Lethwei
Lethwei is a striking art originating in Myanmar. It is a form of bareknuckle boxing in which practitioners use the fists, elbows, knees, shins, and feet as striking tools. Distinctively, headbutts are also permitted within its rule set, a feature sometimes described by the phrase "nine limbs," referring to the full range of contact points available to a competitor. Training centers on developing power and timing with all of these natural weapons, along with the conditioning required to both deliver and absorb bareknuckle impact.
As a striking art, training in this family generally emphasizes stand-up fighting skills. Practitioners work on punch mechanics, body conditioning, footwork, and the coordination needed to combine multiple striking tools fluidly. Pad work, partner drilling, and sparring are common methods used across striking disciplines to develop timing, range awareness, and the physical resilience that bareknuckle contact demands.
Anyone considering Lethwei or a related striking art is encouraged to visit local schools, observe a class in person, and speak with instructors before enrolling. This allows a straightforward assessment of teaching quality, training environment, and whether the approach suits individual goals. Other striking arts of a similar classification are listed and linked below.
Gear to expect. Striking training typically calls for gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouthguard — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Find your martial art →Related striking styles
Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.