Muay Thai vs Kung Fu

[Asian studies]

I understand the two arts are related, as muay thai is thought to originate from kung fu, but I do not have any experience of muay thai (though I am interested in the art).
Does anyone here practice both, and are there any similarities/crossovers between the 2 arts?

[ScOtTuM]

It depends on the type of Kungfu

[NOMAD]

Are you talking about MT as an art or as a sport? Cause both have very litt;e in common

[Asian studies]

Are you talking about MT as an art or as a sport? Cause both have very litt;e in common

Yea, I was talking about muay thai as an art...

[NOMAD]

check some videos on youtube of MT or Bokator in temples...

[Razorsharp]

From some research i have been doing thai boxing as an art is approximately 3000 yrs old (muay boran), and originates from the siamese! Kung fu i believe is not as old as thai boxing. But thai boxing as a ring sport all changed early this century when gloves etc started getting used!

[NOMAD]

From some research i have been doing thai boxing as an art is approximately 3000 yrs old (muay boran), and originates from the siamese! Kung fu i believe is not as old as thai boxing. But thai boxing as a ring sport all changed early this century when gloves etc started getting used!

Muay Thai as a sport has almost nothing to do with Muay Thai as a martial art.
It goes from different punching methods and emphasis on athleticism over spiritiality...

[Razorsharp]

That is a perception of it as westerners tend to want more regimentality and grades to work for, rather than to earn respect like it is done in thailand and a few other eastern countries.

The difference between muay boran and muay thai is that the older forms have been watered down to suit the ring and us westerners. After learning this from three different people (Arjan Marco de Cesarus, Arjan Kevin Lloyd, and BaramArjan Sane) all are highly respect through out the world in the world of thai boxing, I have no reason to disbelieve them.

The main reason it has changed so much is that the older form is so brutal. If you manage to train in muay boran you will understand why.

As for the punches it has just turned more western. The athletisism i believe is no different as the camps i have trained at require a high standard of fitness.