Taekwondo has several powerful kicks in its arsenal. Most of them hit with potential knockout power: back jumping in taekwondo produces about 680 kilograms of concentrated power. The problem is that this punch tends to throw the TDK fighter off balance when he misses and that leaves him open to a counterattack. This is a very dangerous place when you face an experienced Thai boxer. However, taekwondo kicks are strong and heavy, and even a blocked kick is still quite dangerous and can harm the opponent.
Pinky is by far the most powerful weapon in TDK’s arsenal. Taekwondo tournament rules do not allow low kicks. That is why it is rarely trained or used in the gym. Low kicks are only allowed in self-defense. You won’t be able to practice it much during a standard workout. No throws or clinches. These techniques are critical when you are fighting at close range. Neck wrestling is very useful for controlling an opponent and delivering devastating knee and elbow strikes to the head.
Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs”, is a traditional Martial Art that originated in Thailand all the way back in the 18th century. A lot of people generally refer to it as Thai Boxing. Muay Thai is referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” or the “Science of Eight Limbs”, because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight “points of contact”. This is of course opposed to “two points” (fists) in boxing and “four points” (hands and feet)
used in other more regulated combat sports, such as kickboxing. A practitioner of Muay Thai is known as a nak muay. Now, Muay Thai is a stand-up striking sport where two competitors throw punches, elbows, kicks and knees at each other. Muay Thai’s less strict rules allow for much more complex training, which in turn makes Muay Thai practitioners more resilient, versatile, and accomplished fighters.