Muay Thai is one of the world's most effective martial arts, originating from Thailand, where to many, it's not just a sport, it's a way of life. It was made globally popular within the last 20 years as a ring sport, but it's origins (Boran) date back thousands, used in real military combat by Monks and Warriors.

Like many martial arts, a grading system is used to monitor progression of skills & experience, usually in the form of coloured belts from white to black.
In Muay Thai, the grading system is similar but instead, coloured monkgols (headbands) are worn, with levels khan1 to khan10 (khan10 being the equivalent to a black belt). 

This gives a structure of skills to follow, starting from stance & footwork, balance and basic punches & kicks, all the way to complex combinations, clinching and sparring. The journey if commited can be achieved in 5 - 7 years, though learning the art of the complex tree of Muay Thai is never ending. 

As you progress through your journey, step by step you will improve your skills, balance, fitness and flexibility, and the certified khans are an official acknowledgment for your achievements.
The course and exams are not easy, and do not come with a guaranteed pass, but the feeling of being rewarded for each level, directly from The Grand Master at the Head Quarters of the KRU Muay Thai Association is an experience you'll always remember.