Like Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), its neighbor, developed systems of unarmed fighting hundreds of years ago. Since India and China are two of its neighbors, it is not surprising that the evolution of unarmed fighting techniques owed much to India and China.

Thaing is a Burmese term used to classify the indigenous martial systems of ancient Burma (now Myanmar). The word "thaing" translates to "Martial Arts". The forms of thaing include Bando, Banshay, Lethwei, Naban and Byong Byan. It was from thaing that the various internal arts and sport offshoots (Min Zin), Burma Yoga (Bando yoga), Monk system (Pongyi thaing) and sporting versions of thaing (Bando kickboxing, Cardio lethwei) were derived.

There were originally nine forms of thaing corresponding to Myanmar’s major ethnic groups. These are the Burmese, Indian, Chinese, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Mon, Talaing and Shan. Although this multitude has been largely eroded today, there are still slight differences in how thaing is practiced in different regions.
In Northern Shan areas for example, it is known as Shan thaing, in Kachin state known as Kachin thaing. The traditional Myanmar nantwin (royal) style in central region.

• Bando (Close full contact free hands system)
• Banshay (Arts of weapons: sword, staff, spear and short sticks)
• Lethwei (Burmese Kick Boxing)
• Naban (Burmese wrestling and grappling)
• Byaung Byan (Reversed Thaing)