Muay Boran Mae Mai performance
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Ta Then Kham Fak·IMBA Muay Boran Roma
Khru Yai Sergio Donato performs Mae Mai of Muay Ramakien show
Ta Then Kham Fak
SubFamilyตาเถรค้ำฟัก(Ta Then Kham Fak)
Translation: Old monk holds the melon
Overview
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Mae Mai techniques represent centuries of refined combat principles; Ta Then Kham Fak embodies a specific tactical principle that remains effective in modern Muay Thai. [1]
Lineage
Traditional Muay Boran → Modern Muay Thai Mae Mai curriculum. [1]
Competition Record
Used in Muay Thai stadium competition (Lumpinee, Rajadamnern)
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Mae Mai master technique combining multiple movements
Joints Involved — Full body coordination
Force Vector — Technique-specific
Position & Entry
From Muay Thai stance — Execute Ta Then Kham Fak
From clinch — Close-range application
Variants
Classical Ta Then Kham Fak
Competition adapted Ta Then Kham Fak
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Master-level technique with significant combat application
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
WBC/Boxing — Holding is technically a foul — referee breaks clinch, excessive holding results in point deduction {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
K-1/GLORY — One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— WAKO — Clinch generally broken by referee — limited or no...
WAKO Competition RulesPDFLegal
— Unified MMA — Legal — clinching is integral to MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— grip fighting
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal — standing grip fighting and clinch work pe...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IFMA — Legal — the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai,...
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDF— UWW — Legal — clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the pri...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFTraining Notes
✓Learn the traditional form before applying in sparring
✓Study the Thai cultural context of Ta Then Kham Fak
Common Mistakes
!Attempting without understanding the tactical principle
!Over-committing
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Read opponent → Apply Ta Then Kham Fak principle → Execute technique → Follow up
Sources & References
Primary Source
Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Ruerngsa, Charuad & Cartmell)
1Book[1] Ruerngsa, Y., Charuad, K.K. and Cartmell, J. Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting. [2] De Cesaris, M. (2004). Muay Thai Boran: The Complete Codified Guide. IMBA.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ruerngsa, Y
2Citation[1] Ruerngsa, Y., Charuad, K.K. and Cartmell, J. Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting. [2] De Cesaris, M. (2004). Muay Thai Boran: The Complete Codified Guide. IMBA.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ruerngsa, Y
Community
Athletics
Requires comprehensive Muay Thai foundation
Good timing and distance management
Notes
Ta then kham fak is a traditional Muay Thai mae mai technique. The mae mai names reference Thai cultural, mythological, and natural imagery — preserving the art's heritage. (Kraitus, Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ta Then Kham Fak work?
Ta Then Kham Fak (Old Man Holds the Melon) is a clinch technique where the fighter secures the opponent's head (the melon) and delivers knee strikes while controlling posture. It teaches head control and knee delivery from the clinch.
Where does the Ta Then Kham Fak come from?
Ta Then Kham Fak is one of the 15 Mae Mai (Master Tricks) of Muay Thai, preserved from the traditional Muay Boran curriculum. The Mae Mai represent the highest-level tactical principles of Thai boxing, each named after Thai mythology, literature, or cultural references.
Is the Ta Then Kham Fak legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal — clinching is integral to MMA; IJF: legal — Legal — kumi-kata (grip fighting) is fundamental to judo; IBJJF: legal — Legal — standing grip fighting and clinch work permitted; IFMA: legal — Legal — the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai, clinch dominance is highly…; WBC/Boxing: restricted — Holding is technically a foul — referee breaks clinch, excessive holding resu…; K: restricted — 1/GLORY — One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks; WAKO: restricted — Clinch generally broken by referee — limited or no clinch fighting in most fo…; UWW: legal — Legal — clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the primary position in Greco-Roman
How dangerous is the Ta Then Kham Fak?
Danger rating 7/10. Master-level technique with significant combat application
How do I set up the Ta Then Kham Fak?
The standard setup chain: Read opponent → Apply Ta Then Kham Fak principle → Execute technique → Follow up.
How do I defend against the Ta Then Kham Fak?
Standard counters include: Specific to each Mae Mai technique.
What are the variants of the Ta Then Kham Fak?
Common variants: Classical Ta Then Kham Fak; Competition adapted Ta Then Kham Fak.
How effective is the Ta Then Kham Fak in competition?
Used in Muay Thai stadium competition (Lumpinee, Rajadamnern)
What are common mistakes when doing the Ta Then Kham Fak?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting without understanding the tactical principle / Over-committing.
What are other names for the Ta Then Kham Fak?
The Ta Then Kham Fak is also known as Ta Then Kham Fak, Old Man Holds the Melon.