{"id":4545,"date":"2023-09-29T08:09:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T08:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/?p=4545"},"modified":"2026-06-22T02:06:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T02:06:13","slug":"muay-lerdrit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/muay-lerdrit\/","title":{"rendered":"Lerdrit: Military Muay Thai"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever wondered if the Thai military uses a form of Muay Thai in their training? They actually do, and the name of this style is Lerdrit or Muay Lerdrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a breakdown of the military style of Muay Thai, known as Lerdrit. Read below to learn how it was developed, its purpose, and how it compares to other Muay styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"863\" height=\"647\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lPY1prcqmqk\" title=\"LERDRIT (Military Muay Thai)\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Muay Lerdrit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lerdrit, also known as Muay Lert Rit, Leer Rit, or Muay Lerdrit, is a military style of Muay Thai. It is generally taught to members of the Royal Thai military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Muay: The Thai word for boxing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lerd: Thai words that mean superior or excellent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rit: Thai word meaning powerful force.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is basically an updated style of <a href=\"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/muay-boran-ancient-thai-boxing\/\">Muay Boran<\/a>, the ancient martial art of war taught to Thai soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The History of Lerdrit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The art of Lerdrit was developed by Muay Boran\/Krat master, General Arjan Lertrit, For decades, General Lertrit was one of the Thai nation\u2019s top generals, who was an expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was also an expert practitioner of the Muay Boran style called <a href=\"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/muay-korat\/\">Muay Korat<\/a> and oversaw the training of the Royal military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">General Lertrit felt that the modern Thai soldier&#8217;s style needed to be updated. Lerdrit took many aspects of these Muay styles and developed his own Boran style called Muay Lerdrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His style was implemented into the training of the Royal Thai Military. The Royal Thai military has used the General\u2019s Muay style for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Members of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rtarf.mi.th\/index.php\/th\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Royal Thai Military<\/a> became known for their effective striking skills. The biggest military forces in the world, from the US to the UK, have trained and learned the style of Lerdrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, General Lertrit\u2019s only living pupil, General Tunwakom, is continuing the legacy of his master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Purpose of Muay Lerdrit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/muay-lerdrit-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"Muay Lerdrit\" class=\"wp-image-4558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/muay-lerdrit-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/muay-lerdrit-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/muay-lerdrit-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/muay-lerdrit.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of Muay Lerdrit is simple: counter your enemy\u2019s attack with quick and powerful counters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Lerdrit, you keep a tight stance and make swimming motions with your arms to catch\/re-direct strikes. These movements put your opponent off balance, which gives you the opening to land a powerful strike to end them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Techniques of Lerdrit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Tunwakom Muay Lertrit Master | Lost Strikes &amp; Defenses of Muay Thai Heritage\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2oR85Tac8CM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The techniques of Muay Lerdrit are based on close-range counterfighting. Here are some effective techniques from the self-defense style, detailed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Horizontal Elbow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"10. \u0e28\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e15\u0e31\u0e14 \u2013 Horizontal Elbow\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5EllXQamaUU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this version of a Lerdtit, horizontal elbow off of a parry\/block with your opposite hand. When your opponent throws a strike or swings a knife, your opposite arm makes a swimming motion to meet the strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you block the strike, your blocking arm redirects your opponent\u2019s arm across their body, exposing their head. When your arm comes back in position, you throw a quick horizontal elbow to the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Side Switching Push Kick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"14. \u0e16\u0e35\u0e1a\u0e02\u0e49\u0e32\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e25\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e1f\u0e31\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e25\u0e32 \u2013 Side Switching Push Kick\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UFWq9De6T70?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This variation of Muay Thai includes a nice switch push\/sidekick option off a counter. The setup starts with the same Lerdrit-style circling of your guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You nonchalantly switch your stance as you redirect your opponent\u2019s strike and circle your hands back. When you do this movement, you\u2019re actually disguising a stance switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your back steps through as you lift your knee up and shoot out a stiff push kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muay Lerdrit Style Knee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"\u0e27\u0e31\u0e19\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e27\u0e19\u0e08\u0e15\u0e38\u0e08\u0e31\u0e01\u0e23 \u0e2d\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e33\u0e25\u0e31\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e22\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e17\u0e48\u0e32\u0e21\u0e27\u0e22\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22 \u201c\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e31\u0e14\u0e1b\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07+\u0e40\u0e02\u0e48\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u201d\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HaNJXuKw6NY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like with Muay Thai and Muay Boran, Lerdrit emphasizes keeping a tight stance. One of the common straight knee strikes from the style is off a high block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When an opponent throws an arm strike or attempts to clinch, you step in and meet them with a high block. After getting in range and blocking the strike, keep your opponent\u2019s guards up as you deliver a knee to the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The video shows a straight knee to the body, but you can use any type of knee you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Back Uppercut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"34. \u0e2a\u0e37\u0e1a\u0e16\u0e2d\u0e22 \u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e31\u0e14\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e22 - Backward Step with Uppercut\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_ya9JvMeS88?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Off the same Lerdrit guard circling motion, you can use it to counter an opponent with a solid uppercut Your opposite hand swims in to redirect the strike and move back into position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your hand returns to position, you fire off a same-hand uppercut. You could throw any hand strike you\u2019d like for this setup, and it will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muay Lerdrit Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6UApiVRfmVo\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being a military style of Muay Thai, Muay Lerdrit is taught in a militaristic way. Soldiers have to drill the techniques for hours and go through exhausting conditioning workouts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, on top of hand-to-hand techniques, Royal Thai soldiers also drill knife and weapon defense techniques for hours on end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muay Thai vs. Muay Lerdrit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When comparing Muay Thai vs. Muay Lerdrit, you\u2019ll notice that the martial arts were developed from the same source. Both include using eight limbs to grab hold of your opponent\/enemy and deliver powerful strikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main difference between the two is Muay Thai is sport-based, and Lerdrit is military-based. Meaning Muay Thai training is to get better at a sport, and Lerdrit\u2019s is for self-defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muay Thai can be used for self-defense, but modern training is based more on competition than self-defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muay Boran vs. Muay Lerdrit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muay Lerdrit is more or less a direct descendant of the Muay style of Muay Boran. The Muay style, which modern Muay Thai would evolve from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like Lerdrit, Muay Boran was developed for Thai soldiers to use in hand-to-hand combat. Both Muay styles consist of many of the same techniques, including weapon use and defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The creator, General Arjan Lertrit, was a practitioner of the Boran style called Muay Korat. While developing Muay Lerdrit, one of his goals was to make an updated form of Muay Boran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Lerdrit an Effective Martial Art?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The art of Muay Lerdrit or Leert Rit is an effective self-defense style with roots in classic Muay Thai. It consists of several proven effective fighting techniques developed over centuries. Learning some Lerdric techniques would benefit your self-defense skills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever wondered if the Thai military uses a form&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":209954,"featured_media":4555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-styles"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":1,"label":"Muay Thai Styles"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/muaythai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/lerdrit-1024x537.jpg",1024,537,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Bobby Bradshaw","author_link":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/author\/bobby\/"},"comment_info":"","category_info":[{"term_id":1,"name":"Muay Thai Styles","slug":"styles","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":31,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":1,"category_count":31,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Muay Thai Styles","category_nicename":"styles","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/209954"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4545"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11986,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545\/revisions\/11986"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muaythai.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}