Hey there all!

I just wanted to get some advice/opinions. I recently started uni and I would like to take up another martial art (currently/previosuly practised shotokan), and I had in mind Muay Thai, as there is a club near my campus. However, I want to take up a martial art that is good for self-defence, and I just wanted to ask you guys out there whether Muay Thai is a good choice. Please let me know what you think...

Hi David. MT is a good art that stresses realistic application against resisting opponents. Nothing is guaranteed, but it can do just fine.

Muay thai is a great base art for self defence. it does take care of the physical aspect nicely particularly as it is strongest in the ranges most common in a street altercation (close quarter and standing clinch). and what Matt said.

I say go for it, but remember to include some extra study to become familiar with the non physical side of violence. pre contact, behavioral tactics, awareness etc.

Have a read of Geoff Thompson's "dead or alive". there is a thread here that links to a free online version.

Thanks John.

When you think about it violence is just another form of communication, with words representing the physical. like all forms of communication the words alone only represent around 10% of the over all message. But, I want take this to far off topic.

thnxs 4 da info guys! i'll keep it in mind!

Muay Thai is a great choice for self-defense. But be careful! The risk of injury in Huay Thai is high, relatively speaking.

"Muay Thai for self-defence?"

This is a question I ask myself quite a lot, were told at our classes that were being taught to go toe to toe and knock someone out or out point them, and self defence might be something different.

However the benefits for self defence are clearley there to see, excellent fitness, explosive power, agression and close quarter striking and throwing.

I think I understand what our coach is saying as long as you defend yourself sensibley and dont approach a self defense situation like you would a ring fight, then Muay Thai could be your best friend.

Also Muay Thai has rules and if your training a lot you'll get it ingrained in your head not to kick to the balls e.t.c (40 press ups for us!) and you might not immediately think to do this in a self-defense situation (when it might be qite a good idea!) .

I think the best form of self defense is to identify a possible flare situation early and avoid it. Whether that be avoiding dodgy areas at certain times or try not to antagonise you're random idiot and his mates

P.s

It does lack gound fighting skills!

IMHO, you'd be better off if you continue practicing Shotokan. Thai boxing will hurt your body, you'll lose the fine karate techniques, you'll definitely lose the snap leg kicks, and you'll have problems with the roundhouse kick.

I went the other way around, from muay thai to Shotokan. And it feels good. I move way better than other students, I got awareness, and soon I'll be competing although I'm yellow belt. But I can't imagine which of these karate techniques I use now would help me in muay thai.

Why did I say that you should stay at Shotokan? Well, it develops character more than any other karate school, so you might not want to let that go so easily. Sooner or later you'll start winning fights before they even happen. And muay thai is a whole new brutal bloody painful story...if you really want contact, consider Kyokushin. You can use karate techniques there. But, Shotokan -> muay thai is a bad way to go, and you won't get much out of it, IMHO.

"And muay thai is a whole new brutal bloody painful story"

not sure i like the word brutal, makes us sound like thugs

I'd imagine you would have beter judgement in comparing the two arts since you've done both, the only comparison i could make is with sparring with former karateka in a muay thai environment some (not all) still revert back to their karate stances every now an again wich are very side on and this makes them very vulnerable to low leg kicks, I noticed (some) tend to drop their hands also on occasion, this would be ok in the street but not in the confined space of the ring. but then again id get out pointed to timbuktoo and back in a karate tournament!

In my opinion i think it would be an easier crossover going from Muay Thai to Karate but i suppose it all depends on the individual.