Kachin animal systems embody both the physical and mental attri-
butes of the animal described. Systems are further tied into human attrib-
utes as well, because it is believed that a fighting method must fit the indi-
vidual’s nature rather than force the individual to conform to the system.
As an example, the Bull system with its “charging, tackling, [and] power
striking” is for a big, strong, aggressive person who likes to deliver pun-
ishment to an opponent and does not mind receiving punishment in return.
In a confrontation, the Bull will attempt, as far as possible, to remain at a
distance from an opponent until the opportunity to deliver a devastating
attack arises. The Boar is a smaller, quicker version of the Bull, for some-
one who attempts to get inside and work from clinching range. Lethwei is
therefore said to be a combination of the Bull and Boar sets. Nevertheless,
neither Bull nor Boar is simply a form of stand-up striking; they incorpo-
rate ground fighting as well. However, the ground fighting in these sets
seeks less to grapple than to pin the enemy to the ground to be struck at
will. Thus, during a takedown, body weight drives through the opponent’s
legs and torso along with twisting and lifting slams.
In contrast, there are several Snake systems that are very supple,
quick, and relaxed. For example, the Python subset is mostly grappling.
Here the purpose of strikes is to stun so that the opponent can be taken to
the ground for the finishing techniques. Python takedowns rely primarily
on imposing one’s body weight on an opponent.
The Kachin style also includes a Monk system, which utilizes internal
martial methods. Given the qigongpractice reported in the histories of related
groups such as the Miao, a Chinese heritage for this system is a tempting
hypothesis. Practitioners, however, with backgrounds in yoga, xingyiquan
(hsing i ch’uan), acupuncture, and qigong contend that the Monk system
demonstrates more affinity to Indian yoga than to the Chinese internal arts.
Each method (“animal”) is a martial art in its own right, with its own
techniques, specific exercises, and weapons. Before specializing, the practi-
tioner trains for about five years in lethwei.Upon completion of this pe-
riod, the student then trains in an animal system for the rest of his career.
Each animal, however, is part of a much greater whole. Nonfamily
members learn an individual animal, but the family of the lineage holder
learns an overall system that teaches the underlying concepts of each system.
This makes it possible to exploit weaknesses inherent in a given animal or
to fuse the combat techniques of the various subsets, ensuring that the fam-
ily line of the lineage holder will be able to defeat all others in the group.Summary
Via bandô, thaing has had an impact on martial arts in North America and
Europe. It is (at least as conceived by contemporary Western society) a mixed636 Thaing