While many people think that Kickboxing and Muay Thai are very similar, in terms of technique and fighting styles, they are in many ways, completely different. Although there are universal techniques that are shared between the sports, the implementation varies depending on the sport and the individual fighter.
Muay Thai, in broad terms, fits under the category of ‘Kickboxing’ though there are more differences than there are similarities.
The most common way to explain Muay Thai to somebody is to say “it’s kickboxing with elbows and knees.” Unfortunately, that is like saying Kickboxing is Karate without a Gi.
This is wrong.
Depending on your own martial arts background and whether you train Muay Thai or Kickboxing, it is important to understand what makes your sport unique. Being able to recognize the differences between the two sports can also help you improve your own stand up game.
You might find that your own current fighting style leans more towards kickboxing than Muay Thai and that’s perfectly fine as long as you understand what you are doing.
It is important to know that every Muay Thai fighter has their own style — be it a hybrid of Kickboxing and Traditional Muay Thai or more of one than the other.
This article is a breakdown of traditional Muay Thai techniques used in Thailand at the major stadiums like Lumpinee and Ratchadamnern compared to Kickboxing (the various types, since Kickboxing has a number of styles under it).
Note that you might find that some Thai fighters have a hybrid style between the two arts, especially if you look at those fighters who compete under BOTH styles (K1 and Muay Thai).