If you're new to martial arts in the Netherlands, you've probably heard of Muay Thai and kickboxing. While both sports have similarities, they're also completely different.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, kickboxing is the most common form of exercise in the Netherlands. So, if your gym says it offers Muay Thai classes, they're often just regular kickboxing classes.
But what's the difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing? And why are the terms used interchangeably?
The differences between Muay Thai and Dutch Style Kickboxing
Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs
Muay Thai originates from Thailand and is known as "the art of the eight limbs." This means you fight with eight different body parts: your fists, elbows, knees, and shins. The clinching is a crucial element in Muay Thai. This technique involves standing close to your opponent and grabbing them, for example, to deliver knees or pull them to the ground.
Muay Thai tends to be slower and more tactical. Long combinations are rarely used, but rather a few hard punches and kicks.
Dutch Style Kickboxing: Pressure and Combinations
Dutch-style kickboxing is a style developed in the Netherlands. It's based on a combination of Muay Thai and Western boxing techniques. The main difference is that Dutch-style kickboxing places more emphasis on boxing and delivering quick combinations of punches and kicks.
There's little clinching, and the pace is much faster than in Muay Thai. The Dutch style is much more aggressive and uses longer combinations more often.
Similarities between Muay Thai and Dutch Style Kickboxing
Although there are differences in technique and pace, Muay Thai and Dutch-style kickboxing also have a lot in common:
- Kicking and punching: In both styles, you use both your hands and legs. Punching, kicking, and defense are important in both sports.
- Physical strength: Both sports require a lot of strength and endurance. You train your entire body to become stronger and faster.
- Gloves: Regarding equipment, you can wear the same boxing gloves in both sports. These days, gloves are manufactured to be suitable for multiple fighting styles.
Are you just starting kickboxing and do you need boxing gloves or do your gloves need replacing?
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