Why do alot of people compare san shou and muay thai? Are they similare or is it another one of those "my martical art is better then yours."?

San Shou in recent years has become to look very much like Muay Thai. The difference today is that San Shou allows take-downs but not elbows and knees. Muay Thai allows elbows and knees but not take-downs. Both arts used to have "no holds barred" type of competitions before the safety factors took effect.

 

 

It's strange but before I came to this martial arts forum, I had never heard of the san shou style.

 

I'm also having the impression that muay thai school are also kind of hard to find. Perhaps the training is harder than what most people can handle...

From what I have seen with friend who have train Muay Thai, it is very intensive, and a lot of work. Because they are focusing on ring work, a lot of bag work, pad work, etc. It developes well conditioned athletes.

 

I would say that there is more Muay Thai schools around than that of San Shou, although San Shou is just a set of rules for fighters of different kung-fu systems to come together. With this said alot of Chinese martial artist do not fight San Shou, and alot of gyms do not train full time for the sport. Fighting San Shou is a second thought in most kung-fu schools.

 

It is easier to get Muay Thai bouts across NA, UK, for most thai athletes prepare for the ring...were as most kung-fu schools do not.

Also, San Shou has sweeps which is not allow in MuayThai.

 

Also, the side kick is the trade mark in San Shou while the round house kick in for MuayThai.