Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing: What’s the Difference and Which One’s Right for You?
If you're searching for a high-energy, striking-based workout, you've probably come across gyms that offer “Muay Thai” or “Kickboxing” or “Muay Thai Kickboxing”. At first glance, they might seem like two different martial arts which may or may not involve punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Then you’re discover that that “kickboxing” class is actually taught by a Muay Thai instructor, or that “Muay Thai” class has students who compete in kickboxing.
So what is the difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing? Let’s break it down.
🥊 What Is Kickboxing, Really?
“Kickboxing” isn’t a single martial art—it’s an umbrella term. Originally coined in the 1970s and ’80s, it referred to full-contact karate competitions where fighters punched and kicked with power (unlike the point-sparring tournaments of the time). But as Thai fighters began entering the scene and dominating with knees, elbows, and clinchwork, the sport began evolving.
Today, “kickboxing” generally refers to striking-based competition that includes punches and kicks, but usually excludes elbows, extended clinching, and sometimes sweeps. In many modern contexts, especially outside of Thailand, kickboxing looks like Muay Thai with a few rules stripped away—less clinch, no elbows, faster pacing.
In short:
Kickboxing is not a traditional martial art with its own deeply rooted system—it's a rule set, not a style. Depending on the gym or promotion, "kickboxing" might look like Dutch-style Muay Thai, American-style full-contact karate, or 100% traditional Muay Thai.
🇹🇭 What Is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai, or “Thai boxing,” is Thailand’s national sport and one of the most complete striking arts in the world. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees—plus clinch work and sweeps.
Key features of Muay Thai:
Striking with 8 points of contact: fists, shins, knees, and elbows
Includes clinching, sweeps, and dumps
Strong emphasis on balance, timing, and control
Trained both as a sport and a practical self-defense method
Muay Thai practitioners can compete under kickboxing or Muay Thai rulesets. There is nothing that is allowed in a pure “Kickboxing” ruleset that is not allowed in a “Muay Thai” ruleset, but there are things allowed in a “Muay Thai” ruleset that are not allowed in a pure “Kickboxing” ruleset.
❌ What Is Allowed in Muay Thai That Might Be Banned in Kickboxing?
While Muay Thai and kickboxing can look similar to the untrained eye, the ruleset makes a big difference—especially in what’s allowed and emphasized during a fight.
Here’s what’s typically allowed in Muay Thai but often banned or limited in kickboxing:
🦵 Elbows
✅ Muay Thai: Fully legal and often used for slicing cuts or close-range damage.
❌ Kickboxing: Almost always banned due to injury risk and difficulty scoring.
🤼 Clinch Work
✅ Muay Thai: Clinching is a major component. Fighters can control, knee, and sweep from the clinch.
❌ Kickboxing: Limited to a few seconds (if allowed at all). Ref often breaks it quickly.
🧹 Sweeps & Dumps
✅ Muay Thai: Legal and encouraged—dumping your opponent while staying balanced scores big.
❌ Kickboxing: Often illegal or discouraged. Focus is on striking, not off-balancing.
🧘 Scoring Style
✅ Muay Thai: Prioritizes balance, control, clean technique, and effective strikes—especially knees and body kicks.
❌ Kickboxing: Typically favors volume and forward pressure. Judges may reward aggression over precision.
🧠 Fight Strategy
✅ Muay Thai: Fights are scored round-by-round, with a big focus on second-half performance. Fighters build and control pace.
❌ Kickboxing: Usually favors a fast pace from round one, with less emphasis on control and timing.
📍 Looking for Muay Thai or Kickboxing Classes in NYC?
We’re based in Astoria, Queens, and offer Muay Thai Kickboxing classes for all levels—no experience required. Our students successfully compete and hold victories in both kickboxing and Muay Thai matches. Our coaches are seasoned fighters and instructors who create a welcoming, ego-free environment where you’ll get fit, gain confidence, and have a blast.
👉 Join your first class or Contact us to learn more.
