Thai boxers do not earn belt colours typical of other Martial Arts. Belts and sashes are a westernised approach to grading people into classes and skill level. Muay Thai earn their skills and respect not from the adornment of coloured ribbons, but because of their fighting skill in the Ring. Ring fighting is conducted in a similar way to western boxing. Each Thai fight is composed of five three-minute rounds.
Thai boxers wear gloves, a groin protector, and mouth guard.
The knees and elbows are not padded and score high marks representing this fact. The fight can be won by a knockout, submission or after the five rounds on points scored. Muay Thai fighters use every weapon in their arsenal in trying to weaken the opponent.