In the martial arts world, it’s impossible not to know about Muay Thai and Kung Fu as both are two famous fighting styles based on similar cultures of the Far East.
Let’s dig deeper into which of the two is more effective with reasoning.
Kung Fu involves the use of hands and legs in the form of punches and kicks. In contrast, Muay Thai utilizes knees and elbows along with kicks and punches.
Both martial arts fighting styles have a rich history. Kung Fu has 2500 years of history. Muay Thai has only 600 years in comparison but with rich traditions.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu and Muay Thai have deep roots in military weapon-based martial arts. In better words, Wushu for Kung Fu and Krabi Krabong for Muay Thai.
Kung Fu is a lot more famous due to its prominence to a larger audience. You’ll find various famous actors adapting this fighting style. While Muay Thai is relatively new and less notable in popular cultures like acting, its use in MMA and applying for Olympic recognition gives it a lot more fame.
Practicing Kung Fu’s stance includes utilizing different stances, meaning you don’t need a partner to practice the fighting style. In contrast, Muay Thai requires a sparring partner to practice the techniques.
Simply relying on stances and poses doesn’t prepare anyone for the actual battle, reducing Kung Fu’s effectiveness. It is way more effective to spar with partners while practicing to learn different techniques.
Simply put, Muay Thai enables quick assessment and learning for the students and teaches valuable skills for real battles.
Muay Thai
Real competitions started in the 70s when 5 Chinese martial arts adepts (Kung Fu fighters) came to combat against 5 Nak Muay (Thai fighters) in the Lumphini Stadium, Bangkok. The result was, all Thai fighters won with KO or TKO.
To prove their abilities, Thai fighters fought bare-handed when requested by Kung Fu fighters wanting to take advantage of their skills. It still resulted in losing the battles against Muay Thai techniques and fighting criteria.
Simply put, you wouldn’t find a competition where Kung Fu fighters have the upper hand over Muay Thai fighters. That proves Muay Thai being more effective in professional combat sports competitions.
Muay Thai
After continuous losing, Chinese martial arts have started to practice and adapt Muay Thai kickboxing style. If all goes well, they might introduce a new hybrid fighting style utilizing Muay Thai and Kung Fu.
It is all because Muay Thai has always been more effective than Kung Fu. Due to years of physical sparring, Thai boxers are stronger with straightforward techniques and body conditioning than poses and techniques where the fighter kicks and punches the air.
What are your opinions? Do you agree on Muay Thai being more effective? Or with proofs, you prefer the Kung Fu style?
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