What “Oowee” Means & Its Significance in Muay Thai

If you’ve seen a clip of a Muay Thai fight, chances are you’ve heard a chant that sounds like: “Oo-wee… Oo-wee!” The sound is usually heard every time a fighter lands a good kick or blow. If you’ve ever wondered what it means, this article will break down the meaning of the term “oowee” and explain when to shout it. You can hear the chant in full force when you watch the thrilling live Muay Thai action at Rajadamnern Stadium.

What “Oowee” Signifies Inside the Ring

“Oowee” in Muay Thai is an integral part of the sport’s tradition and experience. It serves as:

Real-time Fight Commentary

Judges sometimes sit far from the point of impact. A unified chant of “oowee” from the crowd tells them a kick landed flush. The chant is the audience’s way of saying, “That counted.”

Crowd Energy Meter

The fighter can be affected by the stadium’s atmosphere and the energy of the audience. Strong chants of “oowee” help lift spirits and encourage fighters.
  

How and When “Oowee” Happens

A Muay Thai soundtrack starts with a live orchestra composed of pi java oboe, klong khaek drums, and ching cymbals. In the early rounds, the music may be slow, and increases in tempo as the rounds progress. By round three, the drums are beating hard and fast as the fighters trade harder blows. The crowd, immersed in the live action, emits “oowee” whenever there’s a clean strike. As the fight nears the peak in the final round, it can sound like rapid fire, with quick chants of “oowee… oowee” echoing throughout the arena layered over banging drums and musical instruments.

Etiquette for Joining the Chant

Follow the locals; Go with the general crowd; they’ll know which blows and strikes merit an “oowee.”
Match the volume: Terrace bettors typically set the rhythm for the “oowee” chant. Match their volume without drowning out the instruments.

Respectful timing: It’s best to sit tight and stay silent during Wai Kru and the anthem. 

Where to Be in a Live Muay Thai Fight

In a live Muay Thai match at Rajadamnern Stadium, you’ll find that the second- and third-class sections are where the Muay Thai “oowee” tradition is most alive. If you’re sitting ringside, you’ll get to see the action up close and notice how the crowd will respond with “oowee.” 

During Saturday night’s Rajadamnern World Series, the open scoring posted between rounds makes the “oowee” sounds more significant as they let the audience know right away who’s winning the Thai boxing event.

Why Understanding “Oowee” Makes a Difference

If you’re new to Muay Thai, whether as a trainee or a spectator, listening to “oowee” throughout a fight makes it easier to follow the match. You’ll hear chants for kicks and knees and eventually learn to associate them with the fighter’s scores.

Understanding what “oowee” means and its significance during a fight allows spectators to further immerse themselves in the exhilarating atmosphere and the dynamic excitement of a live match. You’ll get a sense of how the fight’s intensity increases when a fighter elicits “oowees” from the audience, all while the action is happening right before your eyes. Once you know the cue, you’ll be able to read the fight’s progress like a pro.

Practice Before You Go

If you’re watching a live match for the first time at Rajadamnern Stadium, do some prepping into the Muay Thai “oowee” culture:

Watch fight clips: See clips of previous fights and listen for the slow, then fast cadence.

Hum with the orchestra; Tap out drumbeats to get the timing right.

At the stadium, wait one solid strike; Join the chant on the second, and by the third, you’ll be in sync with the crowd.

Experience it for Yourself

Reserve your seat at the next Thai boxing event at Rajadamnern Stadium, the home of Muay Thai. Witness live action as elite fighters go head to head, displaying talent and prowess in Muay Thai, and discover why this traditional Thai martial art is called the “Art of 8 Limbs.” Join in on the exciting “oowee” chanting, get immersed in the experience, and have a memorable time.