World Karate 

Martial Arts Instruction
309 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
310-322-8542 

We Will Be Closed Labor Day

Monday, September 5th

BANDO KICKBOXING

Class Time: 45 Minutes

This is a beginner Kickboxing class.  It is taught on a NO CONTACT basis using kicking shields and focus mitts to help the beginner learn the art of kickboxing  (rather than having students making contact with each other in a sparring sense).  Students learn to develop the basic punching of  "Western" boxing blended with Burmese Kicking.  The class is 45 minutes long and it's a great starter glass for young adults with no experience or for a beginner adult wishing to learn the Art of Bando Kickboxing without making one on one contact.

HISTORY

The Nine Animals Systems of Bando

The Bando system as developed by UBa Than Gyi, who later became the Director of Physical Education and Athletics, Ministry of Education, from 1948-1956, consisted of 9 Animal Systems. They are Eagle, Tiger, Cobra, Scorpion, Bull, Viper, Boar and Panther.  This system included the use of Dha (short and long sword) and Dhot (short and long stick). Cobra and Viper systems are similar.  The techniques emphasize explosive strikes and kicks to nerve centers from long and medium ranges.  Bull and boar systems utilize quick changes using the elbows, knees and head butts at medium and close ranges. Tiger and panther systems use open palms and claws to attack neck, throat, groin and eyes.  The Eagle system employs the use of both hands simultaneously to block, parry and strike at the vital targets from medium and long ranges. The Python system is involved with close range where grappling, locking and choking are effectively used.  The Scorpion system employs traps and places emphasis on pinching, pressing and pinching sensitive nerve centers. These unique but simplified systems were still in various stages of development in the 1940s.  Only a handful of dedicated and committed students were screened and selected to train and practice to become future instructors. In 1950, the ancient Burmese art of "healing" was reintroduced to the system, where the value of meditation, herbal medicine, massage treatment and other forms of internal and external healing methods were emphasized.  Some of these techniques were perceived by the Western educated students as superstitious, mystical and supernatural. Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Thai influences were pervasive in the curriculum.  One of the senior Bando Instructors, Saya Mein Sa, strongly advocated that, "Those who study the hurting arts must also know the healing arts to harmonize the human spirit".

BANDO KICKBOXING

How old is Burmese kick-boxing?

Many different forms of martial arts were practiced in ancient Burma.  But, as an unarmed combat sport, Burmese boxing (Bama Letway) became popular during the reign of the warrior King Anawratha.  In 1044 he subdued the Tais, Shans and Mons and founded the first Burmese Empire.  During this period Letway became the national sport.  From the smallest town to the largest city, men and boys were trained in boxing along with other martial arts.  Tournaments were held during every festival day.   Boxers were handsomely rewarded for their style and skill.  From 1044 to 1885, highly skilled boxers were designated "Royal Boxers", and their names were recorded on the royal treasury roles.

Was Burmese kick-boxing similar to Thai boxing?

They were very similar.  Some would say that they were the same.  From  the 15th to 17th century AD, there were nine major wars and about 30 small border wars between Burma and Thailand.  These two countries were always fighting.  If they weren't fighting in the battlefields,  they were fighting in sand-pits.  In 1551, another warrior king, Bayinnaung, reunited the divided country and conquered Siam (Thailand).  An eyewitness account of the Burmese invasion of Siam was reported by a Portugese Chronicler in his book, THE KINGDOM AND PEOPLE OF SIAM.  He wrote:

    "The Burmese invaded Siam with an army of 1,500,000 soldiers and 6000 elephants. The Burmese armies marched with majesty and greatness exceeding that of all the kings of the world...the greatness and the display exceeded that of Xerxes when he crossed the Hellespont to the conquest of Greece."

Ayuthiya, the grand capital of Siam, fell after a year of siege.  Thousands of Siamese families including King Mahin and Prince Naresuan - were taken to Burma as slaves of war.  With the subjugation of Siam and other neighboring kingdoms, King Bayinnaung established the second Burmese Empire.  During this time, the king promoted numerous matches throughout his kingdom.