When you start training in combat sports in the Netherlands, you've probably heard of Muay Thai and kickboxing. Although both sports have similarities, they're also completely different from each other.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally speaking, kickboxing is the dominant sport 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 comes from Thailand and is known as "the art of eight limbs". This means you fight with eight different body parts: your fists, elbows, knees and shins. In Muay Thai, the clinch is a very important part. This is a technique where you stand close to your opponent and grab them to deliver knee strikes or take them down.
Muay Thai is usually slower and more tactical. Long combinations are rarely thrown, but rather single hard strikes 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 emphasises boxing and throwing fast combinations of punches and kicks.
There's little clinching and the pace is much higher than in Muay Thai. The Dutch style is much more aggressive and makes greater use of longer combinations.
Similarities between Muay Thai and Dutch Style Kickboxing
Although there are differences in technique and pace, Muay Thai and Dutch style kickboxing have much in common:
- Kicks and punches: In both styles you use both your hands and your legs. Punches, kicks and defence are important in both sports.
- Physical strength: Both sports require a lot of strength and endurance. You train your whole body to become stronger and faster.
- Gloves: As for equipment: you can wear the same boxing gloves in both sports. Nowadays, gloves are produced so that they're suitable for multiple fighting styles.
Just starting kickboxing and need boxing gloves, or is it time to replace yours?
Check out our full range of boxing gloves here. Would you like personal advice on choosing the right pair? You can reach us on +31 85 06 06 340