Isaac

Yes; since spoke to the individual who described himself as a Muay Thai practitioner—no experience in Lethwei—who wanted to make a “boss move” as an “entrepreneur.” I challenged him that it excludes everyone who actually practices, and... he said it’s too bad but... i think those of us who disagree with this kind of exclusionary, and frankly predatory, practice can perhaps think of a way to make something like a “Fair Trade”-inspired marker or even rating? I don’t want to shame because negativity breeds more negativity, but I feel it’s like... I and maybe others can start speaking up for people who can’t or need help with amplifying. What does anyone think is the best way to accomplish this???

New concept: I would love for us all to have a movement, or trend in the martial arts communities, of spreading the art while not stealing it, learning from it but making sure its endemic voices are heard and not lost in the noise. The trademarking of “Lethwei” is an example of commercializing that sport in an exclusionary way. Sylvie’s Vlogs and Preserve the Legacy are a way to implicitly support Muay Thai families’ and their place in the sport. I suggest that we can have a big tent under which we can espouse respect for the origin. Being vocal—doesn’t have to be loud, just vocal. Thoughts?

I want to get back to the genesis of this: some guy, American not from any Asian background let alone fron Myanmar specifically, registered the name of the sport, Lethwei, for his personal trademark to use, charge for use, and sue others for using. Which would including Burmese and other Lethwei folks. some one in this thread noted “Muay Thai” is also not yet registered. Awaiting another pillage? Something to do about it? To whom should the names of the sports belong?

Apparently was for money. Wanted to make a “baller move,” since his buddy did it with the related martial art from Cambodia. It’s “entrepreneurship.” More like white privilege. So disappointing.

Look him up on Instagram. Think just a gym coach.

It’s one particular person. Public information—on the USPTO website.

Hi all! Hobbyist Lethwei firang here. That’s a disclaimer to say my opinion doesn’t matter or count...not that I’ll refrain from giving it So that said, “pure?” Well, what about looking at what it “does” rather than how it is narrated? Punching w/o gloves is more like a streetfight, and you break more hands this way. Affects (if you’re smart) how you handle your power when you throw. Also means—like street—closed and tight guard is practical. Kicking can get high but... at least at my former club, we did a lot of “stick kicks,” and low straight kicks, especially inside leg and forward sweeps. Sweeps are kinda dirty (shin on ankle, coming in straight ahead). I’ve had my clock cleaned by MT and Lethwei boxers do being on the receiving end, I’d personally characterize MT as more of a kick-heavy fight with pacing to last through 5 rounds (I am not discounting the fantastic clinch and elbow and knee hunters in MT), whereas the Lethwei folks I experienced are more hand-heavy with kicks looking to end the fight ASAP. Both are beautiful, brutal, have their DB’s, and both have their heroes (of which Sylvie is one!). Btw, thank you and respect to Sylvie for creating this forum for us all.

Hey all, what do you think responsibilities of firang/foreigners to protect the intellectual property of martial arts and martial sports? Context: I searched “Lethwei” (Burmese sibling of Muay Thai, no gloves+head butts) in the US Patent and Trademark Office, and found someone in the US trademarked the word, “Lethwei”!!!! That someone is a firang—like myself—and therefore IMO conducted...cultural appropriation. Can you imagine someone trademarking “Muay Thai,” or “boxing” for that matter? I feel like this is a huge dishonor to the culture from where these sports and arts come.... I love Muay Thai, Lethwei, appreciate the Vipassana Buddhist (but not exclusively) cultures surrounding many practices... and am disappointed by this: it’s theft. Anyone care to share thoughts? I understand and accept my view may be very different from others’.