Muay Thai vs Tae Kwon Do: Difference and Comparison

Martial arts, a form of combat practice, are loved by everyone. They involve kicks and use different types of styles.

Initially, it is used as a form of self-defence. It was also used in the military. A lot of competitions are conducted these days.

Muay Thai and Tae kwon do are two forms of martial arts. 

Key Takeaways

1. Muay Thai is a martial art originating in Thailand that emphasizes strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
2. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art focusing on high, fast kicks, jumping, and spinning techniques.
3. Muay Thai is known for its aggressive, powerful fighting style, while fluid, acrobatic movements characterize Tae Kwon Do.

Muay Thai vs Tae Kwon Do

Muay Thai is a full-contact combat sport that originated in Thailand and is recognized for its use of various striking and clinching techniques. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that emphasizes kicks, punches, and other striking techniques, with a focus on speed, agility, and flexibility.

Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that was originated from the country of Thailand. Another term for Muay Thai is Thai boxing.

It begins to gain popularity during the late 20th century and the 21st century. Muay Thai involves two people punching and striking one another (more like boxing). 

Tae Kwon Do is also another form of martial arts that was originated from the country of Korea. The literal meaning of Tae Kwon Do can be taken as punching and kicking.

This involves two people wearing uniforms (dobok) and combating against one another. It is also known as Taekwondo. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Muay Thai	Tae Kwon Do
Meaning	Muay Thai is a form of martial arts.	It’s a form of martial arts involving a wide range of kicking.
Origins	It was originated from the country of Thailand.	It was originated from the country of Korea.
Development	During the 20th and 21st centuries.	Developed during 1940 to 1950s.
Uniform	No specific uniform other than the boxing gloves.	The Dobok (uniform) is worn by the practitioners.
Practitioner	They are known as Nak Muay.	They are known as Kwonkicker.

What is Muay Thai?

The word Muay Thai is popular among martial arts circles and the public. Usually, people are aware that Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that is nothing different from Tae Kwon Do.

But Muay Thai is a separate form of martial arts with a uniquely rich history and fighting traditions. People need to understand that though the fighting is similar, Muay Thai has specific nuances that differ from Tae Kwon Do. 

Muay Thai is used to refer to the martial arts that was originated from the country of Thailand. This allows us to understand that the word “Muay” refers to boxing and the word “Thai” refers to the country Thailand.

Hence this form of martial arts is also known as Thai Boxing. The practice of Muay Thai can be traced back to the 16th century when the soldiers of the King in Thailand. 

It developed all around the world as a popular form of martial arts in the 20th and 21st centuries. Muay Thai involves two people punching and striking one another, which is more like boxing.

The opponents exchange blows with one another in the traditional form of Muay Thai, but that is less popular and unfavorable in the contemporary world of Muay Thai. Mongkhon, the headband and pra jiad, the armband are worn before a Muay Thai match.

What is Tae Kwon Do?

The word Tae Kwon Do is much popular among martial arts circles and the public. Usually, people are aware that Tae Kwon Do is a form of martial arts that is nothing different from Muay Thai.

But Tae Kwon Do is a separate form of martial arts with a uniquely rich history and fighting traditions. People need to understand that though the fighting is similar, Tae Kwon Do has specific nuances that differ from Muay Thai. 

Tae Kwon Do is used to refer to the martial arts that was originated from the country of Korea. This allows us to understand that the word Tae Kwon Do means the Art or way of kicking.

The origins of the martial arts Tae Kwon Do can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms of Korea. The soldiers of those Kingdoms used to practice this martial art.

The recent practice of Tae Kwon Do became popular in the 1940s. This form of martial arts focuses on using a range of kicking techniques that are performed quickly and are hard to predict.

It is focused on speed and control of the kicks. Though it involved other forms of techniques like hands to punch, various forms of kicking are predominantly used in Tae Kwon Do.  

Main Differences Between Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do

1. Both the Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do are a form of martial arts with different origins, involving a wide range of kicking techniques with different speeds and power. 
2. Muay Thai was originated from the country of Thailand. On the other hand, the Tae Kwon Do was originated from the country of Korea. 
3. Muay Thai was developed during the 20th and the 21st century. On the other hand, Tae Kwon Do was developed during the 1940s and the 1950s.
4. Muay Thai does not require any specific uniform other than the boxing gloves, whereas the Tae Kwon Do involves wearing a uniform called Dobok. 
5. Muay Thai practitioners are called Nak Muay, whereas the Tae Kwon Do practitioners are called Kwonkicker. 

References

1. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2009/07000/taekwondo__physiological_responses_and_match.9.aspx
2. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/562678/summary