Kickboxing vs Muay Thai
Kickboxing and Muay Thai side by side, from the facts recorded for each art.
| Kickboxing | Muay Thai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan | Thailand |
| Type | combat sport and boxing | martial arts and combat sport |
| Notable practitioners here | 408 | 435 |
| Top countries of practitioners | Japan, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France | Thailand, United States and France |
| Equipment and weapons | fist and foot | — |
| Energy use (MET) | 7.3 MET (Kickboxing) | — |
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is an umbrella term for different styles of full-contact hybrid boxing type, combat sports, and martial arts based on punching and kicking. Kickboxing originated in various times in history. The fight takes place in a boxing ring, normally with boxing gloves, mouth guards, shorts, and bare feet to favor the use of kicks. Kickboxing is practiced for self-defense, general fitness, and competition. Some styles of kickboxing include: full contact karate, Muay Thai, Japanese kickboxing, Lethwei, Sanda, and Savate.
From the Wikipedia article Kickboxing (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Muay Thai
Muay Thai or Muaythai (Thai: มวยไทย, RTGS: muai thai, pronounced [mūaj tʰāj] ), sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, the Art of Eight Limbs or the Science of Eight Limbs, is a Thai martial art and full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques. The name "Art of Eight Limbs" refers to the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the late 20th to 21st century, when Westernised practitioners from Thailand began competing in kickboxing and mixed-rules matches as well as matches under Muay Thai rules around the world. The professional league is governed by the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand.
From the Wikipedia article Muay Thai (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Facts from Wikidata (CC0): Q178678, Q120931. Practitioner counts are the people with a profile on this site. Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.