On the surface, Muay Thai and American Kickboxing can look very similar. Each one trains a stand up fighting style and has turned out some of the best strikers in the world.

And though both styles stem from ancient martial arts there are actually very distinct modern differences. Here we will point out some clear differences. This is not to say one style is better than the other because these are both amazing powerhouse striking arts.

Kickboxing

The term kickboxing describes both of these fighting styles. Kickboxing is an umbrella term that encompasses fighting that employs both punches and kicks. Western or American kickboxing specifies the style a bit more. 

Westerners adopted kickboxing during the height of boxing, combining the technical striking, footwork and head movement elements from traditional boxing with kicks mostly aimed above the waist. There was a flashiness to fights that drew in viewers and crisp, attractive movement to it all. Some of these kicking techniques derive from Taekwondo and Karate. The Karate influence can especially be seen in the Kickboxer’s bladed stance and snappy, knee-hinging kicks.

But the boxing foundation is what it is all built on. A fighter would create angles of attack and deliver powerful, extended striking combos while circling or bouncing around an opponent.  Kickboxers stay on the balls of their feet to bounce and circle around the ring. They move in and out of the striking zoneat lightning-fast pace, cutting angles with their footwork to set up and dodge attacks.

When watching Kickboxing you’ll see quickly how much of this American style is a barrage of strikes. Kickboxers are known as volume strikers—they strike fast and often, ending strike combos with a mix of high and low kicks. These kicks typically hinge from the knee and lift the leg up to possibly strike with the foot rather than the shin. This is due to the 4 point scoring system of the sport (2 Punches, 2 kicks) which values fast contact over knockouts. 

Muay Thai

Muay Thaiis sometimes called “the art of 8 limbs.” It employs an 8-point striking system that includes knee strikes, elbow strikes, and upper body grappling that’s referred to as the “full clinch.” This makes combat particularly violent and bloody. Much more so than a boxing or kickboxing match.

Muay Thai traces its roots back to ancient Thailand—or Siam. The martial art was born out of unarmed military combat training and has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular styles of martial arts across the globe.

Muay Thai gained popularity in America around the time of World War I and adopted several western boxing practices, such as padded boxing gloves and 3-5 timed rounds in a ring. Still, Bangkok continues to be revered as the premier city for training in traditional Muay Thai where training in the heat and humidity is commonplace. Enduring these extremely hot conditions also created a physical and mental toughness that wasn’t typically found in the US boxing or martial arts gyms.

Major Differences

This Thai fighting style differs greatly compared to kickboxing. For example, Thai fighters kick by turning their hips and landing with the lower shin. They don’t bend their knee, but rather keep the leg relaxed until the moment of impact, resulting in a powerhouse of a kick that can feel and sound like the crack of a baseball bat. It’s because of this force that Muay Thai artists are also trained to check their opponent’s kicks to prevent serious damage to their legs. 

The stance and tempo of a fight is noticeably different as well with Muay Thai competitors being more flat footed and less likely to lose balance when throwing powerful strikes. These are all to inflict as much damage as possible to an opponent over time and wear them down. 

So What Should I Train?

In the end, both styles offer valuable skills and techniques that can ramp up your conditioning game. Those who train in one of these styles (or both) are considered one of the most functionally fit athletes of all time. Whether you gravitate toward the technician’s side of kickboxing form or the powerful nature of Muay Thai you can rest assured that you will be conditioning at the highest level becoming lb for lb strong. 

MA Fitness employs elements from both of these styles for the best kickboxing conditioning experience you can find. Classes allow for introduction to the sport, movements and how to generate power which makes it ideal for beginners. But there is so much skill to perfect and get right when it comes to form which leaves almost unlimited room to grow. MA Fitness uses the high intensity of kickboxing workouts on the heavy bag, paired with strength training and Muay Thai technique application for a sure fire way to get in shape fast. Make sure to try a free class at the location nearest you!