demonstrate the following drills:
- Four by fours
- Five by fives
With your instructor complete 3 x 3 minute rounds on the Thai pads
Demonstrate the full Wai Kru & Ram Muay
Demonstrate 5 x Mae mai & 5 x Luk Mai Techniques on a partner
Complete 3 x 3 minute rounds of sparring to include clinch work
Answer or demonstrate the following:
- Name the legendary Thai Nak Muay famous for defeating 10 Burmese in competition during captivity
- Demonstrate basic corner man disciplines
- Count to 50 in Thai
- What protective equipment is compulsive in full rules Muay Thai?
- Name 3 UK Muay Thai camps
- What is the main religion of Thailand?
- What is the currency of Thailand?
- Name the ceremonial head band worn by the Nak Muay
- What is the ancient art of Muay Thai called?
- Translate Mae Mai & Luk Mai

5th KHAN – BLACK/WHITE PRAJIT

Complete 5 x 3 minute rounds with your instructor on the Thai pads
Demonstrate with a partner 15 Mae Mai & 15 Luk Mai techniques
Show defences for the following:
- Kicks
- Punches
- Knees
- Elbows
Demonstrate 2 x methods of entry into the clinch
Demonstrate 2 methods of escape from the clinch
Demonstrate 3 x different holds in the clinch
On the Thai pads demonstrate the following combinations:
- Low round kick – High round kick – long knee – uppercut – elbow – clinch.
- Jab – Cross – uppercut – hook – elbow –spinning back elbow.
- Teep (to thigh) – Teep (to body) – High round kick – long knee – clinch – knees.
Demonstrate the full wai Kru & Ram Muay
Answer or demonstrate the following:
- Wrap your partners hands for training
- What is the Thai name for the grading arm band?
- What is Thai for the following numbers – 100, 1000, 100,000, 1,000,000?
- What is the ancient art of Thai massage called in Thai?
- What is the Thai name for the boxers liniment used in fighter massage?
- What is the name for the Thai New Year?
- What is the highest scoring technique in a professional Muay Thai bout?
- How many judges are there in a professional Muay Thai bout?

6th KHAN – RED/WHITE PRAJIT

Complete 5 x 3 minute rounds on the Thai pads with the instructor
Complete 5 x 2 minute rounds of sparring to include clinching
Demonstrate Wai Kru & Ram Muay
Demonstrate 15 x Mae Mai & 15 x Luk Mai Techniques
Demonstrate pad holding with a partner for 3 x 3 minute rounds
Take the warm up session for one class
Choose and complete a minimum of 3 from the following objectives:
- Interclub
- Corner for a professional fight
- Referee/Judging course
- Massage course
- Advanced pad-man course

7th KHAN - RED & YELLOW PRAJIT

Teach 1 x complete class
Demonstrate, to a minimum of 10 students, hand-wrapping for class
Massage fighter prior to fight
Referee 3 x 1 min sparring bout
Complete 5 x 3 minute rounds with instructor
Complete 3 x 3 minute sparring rounds
Write a 1000 word essay on anything related to Muay Thai or Thai Culture & History
Choose and complete 2 from the following objectives:
- Visit and train for 1 week with another Muay Thai school from the following list (minimum 3 x training sessions):
      a) K-Star - Birmingham
      b) KO Gym - London
      c) East/West – Bedford
      d) Tiger camp – Bolton
      e) Sitnarong – Manchester
      f) Sandy Holt – Bolton
- Compete in 3 x inter-clubs
- Compete in 1 x full amateur rules competition
- Compete in 1 x ‘C’ Class professional competition
- Visit & train for 1 week at the St. Ives boxing academy (minimum 2 training sessions)

8th KHAN – RED PRAJIT & RED MONGKON

Teach 5 x classes
Prepare fighters hand wraps at professional bout
Massage fighter at professional bout
Corner for fighter at professional bout
Complete 10 x rounds on the Thai pads with the Chief instructor
Referee 3 x sparring sessions
Teach 3rd Khan students the fisherman Ram Muay (minimum 5 x students)
Teach 4th Khan students the Wai Kru (minimum 5 x students)
Choose and complete 2 from the following objectives:
- Visit & train in Thailand (Minimum 2 weeks)
- Compete in a professional ‘C’ class fight
- Privately train for 3 lessons with 1 of the following Ajarn:
      a) Master Sken
      b) Master Woody
      c) Master A
- Complete a basic Thai language course.
- Write 1000 word essays on each of the following subjects:
      a) What makes a successful instructor
      b) How to maintain student interest
      c) How to promote your club

9th KHAN – RED/SILVER PRAJIT & RED/SILVER MONGKON

10th KHAN – RED/BLACK PRAJIT & RED/BLACK MONGKON

11th KHAN – SILVER PRATJIT & SILVER MONGKON

12th KHAN – GOLD PRAJIT & GOLD MONGKON

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