Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing: Which Is the Better Fighting Style?

Muay Thai and kickboxing are two similar styles of fighting, with some key differences between them and some quite significant differences in the ruleset. There is some debate about which one is better and what the difference is between them. In this post, I will discuss the techniques and styles of both Muay Thai and kickboxing and the culture associated with both of these incredible sports.

Muay Thai and Kickboxing History

Muay Thai and kickboxing have very different historic backgrounds. Let’s start off with Muay Thai, which originated in the ancient kingdoms of Thailand. Originally, it was known as Muay Boran, a broad term for ancient Thai martial arts, which means ancient boxing. These martial art styles were eventually contested as a sport, and once Muay Boran had gathered popularity, it became standardized in the military. Over the years, Muay Boran has evolved into Muay Thai, a sport form of Muay Boran.

Muay Thai is a result of the ancient Thai martial arts, which have been refined to make one of the best forms of stand-up fighting and entertainment on the planet. However, this also means that Muay Thai has deep cultural roots, thanks to its rich history.

Western kickboxing has a totally different story, as it came from Japan in the 1960s as a result of blending karate and boxing. In 1974, kickboxing started to gain popularity in the West after the Professional Karate Association held its first world championships. In the 1970s, kickboxing slowly gained popularity while also making its way to European countries. There were other forms of kickboxing that were already established at the time, like Sanda a form of Chinese kickboxing, but western kickboxing was a result of Japanese influence, rebranded for a western audience.

Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing: 5 Key Differences

Muay Thai and kickboxing have five main differences that set them apart from each other. These are subtle differences, but overall, these characteristics make them two different styles of fighting. These are the five main differences between Muay Thai and kickboxing:

Combinations

Kickboxing typically has longer combinations than Muay Thai, which means you will see kickboxers throw more punches and kicks at one time. This is especially true when we look at Dutch kickboxing, which has very long and complex combos. These drills are great for a fighter to learn because they teach good hand-eye coordination, speed, and power. However, in practicality, it is difficult to pull off a 20-punch and kick combo. These kinds of long combos serve fighters better in practice, but they do not always transfer into the ring.

Muay Thai does have combinations, but they are more basic compared to some of the western kickboxing drills. An example of a Muay Thai combo would be: jab, cross, hook, low kick. Whereas, a kickboxing combo could be jab, cross, hook, low kick, hook, cross, kick, hook. Some of the Dutch kickboxing drills are even longer than this.

Some believe basic combinations are more effective, so they prefer the Muay Thai method, while others think the long combos are a great way to train muscle memory and get your mind used to the idea of complexity in the ring. I see this as a personal preference, as there are fighters who have built an incredible career out of the basics and fighters who put together complex combinations and also have an amazing career.

Techniques

Elbows are perfectly legal in Muay Thai, and they are often used. They help Muay Thai fighters score knockouts, and even elbow strikes that don’t result in a knockout are still scored very highly in the eyes of the judges.

Knees are just as highly regarded in Muay Thai, and landing knees accumulates points on the judges scorecards. This is another technique that is mostly not used in kickboxing; however, some kickboxing organizations do allow knees.

Clinch fighting is not allowed in kickboxing, but in Muay Thai, it is a highly technical form of upper-body grappling. It is used to land elbows, knees, and throws or sweeps; these are all techniques that score very well.

Muay Thai kicks are similar to those used in kickboxing; however, there are some variations depending on the kickboxing style. It seems the biggest variation in kicking is the ability to block kicks. I believe Muay Thai fighters are better equipped for blocking kicks, as many Muay Thai fighters train kicking more than they train boxing.

Movement

A major difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing is the way fighters are taught to move. The footwork of kickboxers is more bouncy and light on the feet, whereas a Muay Thai fighter is more static, not moving side to side as much and not as light on their feet. The front foot in Muay Thai is supposed to be light in order to use teep kicks (front push kicks) and block strikes, but overall, it is not bouncy.

Kickboxers are difficult to kick or punch as they are constantly moving around, although this can leave them more open to low kicks when they are using lateral movement. While it does make them slightly more evasive, this style of constant movement also uses up a lot more energy. Head movement is something that is a bit more common in kickboxing, as some Muay Thai gyms do not teach as many head movement drills. This is because they believe drastic head movements might make them lean into a knee, kick, or elbow.

Thai boxers conserve energy and have the approach of dodging or blocking strikes instead of constantly moving or being light on the feet. This can be useful as a Muay Thai fighter won’t use up too much energy in their movement. The only downside to this is that it can be a predictable way of moving; however, high-level Muay Thai fighters move and defend strikes very well, so great movement and footwork is something that is developed through years of training.

