Karate or Muay Thai?

[Vodkani]

So I did Kyokushin karate for around a year before having to leave the country for 8-9 months due to having to re-apply for visa and shit. Now that I'm back I'm thinking of whether I should switch to Muai Thai kick boxing. I have so much respect for it and the hard training. I like the straight up no nonsense, kicks, knees, elbows and punches that go with a fight, and while karate is more technical, I like the fact that with MT I'll get to spar and strikes to the face are allowed where as in karate it's avoided since fights are bare knuckle.

Any input for students of either sport is appreciated.

Peace

[futbol>>>IRAN]

muay thai is really intense, especially the fitness classes they have. you'll struggle to get through them in the beginning.

and be prepared for hard hits, the sparring is full on and people usually don't hold back. I suggest you get mouth guard and protection for other areas while sparring.

you'll have fun using your knees and elbows for vicious blows. also you need get good at skipping, they way they do it is insane.

[Vodkani]

I used to come home after kyokushin sparring sessions and have dinner with ice packs wrapped around my legs, and after gradings I couldn't bend down to go toilet for 2 days lol so I'm used to intense training, I love it.

[futbol>>>IRAN]

I used to come home after kyokushin sparring sessions and have dinner with ice packs wrapped around my legs, and after gradings I couldn't bend down to go toilet for 2 days lol so I'm used to intense training, I love it.

these aren't sparring lessons, these are fitness classes. you'll know what i mean when you go.

[Vodkani]

Are you still going? How are you finding it?

[Shamim]

Blue may i ask you whatss is your belt in Kyukushin karate? Try Muay thai once than your choice will be easier. Watch the videos it will give a idea.

[1Heesham1]

muay thai sounds cooler..

[tashakor]

I trained Muay Thai for a while, became very good at it, and actually had one fight (lost), but it was the greatest thing I ever did. It's extremely powerful and it mentally strengthens you. I am actually thinking of getting back into it in a few months.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

Karate is an art. But not practical in a streetfight unless you master it very well, and by that I dont mean just a black belt. But rather 7th or above Dan!!!
Muay Thai is more direct and straight. However in a streetfight Muay Thai is only useful if one is realy good at it.

depending what your objectives are?
- Streeftfight?
- Self defence?
- Art and Self Confidence?
- Health and Fitness?

If for streetfight?
there is no art or rules in a streetfight, its just a fight where one has to be strong, fully on alert and fast, with guts to go for it.

If for self defence?
Both Muay Thai and any type of Karate, be it Kyokushi, Shotokan, Shito Ryu etc etc... or any other martial arts for that matter is good, if ONLY one masters it to perfection! An average Muay Thai guy will get a good beating from a good Karate guy, and average Karate guy will get a good beating from a good Muay Thai guy and that applies to almost all martial arts.

Is it for "Art" and "Self Confidence"?
I would say Karate, is defenitely more of an art and more technical, and it can boost ones self confidence and also provides the person who master is it well, a good technique.

Is it for health and fitness:
the amount of intensity in both Muay Thai and Karate is superb. If you train seriously, you will see great benefits they give to your body, both physically and mentally.


So, its really a matter of trying and see which one suits you best for your purpose.

As far as I am concerend, I follow Bruce Lee's philosophy that one should take the best of everything and puts in a "concept" NOT style but concept that suits one's physique best to perform.


finally, I move this thread to General Sports/Olympic forum.

[Vodkani]

Thanks for the videos Shamin, I am orange belt. Beginner still

Adi very good points. I think more than anything it's for self improvement, over fighting or self defense.

I tend to agree with Master Lee's philosophy. Anything that works.