SPORT – RULES AND COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Kickboxing and Muay Thai are often referred to as one and the same thing.
(Pictured Right: Graham Weddell getting a rub down before a ring fight in Thailand, pictured during the action and as the winner of the bout.)
However, in Australia under World Kickboxing Association Rules (see WKA), Kickboxing and Muay Thai are clearly split in terms of rules.
Kickboxing is basically what it says KICKs with BOXING! Under Full Contact Karate, fighters must follow the same guidelines for boxing but can also use kicking techniques.
However kicks must be targeted to the upper body only. Below the waist techniques are out.
“American rules” involve the above rulesbut also allow kicks to the inside and outside of the legs.
“International rules”, or “Thai Boxing”, introduce grappling and knees to the body and legs.
Muay Thai on the other hand could be seen in the traditional terms of all 8 body weapons being used and are explained under WKA “World Rules”, or “Thai Fighting”.
Under these rules the deadly elbows are added to the rules outlined above.
These rules are used extensively in Asian countries.
© 2015 Bob Jones Corporation
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