Kyokushin vs Muay Thai

[Coolio]

I have a choice between these two arts but I don't know which one to choose. I've heard great things about both styles.
I'm looking for an art that will prepare me for fighting and/or street fights or real-life confrontation and perhaps fighting against multiple attackers.

So which one should I chose? which one would produce a better fighter?

What are the characteristics of Kyokushin's fighting style? for example, many people say that Kyokushin relies a lot on power like how boxing and muay thai does. What are the similarities and differences between the fighting style and techniques of Muay Thai and Kyokushin?

[adacas]

my suggestion buddy would be to try them both out for at least two sessions if not a week. Even though one could claim it would make you a better fighter that does not mean it works for you. try em out and get a feel for the training and especially the trainer. just my two pesos homie.

[SLK.fidget]

adacus is rite on the money, try both out see what u like, choose which u think is better, dont listen to people who say that karate sucks u should take muay thai, becuase what if the only muay thai gym in the area blows, and the instructor is some shmuck, dont take it just cuz someone says one thing is better, take a couple classess and u should know what u prefer or what ur body prefers, u may be the next muay thai champion and not know it, or u might walk into the kyokushin and perform the moves better than the instructor cuz karate is naturally ur thing, so take advice and learn some stuff from the people here, but ultimately it has to be ur decision

best of luck to you.

[Spookey]

Pro(s) and con(s)

Dear Sir,

THe last reply dead accurate! The art is far more reflective of the practitioner than the practitioner is of the art. The best instructor in the world cannot make you a good fighter if you are not willing to put in the blood sweat and tears. Likewise, without proper instruction your willingness and devotion to your art will only allow for a limited amount of growth!
As relates to Kyukoshinkai and Muay Thai...let me refer back to the video "Fighting Black Kings"...the MT fighters won many collective matches (defeating Kyukoshi guys) yet were also defeated by kyukoshin guys! All down to the individual not the art or style!
MT training generally consists of running, running, heavy bag work, running, target work, running, running and then runn some more...hey lets go run to the ring and spar...hey, its between rounds lets run a few laps. Needless to say in general a MT fighter is in tremendious shape, strong legs, cardio unmatched, and amazing force and speed! However, any competitive fighter should train for speed, endurance, and power. The guys who won the tournament in question were also professional fighters. They spent 6-8 hours a day lifting weights, running, heavy bag, you name it!
Rules of competition are different, Kyukoshin is not static but is more setting up for one shot were as MT is setting up for a, (well) KO punch, kick, or combo...maybe they are similar!
Different rules, different strategy, same goal...hit em first, hit em hard, and take em out!

TAEKWON!

[Coolio]

Thanks guys.. I'm gonna follow your advice and try out both first..
But first, what about the differences in techniques? like how Muay Thai has jabs and roundhouse kicks, I never heard of a Kyokushin fighter use a jab, so what does he use? Do both systems have blocks? parrys? weaving and bobbing? ect...

[Spookey]

Kyukoshin Techniques

Coolio,

Kyukoshin kumite rules generally do not allow punches to the head. So the jab is not utilized as in boxing or MT. Kyukoshin is really TMA style linear movement. I mean if you need to side step a kick it is allowed but generally contests are more block/parry then counter attack.
As regards to rules. You may not clinch (2 second type deal)...so you can sweep your opponent, grab and knee, ect. but no prolonged clinches. Hand and elbows may not be delivered from the head and kicks are allowed to any available target head, torso, legs!

Individual Approach: For explanatory purposes I will again reference the video...it documents 3 "black" american fighters during their training and competetion in the kumite. The Japanese fighters look "traditional" and land many one shot KO's...American fighters ranged from hard, linear, traditional looking fighters to quick, dancing on the balls of the feet, jumping, darting, boxing/MT/TKD looking movements. The Japanese fighters used predominately front kicks, reverse punches, turning kicks (round house), knee, upset punches....on the other hand the other fellows used long leaping roundhouses, spinning techniques ect.

Both styles of competitiors made it to the final 10 placements of a 300 man competition so again the fighters focused on the style of combat they were comfertble with!

[Knockdown]

Kyokushin

We talked about this recently on a different board
I am a member on. I will paste in the URL for you.

http://www.mma.tv/TUF/index.cfm?ac=ListMessages&PID=1&TID=338505&FID=23

I do Kyokushin Primarily, but dabble in Kickboxing too
so please feel free to ask me any questions.

In the link i provided, i use the same username in
the other forum as well.

good luck.

paul

[thaibxr]

choices

most places usualy let you try it out before any money is exchanged my advice would be to try them both and make your own decission

[Karate-ka19]

I have been in Kyokushin-kai for 4 years and I thinks its very effective. But you should definetly tryout both classes because depending on the quality of your instructors will determine which would be the best class to take.

Spookey, In my Kyokushin-kai class we are allowed shots to the head and we are allowed to clinch, and even perform a throw or other takedown if we can pull one off.

[Spookey]

Dear #19

Sir,

Are these rules you speak of particular to your dojo or have they become the new international rules of Koukushin kumite?

Just wondering!

Spookey