William "The Bull" Sriyapai performs the traditional Wai Khru before his IFS Muay Thai fight.
This ritual usually starts with the fighter walking around the ring, counter-clockwise. During the Wai Kru the fighter may perform many different movements and steps along with streches. Some motions imitate a swallow, a hunter, a soldier or even an executioner. When the fighter makes those gestures in succession it makes it look like he is performing a dance which is why people call it Rum Muay Thai (Muay Thai Dance). The Wai Kru ritual is particularly important because the ritual contains both practical and spiritual elements. In a practical sense, it prepares the body for combat. As for the spiritual sense the ritual also gives the fighter some time alone before the fight to collect his thoughts and concentrate on the task ahead. But most importantly, the ritual allows the fighter to express gratitude towards his teacher who passes on the art to him.
