Muay Thai Tattoo symbols and meanings


Muay Thai tattoo symbols called Sak Yant tattoos are protective emblems with a deep meaning rooted in ancient traditions of Buddhist and Hindu religions.

They grant the bearer desirable attributes such as power, strength, fearlessness, protection, charisma, health, fortune, and confidence.

Yantra tattooing traditions are at least 2000 years old among south-east Asian cultures.

Sak Yant symbols are deeply rooted in Thai culture and are very popular among Muay Thai fighters.


Muay Thai tattoo patterns and meanings:


Twin Tigers tattoo [Tiger Yant]


Twin Tigers Thai tattoo symbol and meaning

The tiger is a symbol of strength, power, and fearlessness. Twin tigers stand for the highest level of power. This is a suitable ink for a person with authority over others.

It is one of the most popular Muay Thai tattoo designs for fighters who would wish to emulate the strength and the power of a tiger in the ring. It is also the most popular tattoo design among Muay Farangs who came to train Muay Thai in Thailand.


Five Lines Sak Yant tattoo


5 Lines Thai tattoo symbol and meaning

Five magical spells that protect the bearer against:

  • evil spirits
  • bad fortune
  • black magic
And it also grants good fortune.

So as you see it is a very powerful Sak Yant symbol even for those who don't train Muay Thai.


Eight Directions Sak Yant tattoo


8 Directions Thai tattoo symbol and meaning

This tattoo represents the 8 poses of Buddha.

It protects from hazards and grants good luck from all directions.

The circle represents one's life with all the distractions that one has to encounter. The straight lines up represent the paths to enlightenment.



Nine Peaks Sak Yant tattoo


9 Peaks Thai tattoo symbol and meaning

9 Peaks Sak Yant represents nine Buddhas that grant 12 distinctive special powers and blessings:

  • the first one increases your popularity
  • the second one protects from injury
  • the third one helps to defeat enemies
  • the fourth one gives power and authority over the other people
  • the fifth one grants the loyalty of the others and desire to fight for you
  • the sixth one grants the invincibility
  • the seventh one grant luck to new enterprises
  • the eighth one increases your popularity with the opposite sex
  • the ninth one brings a good fortune
  • the tenth one benefits your destiny
  • the eleventh one protects against violence
  • the twelfth one improves your circumstances at work


Hanuman, the Monkey God tattoo


Hanuman, a monkey God, traditional Thai tattoo

Hanuman tattoo represents a fighter's qualities like strength, stamina, and agility and it is also a symbol of devotion to martial arts in the case of Muay Thai fighter.

In Muay Boran, a martial art that evolved into modern Muay Thai, there's a traditional fighting technique called Hanuman.

It utilizes a 'monkey-like' movement and a powerful uppercut technique which involves using both hands to strike the opponent's chin.

This Sak Yant tattoo pattern is designed for fighters.


Ganesh: an elephant God tattoo


Ganesh, an elephant God, traditional Thai tattoo

Ganesh is a God that can remove the obstacles of any nature and clear the way for those that pay homage to him. It is also a symbol of protection.

So as you see Muay Thai tattoos have a deeper meaning and are not only worn for decorative reasons.

I hope I helped you to learn more about the art of Sak Yant tattoos and you can choose a symbol that resonates with your personality.

Read part 2 of Thai tattoo symbols and meanings

to find out the meaning of the Lotus Flower tattoo, the Dragon tattoo, The Sun tattoo, the Lord Buddha tattoo, the Turtle yant, and much more.


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