Pencak Silat and Muay Thai are popular martial arts in Southeast Asia that attract many fans. Now, martial arts isn’t only for the people who will join a competition but it becomes a workout routine and self-defense. Have you ever heard about Bando? This is one of the unique martial arts types from Myanmar.
What is Bando? Is it as interesting as Muay Thai or Pencak Silat that generates many fans? Let’s take a look to know about Bando a little bit deeper.
The Meaning of Bando
Bando is one of Burmese martial arts that doesn’t use weapons to attack the opponent. We can pronounce ‘bawn-do’. It has several interpretations of the meaning of Bando. Some linguistic experts said that Bando means ‘The Art of Empty Hand Combat’.
This martial art also has a multifaceted system for the learner who wants to master it. They need to learn with great discipline to memorize and practice many defensive and offensive combats.
Other Myanmar martial arts don’t need weapons such as Lethwei dan Naban. The fighter who performs it will move like a wrestler and also do some boxing. As an unarmed fighting style, Bando also uses wrestling in its moves.
At first glance, Bando’s movement system uses Karate-like techniques, but the fighter will kick and butt which is different from Karate.
Bando’s History
There is no clear history of Bando. It was also said that the roots came from Burma, China, and India. So there were some influences on this martial art. The Burmese people believed that Bando might appear at least 1000 AD if it was traced back again.
Bando has influences from China and India because the Burmese royalty also monks studied how to be a martial arts master in those countries. No wonder we can see some Bando moves that are typically similar to Kung Fu. Its influences can be seen from the use of animal moves in Bando fighting techniques.
Bando Revival After World War II
During British government occupancy, Bando and other Burmese martial arts were banned. However, it experienced a revival after the World War II ended. In the ’60s, Bando was exported to the United States and Europe and now Bando has become one of the popular Burmese martial art in the US.
The British occupation left Burmese martial arts disorganized and without a formal educational structure for many years. In 1946, shortly after World War II, U Ba Than Gyi, a gifted scholar and martial artist, took on the role of director for Burma's national physical education and athletics program. Under this initiative, he travelled across the country, collaborating with masters from various disciplines to unify and modernize these traditional practices.
U Ba Than Gyi’s tireless efforts revitalized Bando, leading to its introduction in the West in 1959. He has a son, Dr. Muang Gy, who continued his legacy to teach Bando in Washington, D.C. Dr. Muang Gy established the American Bando Association (ABA). Today, the ABA operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to honouring veterans, fostering cross-cultural connections, and preserving the enduring heritage of Bama Thiang.
After reading to Bando, it looks as interesting as other popular martial arts in Southeast Asia. Bando experienced a long journey until it became famous on another continent. The dedication to preserving this traditional Burmese martial art can become exemplary for youth.
