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Feng Publishing.Thaing
Thaingis a Burmese term used to classify the indigenous martial systems of
ancient Burma (now Myanmar). The word thaingloosely translates as “to-
tal combat.” Moreover, as the loose translation stipulates, the label en-
compasses the range of combatives that have been systematized in Burmese
martial tradition: bandô, banshay, lethwei, naban,and other ethnic or
tribal fighting systems native to the region. Beyond the martial elements of
thaing, practitioners are enjoined to incorporate ethical principles such as
humility, patience, tolerance, integrity, loyalty, courage, knowledge, physi-
cal and spiritual strength, and love of family.
Traditional styles of thaing are associated with specific ethnic groups.
Styles that have been identified in the literature include Burmese, Chin,
Chinese, Kachin (or Jinghpaw), Karen, Mon, Shan, and Talaing. Forms of
thaing have been reported among hill tribes such as the Wa, but little is
known of their characteristics except that they have a shared worldview
with the Kachin.
Traditional styles are subdivided into systems or forms named for
(and adopting the mythical characteristics of) animals such as the boar or
the python. Generally twelve animals are incorporated into a given style,
but there are exceptions, such as the Kachin system, which uses sixteen.
Records of conflict among the various ethnic groups that have resided
in the area of Myanmar (Burma) abound both in oral and written accounts.
Accounts of this fierce competition for territory and resources begin with
the Pyu in antiquity but start becoming historic rather than legendary dur-
ing the eleventh century A.D., when King Anawrahtar organized lower
Burma into a sovereignty as the Pagan Empire (after its capital at Pegu, not
its religious beliefs).
In the Pagan Empire, martial arts were one of eighteen subjects mas-
tered by aristocrats. Warfare was endemic, so ethnic groups also began to
systematize the combat tactics appropriate to their environment and cul-
tural heritage. Variation was introduced by differences in language, culture,
geography, and religion. For example, some cultures were animists. So, af-
ter killing a living being, either human or animal, the head was removed to
free the spirit and honored as a trophy. (This practice persisted at least into
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