Culture

Muay Thai has a strong culture, which ranges from the attire fighters wear to the ring dances like the Wai Kru Ram Muay. It is a traditional Thai way of fighting that has come from ancient Thai martial arts; this means Muay Thai comes with many traditions. Some of these include wearing the Mongkhon and Pra Jiad for good luck and performing the Wai Kru Ram Muay, a ring dance that is performed as a sign of respect for the fighter’s trainer and gym. These are all cultural aspects that are unique to the sport of Muay Thai and pay tribute to its Thai heritage.

Western kickboxing does not have as many traditions as Muay Thai, and it is performed much more like a combat sport than a traditional martial art. There is, of course, respect for the trainer and the gym you train in, but this is an essential part of training in any gym. Nontheless, kickboxing does teach a strong sense of discipline, usually built upon hard work and trust in your trainer and fight camp.

Rules

Muay Thai fights and kickboxing fights have different rules; this is something that makes the styles different, as some Muay Thai techniques are not allowed in kickboxing. Kickboxing rules typically prohibit the use of knees, elbows, and clinch fighting. Whereas Muay Thai allows knees, elbows, and even scores clinch fighting very highly.

There are some other minor differences in the rules, and they do vary between organizations, but the largest variation between Muay Thai and kickboxing is the use of these techniques. This makes a huge difference in how fights play out, and I believe it’s one of the major factors that makes Muay Thai and kickboxing so different.

Modern Kickboxing and Muay Thai: ONE FC

The rise of fight promotions like One Championship (One FC) has brought kickboxing and Muay Thai closer together. Kickboxing fighters now fight Muay Thai fighters under the same ruleset. For example, a Muay Thai fighter will fight under kickboxing rules and have even won championships in kickboxing. This goes the same for kickboxing fighters fighting in Muay Thai, so this cross-sport competition has benefited both sports.

Cross-competition has been around for a while now, but with the rise of modern combat sports, it has caused the sports to blend more than usual. One championship also holds some of the best kickboxers and Muay Thai fighters in the world, so it makes sense to face them against each other.

One FC has unique rules for Muay Thai fights, where they use 4 oz. gloves and have eliminated long clinching exchanges. This has made it easier for kickboxers to fight within the Muay Thai rules. Elbows and knees are still allowed, though. Muay Thai fights also take place in a cage with one championship, and clinch fighting is limited. This new ruleset is very interesting and has made Muay Thai even more dynamic and exciting. I believe this has made both kickboxers and Muay Thai fighters more adaptable to unique fighting styles.

Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing for MMA

Both kickboxing and Muay Thai are great for MMA, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be Muay Thai. This is beach Muay Thai, which teaches elbow strikes and knee strikes, which are important techniques to learn in MMA. Clinching is another great technique from Muay Thai; it is very practical for MMA fights, and we have seen a lot of fighters use clinching techniques in their MMA fights.

Kickboxing is great too, but I do believe every MMA fighter should learn clinching knees and elbows, even at a basic level, and kickboxing doesn’t teach these techniques. So, for use in mixed martial arts, I do have to favor Muay Thai, as it teaches more techniques that are very useful.

Muay Thai has become an almost essential part of any well-rounded MMA fighter training regime. It is now widely recognized as the most effective form of stand-up fighting in mixed martial arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muay Thai Kickboxing?

This is a yes and no answer. Muay Thai is a type of kickboxing, just like Sanda and Lethwei are a type of kickboxing. But, no, when we refer to kickboxing, we are usually talking about western kickboxing, which is slightly different from Muay Thai as it has different techniques and rules.

Is Muay Thai a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Yes, Muay Thai is a great way to lose weight. A Muay Thai workout burns a ton of calories, and it is a great form of cardio.

Does Kickboxing Include Elbows and Knees?

No, kickboxing typically does not include elbows and knees. However, there are some kickboxing organizations that allow knees.

Conclusion

So, Muay Thai vs. kickboxing: which is better? I believe the answer to this question actually depends on the individual fighter. We have seen many kickboxers fight in Muay Thai, and just as many Muay Thai fighters fight in kickboxing. Both have done well against each other, and some have built careers fighting with both styles.

Muay Thai teaches more techniques though, so as an overall fighting style, I think I would have to lean towards Muay Thai as being slightly more effective. Overall, Muay Thai and kickboxing are both extremely effective fighting styles, so whichever you choose to practice, you can’t go wrong.