In the last twenty years, the distinction between Kickboxing and Muay Thai have blurred with the proliferation of sanctioning organizations, sponsored sporting events, and fighting rule sets. Previously, I described the origins of Kickboxing and Muay Thai. These are fighting sports that appear very similar to the uninformed or novice. I’ll discuss what is the main difference and then similarities between these two sporting arts.
- Kickboxing is a full-contact sport that blends traditional Karate and Western Boxing, where fighters can get knocked out. Kickboxing uses a ring and has the trappings of a boxing match except for the full-power kicks and style.
- Muay Thai is a full-contact sport similar to boxing, except these fighters can use fist, feet, shins, elbows, knees, and lots of clinching. It is a swift sport featuring powerful blows, in-close elbows, and lots of fantastic athleticism.
Both martial arts produce outstanding fighters because the practitioners punch and kick at full-power. They employ fakes and feints to a live opponent who is actively avoiding hits and reading feints. They highlight training and conditioning are very important in fighting ability. These bouts are the closest one can get to an actual combat or self-defense situation.
The conditioning of the fighters is vital. A fighter with a lack of cardio will gas out or fail in the bout. If the fighter is not good at strategies, the fighter will get hit hard in the face. If the fighter has bad footwork, the fighter will trip herself up and not have adequate power in strikes. Physical fitness is crucial to being an impressive combatant.
Differences Between Kickboxing and Muay Thai
| Kickboxing | Muay Thai |
| A varied number of rounds and time of rounds | Five three-minute rounds |
| Sweeps and takedowns are not allowed | Sweeps are allowed |
| Elbows and knee strikes are not allowed | Elbow and knee strikes allowed |
| The referee breaks up clinches | Clinch is allowed |
| A mixture of Western Boxing and Asian martial arts | Developed from Thai culture and Thai warrior history |
| Wear pants or shorts | Wear shorts to fight |
| Fighters are from different arts like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Kenpo | Fighters all study Muay Thai |
| Fighters wear boxing gloves and foot gloves | Fighters wear gloves only, wraps on feet |
Similarities Between Kickboxing and Muay Thai
- Cardio conditioning, strength training, bag work, and mitt-glove work are essential to prepare for bouts
- Full contact so fighters can get knocked out, bloody cuts, bruises, cracked/broken bones
- They are both sporting events with sponsors, lights, and an audience
- Fights occur in a raised ring
- Both use rounds to track the bout. There are time limits and other rules
- Sanctioned fighters compete and have rankings within the sanctioning organization
- The sanctioning organization sets the rules for the bout
Tired of the same old Zumba or Cardio Dance?
Kickboxing fighters must have excellent physical fitness. This aspect of art is something everyday people can enjoy. The practice of Kickboxing to music is cardio-intensive, intense strength building, and sweat-inducing. When combined with the heavy bag, padded mitt work, and shield striking, the fitness student can get the same great results all while having fun.
I’m a registered Cardio Karate Kickboxing instructor and led classes for students interested in something new and different. We drill fighting combinations to music, get good at striking flow, and kicking power. The workouts are tough. We get sweaty, and our muscles are sore. After a few months, you’ll notice a difference in your body and how your clothes fit. The best part of this cardio fitness program is you learn real punching and kicking, usable in self-defense. However, you’ll still need to learn self-defense techniques, but you’ll have the power punch to back up the move.
Conclusion: The Two Arts are Un-identical Twins
What used to be an apparent distinction between Kickboxing and Muay Thai has muddled over the years. For example, many fighters compete in both types of matches (Kickboxing and Muay Thai), thereby confusing the distinction further. The arts appear to be the same to the casual observer. While both Kickboxing and Muay Thai are separate, distinct arts, they share a considerable amount of features characteristics that make them similar sports. Another issue with the confusion is the advent of Mixed Martial Arts fighting, which combines Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Jui-Jitsu, and Shoot Wrestling.
Martial arts styles are training styles with unique customs and fighting strategies. A student finds and studies arts that suit them. (link to choosing a martial arts style for you) Martial arts styles like Kickboxing and Muay Thai appeal to different people. Don’t think of differences or characteristics as making one style better than another. The martial art makes the fighter effective for that martial art’s focus or specialty. I suggest finding a style that you will enjoy because getting proficient takes a lot of time and effort.
I hope this helps you understand these two amazing fighting styles. If you are interested, consider finding an instructor near you.
