Tang Soo Do vs. Muay Thai are united by some basic principles of Martial Arts but differ due to their fighting techniques, history, and ranking systems.
The Tang Soo Do history roots back to Ancient Korean Martial Arts, while Muay Thai originated in Thailand in the 13th century. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, while Tang Soo Do is the blend of Korean and Chinese Martial Arts with Japanese Karate.
Muay Thai means Thai boxing. On the other hand, Tang Soo Do meaning can be explained in three parts. “Tang” stands for the Tang Dynasty of China, while “Soo” means “hand,” symbolizing the hand techniques involved in the activity.
Tang Soo Do vs. Muay Thai has an ultimate clash due to its fighting techniques. Muay Thai is a combat sport while, Tang Soo Do involves fluid movements and an intense game strategy.
Let’s discover which of these two Martial Arts styles, Tang Soo do vs. Muay Thai is better while discussing their success and benefits to its practitioners.
Fighting Techniques-Tang Soo Do vs. Muay Thai
Tang Soo Do Techniques and Tactics
Tang Soo Do training focuses more on fluid movements like kicks, punches, and strikes while, blocks, throws, and joint locks are some of the most commonly used Tang Soo Do self-defense techniques.
Sparring Strategy
Tang Soo Do training strategy allows its practitioners to practice their skills in a controlled environment. While the sparring approach focuses on
● Wide range of grappling and kicking techniques.
● Self-defense by direct blocking and counter-striking methods.
● Small distance between the opponents.
Muay Thai Fighting Techniques
Muay Thai involves full-contact striking and punching techniques using fists, knees, elbows, and shins. It is also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because of the involvement of various body parts in the activity.
It is an energy-demanding sport that involves direct and consequential strikes. Muay Thai basic fighting techniques are as follows.
● Jab is a quick straight punch thrown with the head hand.
● Cross is a straight punch by the practitioner with the rear hand.
● Hook is a curved punch in a circular motion.
Muay Thai Combo Techniques
To be efficient in Muay Thai several striking combinations can be adapted. The famous combo techniques are Jab-Cross-Hook and Teep-Cross Elbow. Etc.
Muay Thai Grappling Techniques
Muay Thai focuses more on striking techniques. It also uses a grappling strategy to control the opponent’s body. The most common styles are sweeps, throws, body locks, and Clinching. Muay Thai clinching techniques used for grappling the opponent are:
● Neck Clinching involves controlling the opponent’s head and neck with your hands.
● Arm Clinching refers to controlling the opponent’s biceps and triceps with your hands.
Muay Thai Old Techniques
The old Muay Thai techniques consists of strikes, throws, takedowns, and ground fighting which evolved into more effective methods.
Tang Soo Do vs. Muay Thai Sparring Gear
Sparring gear is used during training for practitioner’s safety. The Tang Soo Do sparring gear includes hand and foot protectors, headgear, mouth guards, and groin protectors.
On the other hand, the sparring gear used during Muay Thai training includes a mouth guard, shin guard, groin protector, boxing gloves, and hand wraps.
Tang Soo Do vs. Muay Thai Ranking System
Tang Soo Do Belting System
The beginner level ranks consist of ten colored belts to evaluate the performance of beginners. In contrast, Four Black belts are used to rank the progression of practitioners involved in the advanced stages of this Martial Art.
The hierarchy of ranks ascends from beginner-colored belts (Gup) to advanced-level Black Belts (Dan).
Muay Thai Ranks And Levels
Muay does not follow a belt ranking system, unlike other Martial Arts. However, it does evaluate the progression of its practitioners by their ability to demonstrate fighting techniques and their proficiency in the sport.
Conclusion
We can conclude from the above discussion that Muay Thai vs. Tang Soo Do contribute to the world of Martial Arts in different ways. Both, Muay Thai and Tang Soo Do have different origins and ranking systems.
Tang Soo Do only involves kicks, strikes, and self-defense techniques, while Muay Thai, in addition to these skills, also focuses on heavy bag training, sparring, clinching, and grappling techniques.
Muay Thai is a more practical and better style of Martial Art because of its demanding combat nature and the skill set it provides to its practitioners to help in various real-life scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tang Soo Do agressive?
Tang Soo Do involves controlled and fluid movements which makes it a safe and disciplined style of Martial Art.
Why is Muay Thai an energy-demanding sport?
Muay Thai is a full-contact combat energy demanding Martial Art due to the direct powerful strikes involved in the activity.
Can women train in Muay Thai?
Women can also get Muay Thai training for self-defense and physical fitness.
