Holland Style Kickboxing vs. Thai Style

Kickboxing is a broad term used to describe a wide range of martial arts systems that emphasize striking with the hands, feet, knees and elbows. Virtually every culture has its own form of kickboxing, from Japanese Kyokushin karate to French Savate. Two of the most popular and devastating forms of kickboxing in full-contact competition are the Holland -- or Dutch -- style and the style employed by Thai fighters. Both kickboxing styles pack power and technique, but differing sets of rules cause Holland and Thai kickboxers to specialize in certain areas.

  1. Muay Thai

    • Like most martial arts, the true inception of the fighting style that grew into modern Muay Thai is unknown. Originally, Thai kickboxing was taught for use in battle, and it is often referred to as "the art of eight limbs." Thai fighters place a heavy emphasis on body conditioning -- strengthening their shins, forearms and cores to withstand severe impacts. Thai boxers are permitted to use their fists, feet, knees and elbows in competition, while Dutch kickboxers cannot use elbows.

    Holland Kickboxing

    • Dutch kickboxing is often employed in popular international leagues such as K1 and Glory, and combines characteristics from Muay Thai, boxing and Eastern styles of karate. Dutch kickboxers tend to place more of an emphasis on punches than Thai boxers, but they are well-versed in delivering devastating kicks and knee strikes.

    The Superior Style

    • It is nearly impossible to come to a consensus regarding which style of kickboxing is superior when it comes to competition, since Holland and Thai rules share only basic similarities. Elbows and clinch fighting are major components of Thai matches, while Dutch fighters are only permitted to deliver one strike from the clinch and are prohibited from throwing elbow strikes. Additionally, punches are scored more favorably in Dutch promotions than they are in Thai promotions, prompting fighters to cater to whichever rule set they are competing under.

    Considerations

    • Full-contact kickboxing under any set of rules is dangerous. Injuries to the lower extremities are especially common, but serious concussions, abrasions and ligament damage are possible among participants. If you plan to practice Holland or Thai kickboxing, start slow and don't jump into sparring or serious conditioning training until you're comfortable with the basics. You don't have to be bound by the rules of any specific style in training. Many fighters effectively combine elements of various kickboxing styles.