For the first time ever, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is excited to announce Rumble in DC, taking place on Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 from 6 pm to 10 pm. This free event will bring a live tournament of Muay Thai, the traditional Thai art of self-defense, to the U.S. capital.
In partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy, Washington DC, Qatar Airlines and various local vendors, the Rumble in DC experience is sure to show the magic of Muay Thai! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, you’ll be sure to enjoy the competitions between some of the best up-and-coming fighters. The tournament will begin with a Ram Wong Klong Yao, or Long Drum Dance, which is a customary Thai performance.
Guests will also be able to witness a Wai Kru performance, a traditional Thai ritual performed before Muay Thai matches to show respect. However, Wai Kru is much more than a ceremonial rite, performance art or simply paying respect to one’s teacher: it is an important part of Thailand’s cultural and martial history.
Fighters perform the Wai Kru by circling the ring three times before kneeling as a sign of respect to religious deities (traditionally Buddhist), earth and mankind, asking for an honorable fight and protection for both himself and his opponent. After completing the Wai Kru, a fighter then performs the Ram Muay on each side of the ring, which can be either simple or complex combination of movements to demonstrate a fighter’s control and style. The Ram Muay is based upon images of the monkey god Hanuman, who appears in the Thai epic the Ramakien. As the sport has developed, the two acts have become inseparable.
Joining TAT to celebrate Rumble in DC and leading the Wai Kru is Master Kru Pol. After becoming a fighter at a young age, Kru Pol is highly trained in multiple different styles of traditional Muay Thai. She also has years of world class, professional fighting experience with 104 professional fights under her belt, and a stunning record of 89 wins. She and her students will demonstrate the Wai Kru, as well as several sparring bouts.
Our Partners and Sweepstakes
Additionally, TAT will be hosting a major sweepstakes opportunity, but you must be on site in order to enter! The prize? Two economy round trip tickets to Amazing Thailand (Washington, D.C. – Bangkok), compliments of Qatar Airways, which flies to over 150 destinations worldwide. And two-night stay at Conrad Koh Samui, one room with daily breakfast for 2 persons. To enter, simply come to the TAT tent at Rumble in DC and provide your name and email for a chance to win. The winner will be announced onsite, around 9:45 pm.
Journey Through Amazing Thailand with Cuisine
The Muay Thai tournament will be alongside various vendors that showcase Amazing Thailand’s rich culture. Come and enjoy delicious dishes from local restaurants, as well as a Thai wellness center that will focus on the techniques of Thai massage. Our full list of vendors includes:
Thainesss Through My Skin – Come to the TAT tent for Thai-inspired tattoo stickers if you’d like a semi-permanent takeaway.
Thai Wellness Center – Everyone could use a little relaxation! Treat yourself with an amazing Thai massage.
Thai Chef – Get a taste of Bangkok right in DC with Thai Chef’s street food. From spring rolls to chicken satay to grilled pork and sticky rice, this mother-daughter owned restaurant is sure to satisfy.
Urban Thai – Ever wanted to try somtum? Somtum, or green papaya salad, is sure to be a refreshing dish. Urban Thai will also be selling larb, a kind of Thai meat salad, as well as grilled chicken and sticky rice.
Asia Nine – You can’t talk about Thai food without mentioning curry. Asia Nine will be selling a variety of curries, such as the rich Massaman, the peanut-based Panang and green and red curry for the spice lovers.
Thaitanic – If Thai noodle dishes such as pad thai, pad see ew or pad kee mao sound delicious to you, head over to Thaitanic’s tent for a taste! They will also be selling Thai desserts like mango sticky rice, as well as tasty Thai iced teas, Thai iced coffee, and other specialty herbal drinks.
See below for the full schedule of events:
5:30 pm: Media and VIP check-in (please check in at the TAT Press Check-In booth)
6:00 pm: Event open to the general public
- Including a welcome announcement where the giveaway will be introduced, followed by the Ram Wong Klong Yao performance.
6:30 pm: Opening remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand
7:00 pm – 9:40 pm: Muay Thai fights commence
- Master Kru Pol performs the Wai Kru Ram Muay with her students, followed by 8-12 fights
9:45 pm: Closing remarks and announcement of the TAT and Qatar Airways giveaway winner
- Winners must be present to accept the prizes.
Rumble in DC will be held be at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building on Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 from 6 pm to 10 pm. For more info about Rumble in DC, head to the Facebook event page.
Make sure to tag us with the hashtags #RumbleInDC and #ThailandInsider, and follow us on @ThailandInsider on all social platforms to stay connected!
