"WHOEVER HONORS THE GODS BEST WITH DANCES ARE THE BEST IN WAR." - SOCRATES

First and foremost it is important to understand the origin and meaning of this sacred terminology.
"Wai"(ไหว้) is a word that is unique to Thailand but derived from the Indian "Anjali Mudra", a hand position imitating the closed Lotus.
This hand position is a sacred greeting showing respect and harmlessness, offering the lotus to the recipient.
The height of the hand position varies according to the social status of the receiver of Wai gesture.

The word "Kru"(ครู) is derived from the Sanskrit word "Guru" meaning "Teacher" or" Master".
A Kru is a guide​ who ignites the flame of knowledge and wisdom of the candle that is the disciple, known as a "Sit" (ศิษย์) from the Sanskrit "Sishya".
A Kru has a heavy responsibility to lead by example and to not only teach the skills but to also indoctrinate the disciple with morality and a sense of integrity.

The physical aspects of the mystical maneuverings of Wai Kru are familiar to many who practice and enjoy the sport of Muay Thai however the deeper and more profound meaning of this esoteric practice goes far beyond a compulsory pre-fight routine.

In fact, Wai Kru is rooted in thousands of years of Brahmanic and Buddhist practices, yet it is functionally a non-denoncinational practice that has been adopted and embraced by people of every religion and culture around the world.

It is important to understand that irrespective of what one holds to be sacred and holy the true intention of Wai Kru is manifold, serving both physical and non-physical purposes.

In terms of the heart and mind, or "Jit Jai" (จิตใจ​), Wai Kru​ expresses ​respect to one's teachers, parents, nation and whatever one holds to be sacred and holy and of course, a graditute to the Noble Art itself.

The physical purpose of the movements serve a practical function of preparing the organism for combat by stretching and warming up the limbs, assessing ground conditions, determining the position of the sun and intimidating the adversary.

One does not need to be a Buddhist to show respect and love for their teachers, parents, Nation, and the Art they practice, therefore it becomes apparent that Wai Kru is in no way sacrilegious or conflicting with one's personal beliefs.

Another fact about Wai Kru is that there are at least four distinct occasions on which the ritual is performed.

Which Four?

1. INITIATION RITUAL
"KUEN KRU" (ขึ้นครู)

2. MASTERSHIP RITUAL
"KROP KRU" (ครบครู)

3. PRE-COMBAT RITUAL
"WAI KRU RAM MUAY" (ไหว้ครรำมวย)​

4. ANNUAL RITUAL
"WAI KRU BRAJAM BI" (ไหว้ครู​ประจําปี)​

Another aspect which must be known is the fact that there are many different types of movements according to the region, style and teacher or camp which one practices under.

Whatever movements one chooses to incorporate in their Wai Kru ritual it must include no less than two distinct phases.

Which Two?

1. KNEELING PHASE
"WAI KRU PROM NANG" (ไหว้ครูพรหมนั่ง)

2. STANDING PHASE
"WAI KRU PROM YUEN" (ไหว้ครูพรหมยืน)

Another aspect of Wai Kru which must be mentioned is known as:

"ROYAL HOMAGE PHASE "
"TAWAI BANGKOM" (ถวายบังคม).

The subject of Wai Kru is indeed a diverse topic worthy of in depth study for the dedicated student and practitioner of Muay Thai Boran.

MUAY THAI BORAN'S AGE OLD THIS IS THE OATH THAT ALL NAK MUAY MUST RECITE DURING THE WAI KRU CEREMONY AS A WAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO ALL OF THE MASTERS OF OUR NOBLE ART , BOTH PAST AND PRESENT ...

"Today I pay homage to both bygone and living Muay Thai Boran Masters.

U-ga-sa, I invite all Grand Masters of Muay Thai Boran such as:

 Kru Gim-seng (Suntorn Taveesit),

 Kru Ni-yom Tong-jit,

 Kru Khet Sri-yapai,

 Kru Sudjai Cha-reon-rat,

 Kru Bua Ad-im,

 Kru Poon Pra-gan-chai,

 Kru Sa-waeng Si-si-bo,

 Kru Sa-mai Me-sa-man, and 

  Kru Sub Un-ta-go-sol.

I swear by this oath to become their student and sincerely promise to abide by the rules and regulations and give fidelity to my teachers. I will conscientiously try to preserve all the knowledge, skills and traditional rules and practices which I shall learn.

In addition, once I have been trained by my Master, I will preserve the right to take the pattern learned as my own. I sincerely promise not to be disrespectful to, insult, treat with contempt, nor take revenge on, my Master or students of the same Master.

I swear by Earth and Sky, the Four Elements and all sacred things in the world, and call on the Four Guardians of the world  to be my witnesses. Whenever I initiate the pattern I am to learn, may the power and virtue of my Master be my support to protect and safeguard me at all times.

Eh-hi, Dta-wang, Ga-dti-ni-jang, Ma-a-u-si-wang.

I bow, physically, verbally and mentally, with the utmost respect, begging to be accepted as a student; therefore may all the Masters kindly bestow on me success in my pursuit of the desired knowledge. Please protect and safeguard all of us from every danger and lead us always only to happiness and  advancement.