put two pegs in-line in the flat face at one end of each
drill a hole parallel to the flat face
run cord/rope through hole as a forearm loop
(Drawings and plan with additional detail coming soon)
Pictured below are a pair of typical mae sowks purchased near Chiang
Mai.
These are painted a simple black varnish. Others can be found that
are decorated with traditional patterns.
In an effort to develop the concept of the forearms
shields (and due to a lack of good examples), several prototypes
were produced at maelstrom. These tended to be over-heavy and somewhat
impractical.
The preferred pair are the black ones which are traditionally
made in Thailand - they have been used in Dog Brothers-style combat
against the likes of Top Dog.
The most elegant pair so far produced (with the help
of a very skilled wood craftsman) have included some interesting
features such off-center pegs, deep arm groove, and peg holes to
let the two pieces fit together.
In the Movies:
From Tom Yum Goong - faux mae sowks using elephant
bones
A more traditional use appears in the first Ong
Bak.
As well, a demo is available by ajahn Stephen Wilson
showing the short "ram
sowks" (as performed by Brian Dobler).
