Muay Thai Kickboxing: What Is It and How Is It Different From Traditional Kickboxing?
In the last few years, the art of Muay Thai kickboxing has become extremely popular not only for those looking for MMA competition opportunities but for many who are looking for great cardiovascular and work out opportunities as well.
This type of kickboxing is a unique type of martial arts, and while it is similar to traditional forms of kickboxing; this art form actually has a number of differences.
Anyone who is considering turning to Muay Thai kickboxing should have a basic understanding of what this art form is and the unique ways in which it differs from traditional kickboxing in order to make a more informed decision on whether it is the right option for them.
First, it is important to have a basic understanding of Muay Thai kickboxing.
This traditional form of kickboxing was developed in Thailand over a thousand years ago and has a very specific style of self-defense and fighting techniques.
Traditional kickboxing on the other hand is a much broader term and includes all types of Indochinese fighting techniques including Muay Thai.
However, when people typically use this catch-all phrase they are referring to North American kickboxing which developed in the 1960s.
In Muay Thai kickboxing there is an 'eight point' fighting system that is used while traditional kickboxing utilizes what is known as the 'four-point' system.
At a basic level this means that kick boxers utilize just their fists and feet and Muay Thai fighters can use knees and elbows as well as their fists and feet during fighting.
While Muay Thai allows grappling as part of the art form; traditional kickboxing does not allow grappling at all.
This form of kickboxing also allows for different attacks than kickboxing with the main difference being the attacks allowed below the waist which includes attacks on the groin, shines, and other areas below the waist that are banned in traditional forms of kickboxing.
This typically has many people considering this Thailand form of kickboxing to be a more aggressive fighting style and self defense style while most professionals will agree it is simply a more complex style of fighting.
Also kickboxing is typically taught as a sport while Muay Thai places more emphasis on self defense.
No matter which way you look at these main differences between the two fighting forms, having a basic idea of what the differences are can help you make a better decision regarding whether or not you feel Muay Thai is a better option for you as opposed to more traditional kickboxing.
No matter which of these two options that you choose, with these unique forms of martial arts you can find a highly competitive sport, a recreational activity, a form of exercise or simply a new way to protect yourself depending on how you are looking to approach learning these martial arts forms.
This type of kickboxing is a unique type of martial arts, and while it is similar to traditional forms of kickboxing; this art form actually has a number of differences.
Anyone who is considering turning to Muay Thai kickboxing should have a basic understanding of what this art form is and the unique ways in which it differs from traditional kickboxing in order to make a more informed decision on whether it is the right option for them.
First, it is important to have a basic understanding of Muay Thai kickboxing.
This traditional form of kickboxing was developed in Thailand over a thousand years ago and has a very specific style of self-defense and fighting techniques.
Traditional kickboxing on the other hand is a much broader term and includes all types of Indochinese fighting techniques including Muay Thai.
However, when people typically use this catch-all phrase they are referring to North American kickboxing which developed in the 1960s.
In Muay Thai kickboxing there is an 'eight point' fighting system that is used while traditional kickboxing utilizes what is known as the 'four-point' system.
At a basic level this means that kick boxers utilize just their fists and feet and Muay Thai fighters can use knees and elbows as well as their fists and feet during fighting.
While Muay Thai allows grappling as part of the art form; traditional kickboxing does not allow grappling at all.
This form of kickboxing also allows for different attacks than kickboxing with the main difference being the attacks allowed below the waist which includes attacks on the groin, shines, and other areas below the waist that are banned in traditional forms of kickboxing.
This typically has many people considering this Thailand form of kickboxing to be a more aggressive fighting style and self defense style while most professionals will agree it is simply a more complex style of fighting.
Also kickboxing is typically taught as a sport while Muay Thai places more emphasis on self defense.
No matter which way you look at these main differences between the two fighting forms, having a basic idea of what the differences are can help you make a better decision regarding whether or not you feel Muay Thai is a better option for you as opposed to more traditional kickboxing.
No matter which of these two options that you choose, with these unique forms of martial arts you can find a highly competitive sport, a recreational activity, a form of exercise or simply a new way to protect yourself depending on how you are looking to approach learning these martial arts forms.
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