Muay Thai vs Boxing

[Timpon]

I want to take up one of these, both for fitness and self defence if the situation ever warrants it, but can't decide which one.

Have done tae kwon do in the past, but I find it to be more style than substance (with all the patterns and what not), and it doesn't really teach you how to fight.

I'm leaning towards Muay Thai. Here's the thing-I'm self employed and work 7 days a week in a job that's fairly physically demanding, so taking time off due to injury is not an option. Heard that Muay thai, initially can be pretty brutal?

Any fighters (or fans of the sport) out their, what are your opinions? Pros and cons of each?

 

[rumblesushi]

Timpon I've actually done tae kwon do, thai boxing, and boxing in that order. Since age 9 or so.

I agree tae kwon do is nothing, style over substance, I didn't learn to fight from tae kwon do.

Thai boxing is the most hardcore martial art, but it depends on the gym. Unless you train in TB at a near professional level it's not going to be as hardcore as boxing.

The first time I REALLY learned to fight, and was shocked at how hard I was getting hit, was proper boxing.

So you can decide for yourself. I recommend both. But if you really want to be able to KO the average thug with 1 shot, and don't mind regular full contact sparring, choose boxing.

I personally had more fun in boxing, I prefer the sparring, and the training methods.

 

[redtailfool]

i love both discipline , but being able to kick, knee and elbow your opponent is a big
advantage .. ive personally used a lot of kicks and knees ( grappling situations ) in real fights
when i was a kid. I would suggest thai boxing.

I also agree with RS that if you want to develop a real strong punch, boxing is for you.

Both will be effective against an average joe , should the need ever arises.

 

[Timpon]

Thanks Rumble and Red for your replies.

Like the idea of using and training the whole body like Red says, but I also like the speed and punching power of boxing.

Hmmm......might have to visit both types and try for myself and see which one I enjoy more, that way, I'll train harder.

Thanks guys.

 

[redtailfool]

Thanks Rumble and Red for your replies.

Like the idea of using and training the whole body like Red says, but I also like the speed and punching power of boxing.

Hmmm......might have to visit both types and try for myself and see which one I enjoy more, that way, I'll train harder.

Thanks guys.

Yeah , i would check out both... you can never really tell unless you find good schools
on each discipline and give them both a trial period.

 

[rumblesushi]

Yeah why not do that. Though Timpon, although in boxing the only strike is the punch obviously, your whole body has to be strong and fast. You have to do sit ups, pull ups, crunches, press ups, leg exercises and a LOT of running/roadwork. In boxing you need to be quick on your feet, and not only that to get a lot of power into a hook especially you need strong legs, strong thighs to really set your feet and generate power.

In boxing most of the power comes from the shoulders, but after that more from the thighs.