THE ART OF
9 LIMBS
The most complete and brutal striking art ever developed. Over 2,000 years old. Bare knuckle. Headbutts allowed. Knockout-only victories in traditional rules.
Gloves
LETHWEI™ Ruleset: Bare Knuckle
Muay Thai: 16oz Gloves
Head Weapons
LETHWEI™ Ruleset: ✓ Headbutts Allowed
Muay Thai: ✗ Banned
Victory
LETHWEI™ Ruleset: KO Only (traditional)
Muay Thai: Points or KO
2,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
Origins in the Pagan Kingdom of Burma. Sand pit matches with no protective gear — knockout or die.
British colonial suppression. The art goes underground, preserved by the Karen and Mon peoples.
Kyar Ba Nyein revives the sport, travels Myanmar recruiting fighters and establishing modern standards.
Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation introduces tournament rules and the Golden Belt Championship.
First American fighters compete in Myanmar. International expansion begins.
ONE Championship hosts the first caged Lethwei match. The world takes notice.
Dave Leduc becomes the first non-Burmese Golden Belt Champion. The sport goes global.
World Lethwei Championship broadcasts on UFC Fight Pass. Mainstream breakthrough.
HOW IT WORKS
Traditional Rules (Yoe Yar)
- ▶Knockout-only victories — no points, no decisions
- ▶Fights end in a draw if both remain standing
- ▶Each corner gets one 2-minute revival timeout per fight
- ▶3+ counts in one round OR 4+ total = TKO
- ▶Bare knuckle — hands wrapped in hemp or gauze only
Tournament Rules (1996+)
- ▶Judges score on aggression, damage, blood, and strike volume
- ▶No injury timeouts — no draws possible
- ▶Maximum 3 knockdowns per round; 4 total ends the fight
- ▶3–5 rounds of 3 minutes each, 2-minute breaks
- ▶Used by World Lethwei Championship (WLC)
