Boxing vs Muay Thai: Which One is Best For You

Boxing and Muay Thai are two of the most popular combat sports in the world. Both have their own techniques and specific benefits, which can make choosing between them a hard choice. There are some key differences between boxing and Muay Thai when we begin to consider their strengths and weaknesses, what you can expect in each beginner class, and more. With the help of Wrong Gym’s international trainers, Simon and Cakti, we can give you a clearer idea of which of these martial arts might be the best match for you.

Boxing vs Muay Thai: How They Pair Up

Boxing and Muay Thai are intense forms of martial arts that offer physical and mental benefits, but they differ in their approaches. Having tried both, myself, I find that I like them both for the unique techniques I learn in each class.

Boxing focuses on punches, footwork, and surprisingly, head movement. It is known for its rhythmic nature and the coaches are adamant on emphasizing precision, speed, and levels of power. The precision in this martial art helps me to improve my hand-eye coordination that I feel doesn’t come as natural to me.

Muay Thai, on the other hand, incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch techniques, all of which is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs.” This makes me feel like it’s more of an art form, and I really like the stylistic appeal of this martial art. Muay Thai fighters are eventually trained to use their whole body to both attack and defend.

Techniques and Stance

Boxing is based on precision more than anything else. In taking the classes for the first time, I realized that my primary tools for this type of combat are my fists and that my techniques revolved around throwing direct, strong punches while avoiding advances from my opponent— though beginner classes don’t include an opponent. Instead, my opponent is a punching bag or a punching ball.

Specific techniques in Boxing include the types of punches: jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts — each with specific uses for attacking and defending. Secondly but equally important is the footwork. It is important for a boxer to move quickly, using their footwork to keep them in effective positions during a fight. The footwork is also crucial in keeping proper stance to keep strength and balance for attack and defense. Finally, your head movement will determine the level of your defensive technique which involves bobbing, weaving, and slipping.

Muay Thai techniques emphasize the importance of incorporating eight points of contact rather than just two fists. This gives you, as a Muay Thai fighter, the ability to attack with your elbows, knees and legs. Elbows allow you to attack in close-range, knees for close and distant striking while leg kicks, depending on your strength, will allow you to bring the most damage to your opponent.

Muay Thai fighters must maintain a strong lower stance to increase stability for defense and also strength in their attacks. The stance seems more grounded than in boxing, where much of the action is focused on close-range fighting.

Include comments from Cakti and Simon

Strengths and Weaknesses of Boxing vs Muay Thai

Boxing and its strengths lie in speed and precision. You learn hand-eye coordination and work on improving your strength and speed of reflexes. Training in a boxing class will help to improve your stamina and endurance through the speed in which you have to act and the constant transitions of positions you have to move through in order to attack or defend effectively.

There are also some weaknesses that include its reliance on punches, making you a bit more exposed in situations where kicks are involved. There is also a potential for head injuries, especially in competitive boxing, from punches to the head which of course, can lead to concussions.

The strengths in Muay Thai are that it is quite varied in terms of being able to use more body parts in combat and a more diverse set of techniques. It is a full-body combat style and allows you to improve your fitness on all levels. The weaknesses in this sport are that Muay Thai fighters are more exposed to quick movements as there isn’t a focus on speed as much as technique.

The risk of injury is also high, even though it’s mostly lower body attacks, it hits on parts of the body that aren’t as easy to recover from, such as the knees and legs.

Include comments from Cakti and Simon

Comparing Risks/Injuries in Boxing and Muay Thai

In boxing, the risk of head injuries is the biggest worry due to the focus on punches to the head. Concussions, cuts, and long-term brain damage from repeated trauma are the most significant risks in competitive boxing. Boxers are at risk of hand and wrist injuries, especially if they aren’t using proper technique or protective gear.

In Muay Thai, the risks are greater due to the use of the entire body. The injuries in Muay Thai are related to the legs, knees, and elbows. Kicks to the shin can result in serious fractures or even nerve damage, while elbows have been shown to cause deep cuts.

What to Expect in a Beginner Class: Boxing and Muay Thai

In a boxing for beginners class at Wrong Gym with coaches Simon and Cakti, you’ll start by learning the basics: proper stance, punching form, and footwork. Expect intense conditioning exercises that will improve your stamina and strength. Simon and Cakti will work with you to ensure you have the correct technique, which is essential for building strength and avoiding serious injury. Over time, you will start learning better defense strategies to work into your own personal style.

Though Beginner Muay Thai classes are not yet offered at Wrong Gym, research tells me that such classes will introduce you to the foundations of the art which includes punches, kicks, knee and elbow techniques. There will be cardio-focused drills and conditioning exercises.

Boxing at Wrong Gym with International Elites Simon and Cakti

As a world champion martial artist and experienced boxing coach, Simon brings years of expertise to every session. His training methods focus on technique, discipline, and fitness, ensuring that you develop proper form while improving your strength, conditioning, and skills.

Cakti, having competed in over 40 professional fights and rose to become a national champion in Indonesia’s ranking. His own disciplined schedule involves running, plyometrics and strength training which he applies to his combat style. He started in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down, eager to share his methods and techniques to everyone.

If you’re ready to get fit through combat, to improve your fitness and body in a new and exciting way, book a class today.

Citation

Article: Muay Thai Vs. Boxing: Sizing Up The Two Striking Arts

Source: https://www.onefc.com/lifestyle/muay-thai-vs-boxing/

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