Among combat sports, Lethwei is known for being open and flexible with techniques, allowing fighters to use methods that other sports forbid. While fighting bareknuckle, a fighter can use punches, elbows, knees, kicks, extensive clinching, throws, sweeps, and most recognizably, Lethwei allows headbutts.  This has earned it a reputation of brutality and rawness and the moniker of “Art of the Nine Limbs”.

That invites a question – What can a fighter not do in Lethwei? Are you allowed to attack an opponent in any way as long as it earns a knockout? 

There are limits to what is allowed in Lethwei. Modern Lethwei, especially more recent competition systems, may incorporate stringent rules and limitations that are more aligned with other modern combat sports. Nevertheless, the limitations in modern Lethwei will still be based on the limitations present in traditional Lethwei.

The Core Forbidden Actions In Traditional Lethwei 

In Traditional Lethwei, before a fights, the announcer will declare the following forbidden actions for fighters:

“No biting. No scratching. No pulling hair. No eye-gouging. No striking inappropriate places. No taking advantage of someone who has fallen down. If the three conditions of falling are met and the fighter on top continues to attack, causing injury to the fighter on the bottom, the attacker loses the match.”

These six limitations form the core of what is traditionally forbidden in Lethwei. 

Some of these limitations are in place for the safety of fighters. No striking “inappropriate places” basically mean to not attack the groin.
Some are more of a reflection of cultural inappropriateness; biting and hair-pulling are generally regarded as unsportsmanlike and are prohibited.

The rule of not allowing opponents to attack fallen opponents shape why ground fighting is not a component in Lethwei.

To elaborate the “three conditions of falling”, it is referring to “falling flat on the back, the chest, and the side”. You can attack as the opponent falls down, but once they have fallen flat on the ground, you must stop.

Other Considerations

In addition to the core limitations, there are other discussion points on the topic of forbidden actions in Lethwei.

Slapping the face.

Fighters are not allowed to slap their opponent’s face. While not typically announced among the standard pre-fight prohibitions, face-slapping is traditionally understood as undignified conduct.

Attacking an opponent whose back is turned.

There is no rule in traditional Lethwei that ban a back strike. In modern Lethwei, some rulesets may ban back strikes.

Attacking particular organs.

With the exception of targeting the eyes and the groin, there are no rules in traditional Lethwei that ban the targeting of any specific organ. In modern Lethwei, some rulesets may ban targeting certain organs.

Usage of open-hand techniques. 

Lethwei has no ban on using open-hand techniques. In fact, clinching, blocking, parrying, and catching techniques incorporate open palms which are made more effective by Lethwei being barehanded. 

However, its offensive striking arsenal is overwhelmingly centered on punches, elbows, knees, kicks, and headbutts. Palm strikes, knife-hand strikes, and finger strikes are almost never seen in Lethwei and are not regarded as techniques of the martial arts. This likely reflects the sport’s historical development and emphasis on high-impact strikes rather than any specific prohibition on open-hand use. 

A Reflection Of Lethwei, Not A Rulebook

This written piece is intended to describe and reflect Lethwei as it has been practiced, understood, and transmitted by fighters, trainers, officials, and spectators. It is not intended as an endorsement of any particular rule, nor as an argument for changing, preserving, expanding, or restricting the sport’s rules.

Combat sports evolve over time. Different organizations, promotions, and governing bodies adopt different regulations, interpretations, and safety standards. Decisions regarding what should or should not be permitted in competition ultimately belong to the relevant authorities responsible for overseeing the sport.

FAQs

1. What actions are explicitly banned in traditional Lethwei?

Biting, scratching, hair-pulling, eye-gouging, groin attacks, and attacking a fully fallen opponent are all prohibited. These restrictions form the core limits of the sport.

2. Why doesn’t Lethwei have ground fighting?

Because fighters are not allowed to continue attacking once an opponent has fallen flat to the ground. Without legal attacks on grounded opponents, there is little reason to develop a ground game.

3. Why do people sometimes think Lethwei has no rules?

Because many of its legal techniques are banned elsewhere. In reality, Lethwei has rules; they are simply fewer and focused on a handful of core safety and conduct restrictions. 

4. Can fighters target organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys?

Yes. Aside from the eyes and groin, traditional Lethwei places no restrictions on targeting specific organs in the torso.

5. Are open-hand techniques illegal in Lethwei?

No. Open hands are commonly used for clinching, parrying, and catching, although offensive techniques are overwhelmingly built around punches, elbows, knees, kicks, and headbutts.