WHAT IS MUAY THAI?

Muay Thai (มวยไทย), often called Thai Boxing or the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is Thailand’s national martial art and combat sport. It is a striking discipline that utilizes fists, elbows, knees, and shins and includes clinching and sweeps — giving practitioners “eight points of contact” compared with fewer in many other striking arts.

WHat's the difference between Muay Thai & Kickboxing?

Kickboxing is characterized by dynamic bouts emphasizing the extensive use of hand punch combinations. In Thai boxing, bouts involve single punches and short sequences, with knees and elbows playing a more prominent role.

However, over time, the two martial arts have begun to mutually influence each other. This is especially seen in more informal bouts: Muay Thai fighters increasingly use kickboxing techniques, while kickboxers in turn borrow elements from Thai boxing.

TECHNIQUES IN MUAY THAI

Muay Thai takes much of its strikes and techniques from Muay Boran, its ancient predecessor, which was created primarily for hand-to-hand combat during warfare. As the sport evolved, dangerous techniques from Muay Boran that would have otherwise been deadly became forbidden in Muay Thai - such as strikes to the joints or back of the head.

Other than variations of punches as seen in western boxing (e.g. jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts), kicks, elbows and knee strikes are used in Muay Thai. Clinching, sweeps and throws are also used strategically in modern Muay Thai to make it an all-rounded combat art. Due to the 8-point contact, the sport has proven to be one of the most effective stand-up striking art and practiced by many mixed martial artists.

THE different styles of muay thai

Muay femur
The technician

Muay Femur fighters are technical, possessing a high fight IQ and are well-versed in all the techniques and weapons of Muay Thai.

Muay Femurs rely on a multitude of techniques and can even alternate between different styles depending on the opponent. They are the all-rounders of the sport, typically excelling in movement, defense, and winning fights by outscoring the opponent while punishing them for making mistakes or leaving openings. When the opportunity arises, they are swift in taking action to finish the fight. The best Muay Femur fighters are known to possess a flair in their fighting that is highly regarded by fans and connoisseurs of the sport.

Notable fighters: Samart Payakaroon, Saenchai, Lerdsila, Tawanchai PK Saenchai

MUAY KHAO
The knee fighter

Muay Khao fighters rely on knee strikes and excel in knee techniques which can be delivered in different ranges. Knees can cause considerable damage to the torsos and even end fights.

This knee-fighting style is complemented with superior clinching as it allows them to throw close-range knees to the torso. This style of fighting is very technical and also requires a lot of strength and cardio conditioning. One strategy is to wear down their opponents in extensive clinching and scoring with knees to the body. Today, Muay Khao is a dominating style that has helped create many stadium champions in Thailand.

Notable fighters: Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Yodwicha Por Boonsit, and Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon.

MUAY MAT
The puncher

Muay Mat is an aggressive and explosive style known for heavy punches and plenty of knockouts.

This is a relentless forward-moving style with hard punches and low kicks to boot. They can trade blow for blow as many of them come with a strong chin to back them up, which often makes them dangerous at mid and close range. The strategy is simple: go for the knockout. They don’t always win via judges’ decision but they will do whatever it takes to finish the fight. Many Muay Mats do equally well in boxing or kickboxing.

Notable fighters: Sagat Petchyindee and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

MUAY DTAE
The kicker

Muay Tae fighters favour kicks, as the roundhouse kick is one of the most devastating weapons in the Muay Thai arsenal and many fighters have built their fighting style around it.

This style is all about building years of strong foundation through nothing but consistent hard training. Muay Tae fighters are able to generate immense kicking power through solid form, great balance and steel-like shins. Muay Thai roundhouse kicks are known to be among the hardest in martial arts, so breaking ribs and arms is not uncommon.

Notable fighters: Samkor Kiatmontep, Yodsanklai Fairtex, Superlek Kiatmoo9

MUAY SOK
The elbow fighter

Muay Sok practitioners specialize in using elbows as their primary weapon. This style is effective in close-range combat, where elbows can be devastatingly effective due to their sharpness and power.

To throw elbows, Muay Sok fighters need to get past all of their opponent’s ranged weapons. They hunt their opponent across the ring with a tight guard, seemingly impervious to their opponent’s long-range weapons, until they have them cornered. Then, they will create openings for elbows with punches or by “stripping" their opponent’s guard.

Notable fighters: Muangthai PK Saenchaimuaythaigym, Yodkhunpon Sittraipum, Nathan Corbett

Muay PLam
The clinch fighter

While Muay Thai is known for its kicks, punches, elbows, and knees, not all styles focus on long-range striking. Muay Plam is a lesser-known minor style that thrives in the clinch, where fighters stay chest to chest, fight for grips, and use leverage to wear down and dominate opponents.

Areas of focus in Muay Plam are posture control, off-balancing, and close-range striking, such as knees and elbows. The style requires strong grips, hip positioning, and constant pressure, making it one of the most physically demanding forms of Muay Thai. Muay Plam fighters excel at breaking rhythm, controlling the inside space, and using clinch transitions to create high-scoring and high-impact moments.

MUAY BOUK
The Pressure fighter

One of the other lesser known minor styles in Muay Thai, Muay Bouk is about being a relentless forward-moving machine that constantly puts pressure on the opponent. This style is unpredictable and dangerous in the ring, which could be favoured by the fighter that embodies it.

Muay Bouk fighters are known for their aggressive and fearless demeanor. They are willing to absorb shots in order to deliver powerful strikes with all available Muay Thai techniques. Often associated with Muay Mat due to their application of pressure in the ring, the biggest difference is that Muay Mat focuses on pressure with boxing. Muay Bouk focuses on pressure while utilizing ALL weapons of Muay Thai.

Notable fighters: Buakaw Banchamek, Liam Harrison, Jacob Smith

WHAT IS MUAY THAI?

WHat's the difference between Muay Thai & Kickboxing?

TECHNIQUES IN MUAY THAI

THE different styles of muay thai

Muay femur The technician

CONTACT US

Muay femur
The technician