What is the difference between muay thai and kickboxing?

Muay Thai and kickboxing are both striking martial arts, but they have distinct differences:

Muay Thai:
1. Originated in Thailand and is often referred to as the "Art of Eight Limbs" due to the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
2. Techniques include clinching, sweeping, and the use of the Thai plum (neck clinch).
3. Emphasizes the use of the entire body as a weapon and is known for its powerful and devastating strikes.

Kickboxing:
1. Has various styles, such as American kickboxing, Japanese kickboxing, and Dutch kickboxing, each with its own rules and techniques.
2. Typically focuses on punching and kicking techniques, with less emphasis on the use of elbows and knees compared to Muay Thai.
3. Known for its fast-paced and dynamic fighting style, with a focus on footwork and agility.

While both martial arts are effective for striking, Muay Thai is known for its use of the entire body in combat, while kickboxing encompasses a range of styles with different rules and techniques.

The difference between Muay Thai and kickboxing is as under:

1.Muay Thai is 8 points striking system focussed on not only on punches and kicks but focussed on knees/elbows/clinch whereas kickboxing is  4 points striking system that envolves kicks and punches.

2. Muay Thai incorporate an elements of grappling with clinch whereas Kickboxing does does not incorporate the grappling with clinch.

3. Muay Thai focussed on well timed high power striking whereas Kickboxing focuss  on boxing with heavy strikes with a lot of movements and high volume combination.‏

Both are very good for physical fitness.