In recent years the Sak Yant or traditional muay thai tattoos have gained popularity in the West.
And this is thanks to famous actors such as Angelina Jolie and Michelle Rodriguez showing off their Sak Yant in paparazzi pics.
But what are the meanings behind these ancient tattoos designs or Sak Yant?
And why do so many muay thai fighters have them?
Meaning behind the Sak Yant
Sak Yant is the thai name for tattooing sacred signs, symbols and geometric designs on the skin. ‘Sak’ means to tap or tattoo and ‘Yant’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Yantra”.
Sak Yant are magical symbols that are always made of the same aspects which are Yant and Unalome. Yant are prayers, written in either Pali, Khmer or Thai language.
They will be surrounded by Unalome which are spiritual symbols shaped as spikes.
These symbols represent the struggle that precedes the path to enlightenment.
Yantra tattooing traditions are at least 2000 years old among south-east Asian cultures.
It is believed that the Sak Yant will grant the bearer attributes such as power, strength, fearlessness, protection, charisma, health, sexual attractiveness, fortune, and confidence.
In ancient times, Thai and Khmer warriors were well known for the magical Sak Yant on their bodies.
In ancient times, Thai and Cambodian warriors were tattooed with these ancient and mystic symbols and geometric patterns that were believed to protect them in battle.
Muay Thai and Sak Yant
Sak Yant symbols are deeply rooted in Thai culture and are very popular among muay thai fighters.
Muay Thai warriors believed that by covering their bodies with the Sak Yant tattoos, it would make their skin, muscles and joints invulnerable to attacks while providing spiritual protection.
As there are many variations of Sak Yant that are believed to bring the bearer more compassion, love or wealth, these types of tattoos are normally not preferred by active muay thai fighters.
Though they may have such Sak Yant done after their careers are over.
While actively fighting and competing, most muay thai fighters who get Sak Yant prefer symbols such as those described below:
Tiger – symbolizing strength and fearlessness which the bearer hopes will also be granted to them through this tattoo.
The Tiger yant also symbolizes will power in the face of adversity and acting quickly without too much thinking.
Hanuman (Hindu Monkey God) – is very popular amongst muay thai fighters as Lord Hanuman symbolizes strong will, bravery and courage.
Bearers of Hanuman are protected from danger as well as becoming fearless in the face of adversity. There are many different variations of this Yant, but anyone who carries Hanuman will be granted great courage, self-confidence, and influence over people.
Ganesh (Hindu Elephant God) – this yant is also popular with those connected with the arts such as singers, actors and musicians. Ganesh is also associated with wealth and guarding valuable assets. The elephant also symbolizes removal of obstacles and barriers as well as strength and royalty.
Types of Sak Yant
Five Blessings of Buddha
This Sak Yant is considered one of the fundamental yant or “Yant Kru”. These yant are usually chanted by buddhist monks in their meditation practice.
Ha Taew : the 5 prayers
This Sak Yant is quite famous around the world due to Angelina Jolie. This Sak Yant is also considered a “Master Yant”. The 5 prayers refer to the 5 blessings each represented by one row on the Sak Yant.
Gao Yord : the 9 spires
Gao Yord can be considered as the most important Sak Yant design. This Sak Yant is also considered a “MAster Yant”.
Gao Yord is placed usually below the neck area and is believed to control all other yant below it.
Generally speaking, this Yant will bring protection against dangers, great power, authority over others, success, increased attractiveness, and good fortune.
Paed Tidt : the 8 directions
Paed Tidt Yant is a sacred Geometric Yant containing eight Mantras within two circles.
Paed Tidt Yant is considered as the traveling Sak Yant as it is believed to give the bearer protection in all 8 directions and warding off bad luck and spirits.
Do you Have to get Muay Thai Tattoos or Sak Yant if you do muay thai in Thailand?
Definitely no.
However Thailand is steeped in religious tradition which includes buddhist and pre-buddhist practices that make up Sak Yant, therefore Thai people are more prone to have these tattoos on their body.
However there are also other minority religions such as Islam in Thailand with fighters who would probably never even consider getting Sak Yant.
One notable example is Namsaknoi, one of the greatest ever Thai fighters and who is also Muslim.
So overall if you want to get them done and your not Thai its fine and is acceptable and definitely not mandatory.
A lot of farang nak muay or foreign muay thai students get really into Thai culture and opt to have these designs on their body whether they really believe in their power or not.
Note that there are a lot of different types of Sak Yant and prices can go as high as $3000 for tattoos done by the Sak Yant master who did Angelina Jolies tattoos.
Also consider hygiene in addition to cost if you do consider getting tattoos in Thailand but always remember the Sak Yant definitely isn’t a requirement to learn muay thai.
