How To Get a Sak Yant Tattoo In Thailand

WHAT IS SAK YANT & HOW DO YOU GET ONE?

By Angela Chang

Sak yant is extremely popular in the Muay Thai community, namely with those who have visited Thailand. With geometric shapes and depictions of animals and gods, sak yant is as beautiful as it is painful to receive.

Who does sak yant?

Sak yant are done by monks or arjans who have studied the art for a very long time. (They are also usually longtime ex-monks.) Monks are not allowed to make profit off doing the tattoos as part of their code, so going to a temple to get it done is always donation-based. One of the most popular temples to get sak yant done is Wat Bang Phra.

If you go to a temple, be sure to dress appropriately by covering your legs and shoulders. Never touch the monk, especially if you are a woman. Do kneel before the monk as the monk is of a higher social status.

An arjan, on the other hand, is allowed to make profit off doing the tattoos. There are a handful of famed sak yant artists that are well-known, and people from all over the world go to them to get their sak yant done. Sometimes an arjan will be donation-based, but, more often than not, they will charge per piece.

As a foreigner, you might be quoted extremely high prices. If you like the work they do, hey, it’s your money and you can do what you want! But do keep in mind that there are plenty of arjan that will not rip you off just because you are not Thai and can do the same quality or even better work.

Always do your research beforehand and ask about the pricing before you get tattooed. It’s extremely easy to get this information through Google. You will most likely flip through a book of photos or drawings once you get there then then choose the one you want.

What should I know about sak yant?

No matter if you decide to go to a monk or arjan, keep in mind of the basic rules of etiquette as well as basic tattoo hygiene.

• ALWAYS request a new needle and new batch of ink. Some places do not change the needle and you are at risk for a whole load of diseases if you get tattooed with a used needle or have your new needle dipped in tainted ink.
• Give a wai by putting your hands together. Because a monk and arjan are both highly respected, your wai should be higher up on your face.
• Never point the bottom of your feet towards the monk or arjan or any of their religious statues. The safest thing to do is to cross your legs on top of each other when sitting down on the floor. If you have to assume another position to get the sak yant done, be mindful of where your feet are pointing.

Also keep in mind that sometimes a monk will choose a tattoo as well as its placement for you based off what he believes you need, but sometimes you are able to choose tattoo as well as placement. Some places will not tattoo below the hip, especially depictions of deities, so it is always best to ask first.

How long before I can train again?

A common question asked is how painful the procedure is, but the answer varies from person to person and location on the body (the bonier parts such as your chest and rib cage will hurt more than your arm or leg).

For some, it is extremely painful, and for others, it doesn’t hurt much at all. Regardless of how painful it is, what is remarkable about getting sak yant is the short amount of time it takes to get tattooed, as well as the short healing time. Usually one is able to train again after a day or two with no adverse effects, whereas work done with a tattoo gun keeps you off the mats for at least a week.

How is the sak yant done? If I’m not in Thailand, can I give the design to a regular tattoo guy and do it that way?

ALWAYS get sak yant done with a stick! This is the traditional way to do things.

No authentic arjan and certainly no monk will ever tattoo sak yant on someone with an electric tattoo gun. They have studied for years upon years to learn the art of performing these tattoos, as well as the meaning and magic behind them. Sometimes the metal needle rods are passed down from arjan to arjan. Enchantments are given and some of the power lies in the inscriptions in the tattoo.

Those who tattoo with a gun are not versed in the art, cannot bless the sak yant, nor do they know how to bless them. In fact, it is commonly believed that getting/giving yantra tattoos with a gun brings bad luck! Be patient and wait to do it while you’re in Thailand.

If you’re going to do it, do it right. Sak yant are not just pieces of art, but each has deep meaning behind it.  Respect the culture and don’t water it down just because of selfish reasons (e.g. you can’t afford to go to Thailand or if you’re scared of the pain).

How do I care for a fresh sak yant?

Like with a regular tattoo, you have to keep it moisturized. Coconut oil works great and is perfect considering its wide availability in Thailand.

Are there any rules I have to live by after getting sak yant?

The rules vary from monk to monk and arjan to arjan. Some may tell you not to eat a certain food, others may tell you not to do a specific action. All support living an honest and compassionate life, as these people follow the Buddhist religion.

Watch the videos below for more insight on what it's like living, training and fighting Muay Thai in Thailand: