armband ranking information

Armband Ranking System:

Traditionally, Muay Thai does not have a belt ranking system like many other martial arts. Like Western Boxing, progress is typically achieved through extensive training and frequent bouts, where fighters demonstrate their skills in the ring to secure victories. However, most gyms outside of Thailand have realized that not everyone wants to compete and have numerous reasons for training Muay Thai. This is why many schools have embraced a ranking system.

At SKN Muay Thai, we have adopted a ranking system that incorporates Muay Thai arm bands, known as PraJiad (ผ้าปะเเจียด), featuring various colors and stripes akin to those found in other martial arts. You will see these armbands being worn by fighters during matches as symbols of good luck. To instill respect in our students, we emphasize the importance of honoring these arm bands as a way to show respect to their instructors and acknowledge their training efforts.

Attendance is one of many factors that goes into determining one’s eligibility for rank promotion. We cannot retroactively add members for missed check-ins, so it is important that you diligently record your sessions by checking in on the ipad upon arrival. To see the most improvement in terms of skill and rank progression, we recommend that students consistently train a minimum of two to three times per week. 

Ranking Changes 2024:

White Armband -  From now on all new students who have attended 10 basics classes will earn their white armband. you will receive an automated email informing you of your achievement and Coach Chris or Marissa will give you your armband next time you're in class. 

White/Blue - Black/Red must be earned through an armband ranking test. These tests are based on the curriculum that you learn in the classes associated with your program. For example our Beginner/Novice armband testing is based on our 10 week Basic Class curriculum. Our Intermediate armband test is based on our 20 week Intermediate Drills, Novice/Intermediate, and Clinch curriculum. Our Advanced armband testing is based on all technical class curriculum (ie; Basics, Novice, Intermediate, All Levels, Clinch, Boxing, and Sparring). In order to advance, students must meet the minimum attendance criteria and demonstrate they have the skill set for each rank during testing. 

  • Beginner/Novice tests are held every 10 weeks at the end of the Basics curriculum

  • Intermediate tests are held in the spring and fall

  • Advanced assessments are scheduled when a sufficient number of students have fulfilled the attendance prerequisites to advance to higher levels

Attendance FAQ

  • When you check in for your classes on the ipad at the gym, under your name you will now see for example "Progress 40 out of 45 classes". If you have met the progress goal or surpassed it, you are eligible to test for the next upcoming test.

  • No, you must meet the minimum attendance requirement in order to be eligible to test.

  • No. Attendance is one of many factors that goes into determining one’s eligibility for rank promotion. We cannot retroactively add members for missed check-ins, so it is important that you diligently record your sessions by checking in on the Ipad upon arrival.

  • No these classes do not count as they are fitness based classes and not technical skill classes.

Rank test FAQ

  • To see the most improvement in terms of skill and rank progression, we recommend that students consistently train a minimum of two to three times per week.

    Higher level Intermediate and Advanced ranks we recommend consistently training 4-5 times per week.

  • No. The test is done in a group class format. Everyone in the room is training together at the same time and the head coaches will be walking around and assessing.

  • Yes. Students first need to achieve that attendance requirements for each rank. During the test they must demonstrate that they have th skillset and knowledge for each rank.

  • If you a coach thinks you still have stuff to improve on before advancing on to the next level you will receive a stripe on your current armband color and you will be able to re-test come the next available testing date.