Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

PUFF · 28th February 2006, 12:33 PM

For most Thai people, Krabi represent Sabre type "Dahb" and Krabon means plain polearm like staff or club. But from my research Krabi-Krabong words has even more complex story.

As you may know, Krabi-Krabong is a kind of demonstration/sparing/contest which was popular during late Authaya-Early Ratanakosin era. But the name haven't been used for such game until early Ratanakosin. Before that tmie, only "Dahb" sparing, staff sparing, "Krabi" sparing... exist.

Later, collections of sparing things were demonstrated in a single day. Now comes the name. According to Ramayana, "Krabi" has another meaning which is monkey soldier. And "Krabong" literally represent the giant tribe. So, "Krabi-Krabong" stand for Agile vs Powerful weapon demonstration/sparing/contest. The weapon in "agile" or "Krabi" class are Dahb, Krabi, small sickle, hand axe, dagger, short triden etc... And "Krabong" class will include staff, spear, "Ngaw" (Naginata-liked weapon) and polearms. Things were changed little by little by time. But you will notice quick vs powerful weapons fight is included in the show. And unlike old style "Dahb" scool, "Krabi-Krabong" schools always teach both agile and powerful weapons.

28th February 2006, 12:33 PM	#15
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	For most Thai people, Krabi represent Sabre type "Dahb" and Krabon means plain polearm like staff or club. But from my research Krabi-Krabong words has even more complex story. As you may know, Krabi-Krabong is a kind of demonstration/sparing/contest which was popular during late Authaya-Early Ratanakosin era. But the name haven't been used for such game until early Ratanakosin. Before that tmie, only "Dahb" sparing, staff sparing, "Krabi" sparing... exist. Later, collections of sparing things were demonstrated in a single day. Now comes the name. According to Ramayana, "Krabi" has another meaning which is monkey soldier. And "Krabong" literally represent the giant tribe. So, "Krabi-Krabong" stand for Agile vs Powerful weapon demonstration/sparing/contest. The weapon in "agile" or "Krabi" class are Dahb, Krabi, small sickle, hand axe, dagger, short triden etc... And "Krabong" class will include staff, spear, "Ngaw" (Naginata-liked weapon) and polearms. Things were changed little by little by time. But you will notice quick vs powerful weapons fight is included in the show. And unlike old style "Dahb" scool, "Krabi-Krabong" schools always teach both agile and powerful weapons. Last edited by PUFF; 1st March 2006 at 11:55 AM.