Muay Thai or Kickboxing?

Question

Can't decide on which one will be better for me. I like the powerful nature of MT but find it really boring to watch as very few different techniques are used. Kick boxing looks like more fun and more competitive, but the bodies of MT fighter are pretty ripped and that's what I want//

confused...PLEASE HELP!

(i'd prefer answers from people experience of either / both)

Answer 1

when you're doing muay thai...you wont be looking at it anyway. what does that have to do with it?

there is nothing kickboxing can teach you that muay thai won't. kickboxing is just a generic term that was stolen from bruce lee...to denote boxing done with karate or taekwondo kicks.

fist...are they both available to you? then go check them out for yourself. if not...then choose the one that is available. if neither are..then pick something else

Answer 2

I would say go with MT ...... as it considered one of the most effective MA around........

I don't quite get what u mean by boring...... last time i checked kick boxing actually has less legal attacks then MT does .... no elbows in kick boxing........

If u mean by boring no fancy kicks then consider this . most of the time fancy staff doesn't work so whats a point on training staff that all for show???

Answer 3

I agree with you that MT can look a bit boring: the enphasis of training is on full power applied to a small number of exploding techniques and it requires really taugh conditioning and training.

Kickboxing uses a broader range of techniques but on more limited targets (you can just strike torso and head, while in MT you can also hit legs and back).  

Perhaps a solution to your dilemma is finding a club that trains both; you can either take a decision later on or simply alternate them.

Massimo Gaetani

www.martialwhat.com

Answer 4

Muay Thai all the way, brother!!!

First of all.. you need to understand what you're watching.  If you're comparing Muay Thai competition in Thailand to kickboxing events held in the US, you're watching completely different competition in more ways than one.

Kickboxing in the states has more rules than Muay Thai in Thailand or anywhere else.  If you've ever heard a fight promoted as a "full Muay Thai rules" event, this is why.  Kickboxers out here can't throw elbows and in some cases can't throw knees.  Some Muay Thai rules even state that a fighter is not "down" until is shoulders are on the canvas.  What does this mean?  You can kick a dude in the face while he's on his way to the mat.  How can this be perceived as boring?!  But I'm biased.. Moving on!

Secondly, fighters in the states train much differently compared to Thai boxers.  You'll notice they utilize more footwork and move around the ring a lot more.  This is probably why you find it more exciting.  In my opinion, Thai boxers tend to focus more on striking than running around the ring.  Notice how hard these guys kicks, the lunge in their knees, the reach of their kicks.  This requires great skill and should be appreciated.

Again, you have to understand what you're watching.  It's the way these guys train and the environment they're in.  A traditional Thai boxer isn't going to run around the ring when his opponent is right in front of him.  These guys trade hits all day.. it's what they do.  They've been doing it since they've been kids and they aren't going to change.

This, however, doesn't mean that if you go to a Muay Thai camp here in the states, they're going to teach you to do this.  True fighters and competitors understand adaptation.  We train to fight the opponents we're going to face.  Typical fighter these days isn't going to stand there and let you beat on him.  Beyond that, you're not going to want to stand there and take hits all day long.  A proper instructor is going to teach you modern and effective footwork, but will understand where the art came from and realize the importance of its teaching.  Training in a Muay Thai school, you'll also learn thing you won't be allowed to do in a local ring, but things that will benefit you on the street for self-defense.  You'll also learn that it's not all about punches and kicks, and learn to appreciate the art for what it is..

If this still doesn't sway your decision, ask any great kickboxing champ how often they travel to Thailand to train or how many times they've been to a Fairtex training camp or Ajarn Chai's training camp in Oregon.  Ask them where they've learned to fight and I guarantee you that you'll find some Muay Thai in their lineage.

Muay Thai's hardcore, bro.  Make the right choice. =)

Answer 5

MT the training is awesome,

And you can tone up your boxing skills at home,