TESTIMONY: FOR A SERIOUS INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR MYANMAR’S MARTIAL ARTS

By Alain-André Feschet
Founding President – World Bando Thaing Lethwei Federation

A Vision Expressed in the Early 2000s

In the early 2000s, during one of my trips to the United States, I attended a meeting of the American Bando Association. At that time, I spoke up to say that if we truly wanted to preserve the martial traditions of Myanmar (Burma) and support the development of its martial arts and combat sports, we needed to create an international federation, not just a national one.

My point was simple: once these disciplines began gaining popularity around the world, it was crucial to protect their authenticity. If not, they would follow the same chaotic path as many other martial arts: countless self-proclaimed world federations, false masters, fake diplomas, and a loss of meaning and structure.

Back then, only Grandmaster  U Maung GYI and a few senior ABA members supported my proposal. Most others laughed or brushed it off.

A Prediction That Came True

Now, in 2025, everything I predicted has sadly come true. We are seeing a proliferation of fake world federations with no legitimacy, no real structure, no training programs, no competitions. They exist only to glorify their founders and hand out empty titles.

Diplomas are printed like flyers with Microsoft Word. Everyone calls each other “brother,” tattoos symbolic characters on their skin, and talks about respect—but nothing is done for the Burmese people themselves, who often watch from afar with a mix of amusement and confusion.

The latest example? A so-called world federation from Kazakhstan, recognized only by itself, distributing diplomas that have no real value. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case.

The Founding of the World Bando Thaing Lethwei Federation

In 2005, with the formal agreement of Grandmaster Yu Meng-Jie, we founded the World Bando Thaing Lethwei Federation (WBTLF) in France.

Our goal was clear: to organize, regulate, and promote the martial arts of Myanmar at an international level.

Over the past 20 years, we have:

  • Held numerous international events and gatherings;

  • Traveled to and supported several countries across Africa and Europe;

  • Built a network of representatives in over 30 countries;

  • Established working relationships with official martial authorities in Myanmar.

We do not claim to hold all the truth or to rule over others. On the contrary, our aim is to work alongside serious and respectful individuals and institutions, to help structure and promote these disciplines in a way that honors their origin.

Adapting Without Betraying: Lethwei and Bando Today

In some countries, due to local regulations and legal restrictions, we must offer amateur Lethwei formats, with headgear and protective gear.

Some may say this is not “real” Lethwei, but it’s the only legal way to introduce people to it, to let them learn about it and grow to appreciate this powerful and unique discipline.

As for Bando, like many martial arts in Myanmar, it exists in many different styles and lineages.
We focus on transmitting the school of Grandmaster  U Maung GYI, a respected authority and son of the renowned  U Bah Than GYI, while maintaining contact with experts inside Myanmar to continue evolving the discipline respectfully.

Structure, Training, and Financial Support

To share, preserve, train, and build: this requires time, energy, organization—and funding.
That is why:

  • We ask for a modest contribution from members and practitioners;

  • We insist on serious, authentic training for instructors and leaders;

  • And we invite committed individuals and organizations to join us in building a solid foundation.

Bando is not Karate or Taekwondo.
Lethwei is not just Kickboxing with headbutts.

They are unique disciplines, with their own traditions, schools, rituals, techniques, and identities. This must be understood and respected, worldwide.

Alain-André Feschet
Founding President
World Bando Thaing Lethwei Federation – France
Grenoble, 2025