What is Muay Thai/ kickboxing
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) originated in Thailand from the older martial art of Muay boran which means “ancient boxing”. Muay boran is an umbrella term constituting a number of traditional Thai styles of martial arts and Muay Thai is a style of fighting that is influenced and structured by these traditions.
The main precept of Muay Thai is mastering the eight sticking points of the body; Muay Thai is often referred to as “the art of the eight limbs”. Fists, elbows, knees and shins/feet are used for a variety of strikes combined with grappling while standing. The grappling allows Muay Thai practitioners to be very effective at close range which is one reason why Thai boxing is a great foundation for mixed martial arts practitioners.
Are Muay Thai and kickboxing the same?
Kickboxing and Muay Thai are actually two different martial arts. Kickboxing, as a contact sport, was historically developed from karate, Muay Thai, taekwondo and western boxing in the 1960 and 1970s. The main differences are that kickboxing matches do not allow grappling, hits below the belt or strikes with the elbows or knees. Essentially it can be viewed as such: Kickboxing can be used as a general term referring to a variety of Indochinese fighting systems, of which Muay Thai is one. It can also be used to refer to the North American sport of kickboxing.
Why train in Muay Thai?
Martial Way MMA gets this question quite often from the people of Newton who are interested in being more active and learning a new skill set.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Improved physique
- Better flexibility and balance
- Greater mind and body coordination
- Increased mental alertness
- Meet new people and make friends
These are all excellent benefits, but the one benefit that our students report most often is an improvement in self-confidence. By challenging you with individualized goals that are tough but attainable, our Newton students come to understand the potential they have within themselves. If you have any questions about the Muay Thai classes we offer at Martial Way MMA then please feel free to contact us through phone or email.