Self Defense and Kickboxing: From Muay Thai to Yaw-Yan
Self defense is basically an essential value many have come to embrace, considering the signs of the times. One just can't be casual when talking about the potential dangers which lurk around the corner. Being prepared would simply be the best weapons one could possibly arm themselves with. Learning a Martial Art would be one such way of arming oneself against the potential dangers of society, with Muay Thai being one of the many martial arts fast becoming a popular one, geared for self defense.
Muay Thai is basically Thai Boxing, often associated with the Kickboxing sport, even categorized as a form of Kickboxing. Basically, Muay Thai is a traditional Thai martial art, which has particular emphasis on elbow and knee strikes. As a sport, Muay Thai is a full contact sport, which involves punches, kicks, and at times, throws. Many are into Muay Thai for the general fitness Muay Thai training is known to result to. The competitive nature of Muay Thai as a sport is also one other reason, as well as the self defense value which Muay Thai practitioners gain from Muay Thai training excursions.
Oftentimes, Muay Thai is referred to as a form of Kickboxing, as the principles of Muay Thai run congruent with that of the Kickboxing discipline. Other forms of Kickboxing, aside from Muay Thai include: Adithada, Pradal Serey, Lethwei, Japanese Kickboxing, Full Contact Karate, Savate, Sanshou/Sanda, and Yaw Yan.
Adithada is a form of Kickboxing from India, and is known to involve the use of one's knees, elbows, and forehead. Pradal Serey is Khmer Kickboxing, and stands to be the predecessor of Muay Thai. Lethwei is Kickboxing from Burma and also involves the use of one's elbows, knees, and head strikes. Japanese Kickboxing, as its name already says it, is Kickboxing from Japan. It basically is similar to Muay Thai, only different when the point system in tournaments and competitions are concerned. Full Contact Karate though is basically Karate like, but involves other disciplines and routines which define it as such. Savate is the French version of Kickboxing, and is noted to allow the use of shoes. Chinese Kickboxing would be Sanshou/Sanda, standing as Wushu or Kung Fu in which throws and takedowns are considered legal moves. Yaw-Yan is Kickboxing from the Philippines, and is termed as Sayaw Ng Kamatayan, which translates to the Dance of Death. It is quite similar to Muay Thai, but has notable differences, one of which would be the downward-cutting kicks practiced in Yaw-Yan.
Bottom line, should you be entertaining the thought of learning a martial art, consider Kickboxing and the various forms of kickboxing. You'd sure see just what the whole fuzz is all about.
