Muay Thai and boxing are both great ways to get fit, learn to defend yourself and build confidence. But which one should you start with? Here is a simple guide from the coaches at Muay Thai Academy MTA in Bangkok.
The main difference
Boxing uses only punches. You train footwork, head movement, defence and fast combinations with your hands.
Muay Thai, the “art of eight limbs”, uses punches, kicks, knees, elbows and the clinch. It is a complete stand-up fighting style and Thailand’s national sport.
Choose boxing if you…
- want to improve hand speed, footwork and timing
- prefer a fast, cardio-heavy workout without kicks
- already train Muay Thai or MMA and want better hands
- want simple techniques you can learn quickly
Choose Muay Thai if you…
- want to learn the full Thai fighting style while you are in Thailand
- enjoy kicks, knees and clinch work
- want a full-body workout that also trains flexibility and balance
- are thinking about fighting one day
Why not both?
Many of our students do both. Boxing makes your Muay Thai hands sharper, and Muay Thai makes you a more complete fighter. At MTA you can train both on the same day:
- Boxing group class with pro boxer Coach Purya Rokhneh: Mon – Fri, 9:30 – 11:00 AM · ฿400 per class · ฿6,000 per month
- Muay Thai group classes: Mon – Sat, 8:00 – 9:30 AM and 3:30 – 6:00 PM · ฿500 per class
What you need
For both sports you need hand wraps and gloves (12–16 oz for training), plus shin guards if you spar in Muay Thai. You can find all of it at Super Export Shop next to the gym, with 10% off for MTA students.