Kickboxing and Muay Thai in Imus, Cavite, are two combat sports disciplines that involve a lot of punches and kicks and share distinct similarities in striking and fighting styles. So, it is no wonder that many people confuse the two. However, each sport has unique techniques and rules that make it far different from the other.
Understanding the core differences between Kickboxing and Muay Thai is vital for those confused about which path to pursue.
Brief Origins and History
Kickboxing is a martial art developed by Japanese fighters in the mid-1900s and coined by boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi. It is developed using various elements of Muay Thai, Boxing, and Karate. It gained popularity in the Asian and Western fighting scene during the 1970s, and the first professional kickboxing match occurred in 1974. Two years later, the World Kickboxing Association was founded.
Meanwhile, Muay Thai has deep roots in ancient Thailand. It was created from unarmed military combat training in the 13th century before becoming a popular fighting sport today. It has become a way of life for many Thai people for centuries, and it involves a pre-fight tradition called Wai Kru Ram Muay, which honors teachers, parents, and ancestors.
Techniques and Allowed Strikes
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is built on a 4-point striking system, with the fighter’s two hands for punches and feet for kicks (some rule sets allowing knee strikes). This means kickboxers often fight from a distance, delivering quick, powerful strikes and high-volume combinations.
Muay Thai
Known as “The Art of 8 Limbs,” Muay Thai uses an 8-point striking system that involves punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Modern rule sets also involve clinching (upper body grappling), sweeps, and throws, making it an all-around combat art. There’s also a great focus on powerful strikes, balance, and timing when it comes to striking in Muay Thai.
Stance
Kickboxing
Kickboxers tend to bounce on their feet with one of their foot usually ahead of the other, similar to a typical boxing stance. This creates a bladed stance, with the side of their torso facing the opponent. Because of the distance, the hands are also often lower.
Muay Thai
Most Muay Thai fighters also adopt an unorthodox or southpaw stance, depending on their power side. However, there are also fighters who stand flat on their feet, with both hips facing their opponent, and their hands on the temples to defend from strikes. In general, Muay Thai stance is more upright and static than kickboxing.
Kicks
Kickboxing
In kickboxing, fighters usually hinge from their knee and lift their legs to strike with the foot rather than the shin. This technique allows fighters to deliver rapid-fire kicks, crucial in racking up points and preventing kicks to the opponent’s thighs or calves, which is illegal in American kickboxing.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai fighters kick by turning their hips and landing the strike with their lower shin. The legs remain relaxed until the moment of impact, resulting in a kick that can feel like a crack in a baseball bat. Part of Muay Thai training is checking the opponent’s kicks to prevent serious damage to the legs.
Final Words
Kickboxing and Muay Thai share many similarities as striking-based combat sports, especially in improving practitioners’ health. However, apparent differences set them apart, making it essential to learn the two clearly so beginners can find the right fit for their goals.
It is also important to find the best gym that offers the best training for Kickboxing and Muay Thai. Titans—Sports and Functional Gym is a well-known combat sports gym in Imus, Cavite, offering premier training in different combat sports, including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Judo, and Boxing.
Take your fitness to the next level with Titans’ diverse combat sports programs. Visit our official website at www.titansgymcavite.com and register today!
Read More:
Judo vs. Taekwondo: What’s The Difference?
Sources:
https://www.centurykickboxing.com/blogs/century-kickboxing-blog/brief-history-of-kickboxing
https://roninathletics.com/blog/is-kickboxing-and-muay-thai-the-same
https://blog.joinfightcamp.com/fight-news/muay-thai-vs-kickboxing-whats-the-difference
https://punchitgym.com/differences-between-kickboxing-and-muay-thai
https://www.rockstaracademy.com/blog/difference-between-muay-thai-and-kickboxing