Definition and Etymology
In traditional Lethwei, the Lethwei Yay (လက်ဝှေ့ရေး) plays a fundamental role. Assuming the meaning of “Lethwei” is already understood, it is necessary to explain the definition and usage of the word “Yay”.
In this context, “Yay” refers to a “display of form” or “demonstration of skill”. Similar terms include Dha Yay ‘ဓားရေး’ (sword-play), Hlan Yay ‘လှံရေး’ (spear-play), Myinn Yay ‘မြင်းရေး’ (horsemanship), and Sin Yay ‘ဆင်ရေး’ (elephant-riding). To elaborate using Dah Yay as an example, it can be defined as “displaying movement with a sword” or “demonstrating mastery of swordsmanship.” Therefore, Lethwei Yay can be defined as the “display of martial forms by a Lethwei expert”.
Components In Lethwei Yay
Lethwei Yay is considered an artistic choreography that combines flexibility, intensity, rotations, and jumping movements.
The exact style and details of the performance and the steps involved can vary based on the fighter’s region, their team, or their teacher.
However, a standard Lethwei Yay typically includes the following movement components:
- Lekkha Moun.
- Energetic running forms.
- Body rotations.
- Lifting the knee and slapping it with the palm.
- Swaying body movements.
- Simulated headbutt attacks.
- Vocalizations and battle cries.
Traditional fighters begin their Lethwei Yay from the corner of the ring where they entered and conclude it at their respective corner. In the past, great Lethwei masters performed the Lethwei Yay as a beautiful visual spectacle. Lethwei Yay is not merely a demonstration of punches, kicks, and knee strikes; it is a movement that is significantly more artistic than ordinary striking or kicking.
The performance usually begins with “Let Oat Chi” လက်အုပ်ချီ (paying respect with joined palms) or a similar respectful gesture, followed by the Lekkha Moun. It concludes in the same manner, with the Lekkha Moun and Let Oat Chi or a final gesture of respect.
Most fighters perform the Lethwei Yay by moving back and forth from their assigned corner toward the center of the ring. In a full, standard performance, the fighter should move back and forth to cover all four sides of the ring.
Occasions for Performing Lethwei Yay
Lethwei Yay is performed under the following circumstances:
- After Modern Domestic Matches
In most domestic matches today, after the competition concludes and if a winner is declared, the victor typically performs the Lethwei Yay. If the match ends in a draw, both fighters must perform. This can be done simultaneously or one after the other, sometimes as directed by the referee. (Applicable to challenge fights or point-system matches). - Before International Matches
In international competitions, fighters may be asked to perform the Lethwei Yay after both opponents have entered the ring but before the fight begins. Usually, they perform one after the other, though they occasionally perform simultaneously. (Applicable to challenge fights or point-system matches). - Introductions of Famous or Veteran Fighters
Even if they are not part of the active fight card, famous current fighters or legendary veterans may be invited into the ring to be introduced to the audience and perform the Lethwei Yay. During such performances, promoters, referees, and fans often award the performer with “prize money” (tips). (Applicable to all traditional Lethwei events).
- Introductions for Multi-day Events
While most modern matches are single-day events, in the past, tournaments were held over two or three consecutive days. In such cases, fighters scheduled for the following day would be brought into the ring in pairs to be introduced to the crowd. During these introductions, the fighters perform an “introduction” Lethwei Yay. (Mainly for “Gyar Bwe” ကြားပွဲ (novice fights) and “Alan Lu Bwe” အလံလုပွဲ (flag tournaments)). - Traditional Matchmaking (Pairing)
In the past, a referee would call a well-known fighter into the ring to perform the Lethwei Yay. Afterward, other fighters who wished to challenge him would enter the ring. The referee would then pair the original fighter with the most suitable challenger, considering physical build, height, fighting style, and experience. Once the match was confirmed, both fighters would perform the Lethwei Yay together. (for “gyar bwe” and “alan lu bwe”).
Historically, it was believed that a fighter’s rank and skill level could be judged by watching their Lethwei Yay. Consequently, referees practiced having fighters perform the Lethwei Yay so they could better assess their level and create fair match-pairings.
Music For Lethwei Yay
Inside the Lethwei ring or circle, the performance is accompanied by music from a traditional orchestra ‘ဆိုင်းဝိုင်း’ ‘Hsaing Waing‘. This specific music is called “Lay Kin” လေးခင်း. The Lay Kin is a slow-tempo rhythmic composition.
Fighters perform the Lethwei Yay gracefully and energetically in time with the rhythm of the Lay Kin.
In conclusion, the Lethwei Yay is an inseparable cultural component of traditional Lethwei, and it is essential to continue preserving this heritage for future generations.
FAQs
1. What does “Lethwei Yay” mean?
“Yay” refers to displaying skill through structured movement. In this case, Lethwei Yay is a controlled demonstration of a fighter’s technique, not a fight or warm-up.
2. Is it just ceremonial?
No. Traditionally, it was used to assess fighters. Clean footwork, balance, and timing are easier to judge here than in a chaotic fight.
3. What movements are included?
A typical sequence includes running steps, rotations, knee lifts with palm slaps, swaying transitions, simulated strikes like headbutts, and vocal shouts, all performed in a set pattern across the ring.
4. When is it performed?
After matches, before international bouts, during fighter introductions, and historically during matchmaking to help decide fair pairings.
5. How is music involved?
The slow Lay Kin rhythm forces controlled pacing. If a fighter can stay precise under that constraint, it shows discipline and skill rather than rushed movement.
