พันมือ: the wrap is a moment

Before a fight the kru wraps the fighter's hands himself, slowly, layer after layer of gauze and tape, and the room goes quiet. It is a moment of trust between teacher and student. Some trainers hum or sing an old song while they wrap, some murmur a คาถา, a blessing under the breath, and finish with a soft blow on the wraps or on the fighter's head for luck. Each kru has his own way. If yours sings while wrapping you, sit still, hands open and steady, and listen: you are being looked after. Afterwards you can ask ร้องเพลงอะไร, what was that song, and you may get the story behind it.