Kickboxing vs. Muay Thai – Which One Is Better?


Kickboxing

Learning martial arts is beneficial. However, is Kickboxing better than Muay Thai? Although the two are somewhat similar- they’re different. Because of that, you must know them to pick one to learn. Let’s examine the differences. 

While Muay Thai and Kickboxing include kicking and punching, Muay Thai involves other fighting techniques, such as elbows and grappling. As a result, you’ll become a more dynamic and adaptive fighter if you learn it. For instance, grappling is incredibly crucial to fighting and self-defense. 

However, there’s more to it. While Muay Thai incorporates more techniques, Kickboxing has its advantages. Therefore, learning one of them will make you a solid fighter.

Next, we’ll look at the advantages and downsides of each martial art. Today, there are plenty of martial arts. Because of that, knowing the pros and cons of each one– is crucial.

I wrote an article on the nine best self-defense martial arts you should learn. If you’re unsure which one to study, I recommend checking it out. 

Differences between Muay Thai and Kickboxing

If you’re interested in learning one martial art- and are unsure of which one to pick, Muay-Thai and Kickboxing are suitable options. By doing one, you’ll become a solid, capable fighter. Thus there’s no going wrong with choosing one of them to practice. 

However, let’s examine the differences between them. Hence if you pick the right one- you’ll enjoy the process more than if you chose the other. Thus I encourage you to examine the differences closely and make your decision. 

Muay Thai includes grappling techniques

All martial arts are unique. Because of that, choosing a suitable one- is crucial. However, you can learn fighting techniques by doing any fighting style. Thus these optimizations don’t matter if you end up not doing any. 

Muay Thai includes grappling techniques and is more effective for self-defense and fighting in general. Most fights end up on the floor. Consequently, knowing grappling techniques- is crucial in today’s world. For example, a Boxer on his back- is a white belt. 

If you learn fighting techniques, such as grappling and elbowing, you’ll become a solid fighter- no matter what. Now, Kickboxing doesn’t incorporate any such movements. As a result, Muay Thai may be better for you. 

I encourage watching the following video since it perfectly demonstrates such movements. By doing Muay Thai, you’ll learn to do these techniques. Thus if you’re interested in becoming proficient in such actions, I encourage researching this martial art in greater depth.

Kickboxing is better for fitness

Today, burning more calories and managing our body weight- are highly desirable. Thus if you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, learning a martial art- can change your life. For instance, an hour of Kickboxing can burn up to 900 calories

If you know anything about calories and numbers- you know that’s plenty. Usually, if you can burn this amount of calories in a single-hour session- you’ll be solid for managing your body weight. 

Because Kickboxing involves plenty of muscle groups, you’ll burn more calories than the average workout. Thus managing your body weight- becomes effortless. For instance, if you burn an extra 900 calories weekly, you’ll better your physical condition shortly.

Kickboxing became popular because of its high potential. You’ll learn to fight appropriately- while improving your physical condition. Additionally, many regular gyms incorporate some Kickboxing classes with qualified instructors. Consequently, it’s viable while being sound. 

However, Muay Thai is incredible for managing your body weight. In fact, you can burn up to 600 calories in an hour. Thus, it’s suitable for such purposes. 

Their origin is different

Muay Thai originates from Thailand. Because of that, it has various distinct features that correlate with it. As a result, it may be different in that sense.

Muay Thai and Kickboxing originate from different cultures. Today’s version of Kickboxing is more modern than Muay Thai- which institutes in Thailand. Because of that, they include distinct features that make them solid fighting styles. 

Muay Thai includes more movements

To understand the meaning of that section, we must know the movements you’ll learn in each of these fighting styles. Thus we’ll know to differentiate between the two. 

Muay Thai and Kickboxing both include punching and kicking techniques. However, Muay Thai involves various grappling and other striking movements, such as elbowing. Because of that, you’ll learn additional fighting styles and combos doing it. 

Karate
Image by RENE RAUSCHENBERGER from Pixabay

Yet, Kickboxing holds another value- which may be more precious. You’ll become a solid fighter quickly. However, the primary benefit of why people do it- is fitness. 

You’ll improve your physical condition in no time. As a result, managing your body weight becomes effortless. Because of that- Kickboxing became as widespread as it is today. 

Although that’s the case, Muay Thai has more movements. Therefore, you’ll become a more adaptive and dynamic fighter- by learning it. Consequently, using such techniques for any purpose, such as self-defense- becomes natural. 

Muay Thai is more dynamic than Kickboxing

Kickboxing and Muay Thai are similar. However, they differ. Because of that, knowing which one is most suitable for you- is crucial. That way, you’ll enjoy the process more and progress more quickly. The adaptive nature of each one has- may help you know which one to choose. 

Muay Thai is more dynamic than Kickboxing because it involves more movements, such as grappling. As such, you’ll learn more techniques by learning it. However, you’ll also become a solid fighter- by doing Kickboxing. 

Which is better Kickboxing or Muay Thai?

Overall, comparing two martial arts is challenging. Although that’s the case, there’s a winner in this comparison. However, it’s my personal opinion. Other sources may disagree with me- which is understandable. Yet, I’ll stick with this perspective. 

Muay Thai is better than Kickboxing because it includes more techniques, such as grappling. As a result, by learning it- you’ll be more dynamic. Thus winning in street fights and using it for self-defense- will come more naturally. 

In today’s constantly changing world, you must be dynamic to overcome unfamiliar situations. As a result, learning more techniques- will assist you in achieving that. Thus I recommend learning Muay Thai over Kickboxing.

That said, Kickboxing has many advantages- such as fitness. Consequently, learning it- will provide many benefits. Yet, if you want to become the best fighter possible, consider Muay Thai over it. 

Should I learn Muay Thai or Kickboxing?

Learning any martial art- is wise. By doing one- you’ll notice many positive changes in your life. For instance, you’ll gain many mental and physical benefits. However, let’s look into it deeper. 

If you want to improve your physical condition, Kickboxing is most suitable. Yet, if you desire to become a solid- dynamic fighter, consider Muay Thai. However, both are fantastic options- that’ll make you a solid fighter. 

Muay-Thai
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

I’ll repeat myself- practicing any martial art is beneficial. You’ll change your inner and outer self. Because of that, doing any fighting style- even Tai chi will be valuable. Yet, you’ll enjoy the process more if you choose one suitable for you. That way, staying consistent- becomes effortless.

Is Kickboxing better than Muay Thai for self-defense?

In self-defense, there’s a single factor deciding- which martial art is the best. Knowing it- will assist you in choosing one to learn tremendously. It is their dynamic nature. The more the martial art is- the better it’ll be for self-defense- since it’ll teach you to overcome dangerous situations. 

Muay Thai is better than Kickboxing for self-defense because it’s more dynamic. As a result, you’ll learn more techniques- such as grappling and elbowing. Such movements come in handy- in a self-defense situation. Thus you’ll be a better fighter by doing it. 

Yet, Kickboxing is a suitable martial art for self-defense as well. You’ll learn to punch and kick to beat the enemy quickly. Yet, you won’t practice grappling techniques- which are incredibly crucial. For instance, most street fights end up on the floor. Thus you must know to overcome said scenarios. 

Conclusion

Kickboxing and Muay Thai are incredible martial arts. People who master them- are solid fighters no matter which one you’ll learn. Consequently, I encourage you to consider learning such martial arts. 

While Muay Thai Kickboxing is similar, they differ. Because of that, knowing their differences is vital for reaching their full potential. As a result, I recommend reading this article if you’re having trouble choosing one to learn.

Levi

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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