That means that they improved their style in the last years! When MT took over and became the fashion, the chinese felt they were loosing territory and let's say it... Business, as a matter of fact I know the most popular Kung Fu school here run by chinese who used to teach Kung Fu for years turning into the most popular and best Thai and kickboxing school, while now they have hundreds of students for MT they have just few for the Kung Fu.
In the last three years I did not follow that much what's happening on MMA scene, but from what I remember back 4 or five years ago, SS and Sanda fighters I met did not stand a chance, I fought few instructors and in most of the fights I just destroyed their legs with low kicks, I always worked my throws and take downs so I used to get them on the ground before they do it.
They must have worked very hard lately cause they felt the need to get back the popularity that the Thais took away in the last 15 years.
You must remember that the real Muay Thai is more complete than the commercial one you see now on the rings, it includes loads of effective take down and throw techniques.
Ok for the side kicks which I use from my Savate back ground even if they
are easier to catch or divert and kick behind the leg (or behind tha head and back if you're a badass).
Kicks like axe kick are useless, we used to use them when we practiced American kickboxing 15 years ago... a waste of time and energy! Spinnig kicks, we all train them to perfection at the gym, but in the fight on the ring you tend to use them just when you can, beside being energy and breath consuming they expose you to some dangerous counters if you miss the target.
As we all know styles are a matter of choice and taste, I am more a fan of Thai culture! I found my formula, The real Muay Thai plus a good base of traditinal boxing plus grappling!
If lately Sanchou and Sanda are becoming more competitive, good! means Muay Thai inspired them a lot and they learned so much from it, now it's time for Muay Thai to fill the gap if any!
