As indicated earlier, some writers contend that Bando's beginnings can be dated to the time of Christ. This view holds that the Bando system promulgated in the U.S. today ("Hanthawaddy Bando") evolved initially as the indigenous fighting system of the Pyus of Northern Burma. Subsequent contact with traveling priests, merchants, and diplomats of the Roman Empire, Ceylon, India, Tibet and China greatly influenced the philosophical and technical evolution of combative systems in Burma.
For example, Roman contacts in the area have been verified by archaeologists as early as 132 A.D. Documented visits from Roman ambassadors occurred in 97 and 121 A.D. These records compliment the grace, elegance and hospitality of the ancient Pyus. Chinese contact (T'ang Dynasty), a visit by Marco Polo and other influences have been corroborated.
The early and advanced development of Burmese civilization is also well-known. The famous pagoda city of Pagan has been referred to as early as 108 A.D., but there is considerable skepticism as to this date. In any event, the splendor of the kingdom remains uncontested.
The Ayegyi warrior-monks (First Burmese Empire 1057-1287 A.D.) added philosophical and religious aspects to the evolving Pyu combative systems. These monks also contributed sophistication in certain physical aspects of the system (while maintaining its combative orientation). Dr. Gyi has begun to teach the Bando Monk System (see discussion later), a remarkable “non-violent martial art”.
The Pyu monks are believed to have been highly skilled in boxing, archery, sword and stick fighting. Some historians speculate that these monk arts may have been influenced by Chinese systems. A recent (twentieth century) change in these systems came with the infusion of the warrior codes of the Gurkhas into Bando, along with emphasis upon use of the famous Gurkha short-sword, the kukri.
The Pyu monks taught various systems at either Ghaza Khunit Kyaung (Seven Schools of Arts) or Kho Kyuang (Nine Schools of Arts). Royal princes, noblemen and military personnel all received formal training in martial arts at these schools. Up to the era of King Thibaw, the last Burmese king (1878-1885 A.D.), warriors who were highly skilled in the martial arts were designated as "Royal Boxers." Their names were recorded on the Royal treasury scrolls. Hence the term "sport of Kings" for Burmese Boxing (or "Letwhay"). Full Members (black belts) of the American Bando Association are entitled to wear the Royal Boxer’s Ring.
When compared with its status as the Sport of Kings, the art of Burmese Boxing today is all but extinct in Burma (now called Myanmar), according to the reports of visitors to Burma in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It is no longer practiced by professional boxers whose time is chiefly devoted to training. Instead, farmers and peasants in rural areas box on festival days, but their lifestyle and economic condition does not allow for full time training. This contrasts dramatically with the situation in Thailand relative to Muay-Thai.
Given the declining state of traditional full-contact boxing in Myanmar today, Bando boxers in the U.S. do their best to carry on the traditions of Royal Boxers. Each November, the ABA stages an annual Kickboxing Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.
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