You are ready to start. You want to get fitter, stronger, and maybe blow off some steam after work. But when you look at a gym schedule, it can be a bit dizzying. Boxing, Kickboxing, Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)… isn’t that all kind of the same thing?
The short answer: No.
While the goal in all three is to hit your opponent without getting hit yourself, the rules, techniques, and training styles are completely different. At Spallys in Amsterdam East, we specialize in Dutch Style Kickboxing.
To help you choose the right workout, we’re breaking down the differences for you.
1. Boxing (The Sweet Science)
Boxing is one of the oldest sports in the world. The major difference from the other two is simple: you can only use your fists.
Because you are “limited” to your hands, the defense and footwork in boxing are extremely advanced. You learn to duck, slip (dodge), and weave to avoid punches.
- Weapons: Fists only.
- Focus: Head movement, footwork, tactics, and punching combinations.
- Stance: You often stand more sideways (“bladed stance”) to present a smaller target.
2. Muay Thai (The Art of 8 Limbs)
Muay Thai originates from Thailand and is the national sport there. It is called the “Art of 8 Limbs.” Why? Because besides your two fists and two feet, you are also allowed to use your two elbows and two knees.
A unique aspect of Muay Thai is the “clinch.” This involves grabbing the opponent around the neck to deliver knees or sweep them to the ground.
- Weapons: Fists, feet, knees, and elbows.
- Focus: Hard single strikes, body kicks, and clinching (stand-up grappling).
- Stance: You stand more square and upright, leaning slightly on your back leg to block kicks quickly.
3. Kickboxing (Dutch Style)
And then we have kickboxing. This is the perfect hybrid. It originated from a mix of Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai, and Western Boxing.
Here in the Netherlands, we became famous for this: “Dutch Style Kickboxing.”
The difference with Muay Thai? In Dutch Style, you are not allowed to use elbows, and clinching is very limited (or often not allowed at all). As a result, the pace is much higher. Dutch Style is known for explosive combinations: you start with punches (boxing techniques) and finish with a hard low kick.
- Weapons: Fists and feet (knees are allowed, but less dominant than in Thai).
- Focus: Fluid combinations of punches and kicks, high pace, cardio.
- Stance: A mix. You stand solid to punch, but ready to kick.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
Still doubting? Here are the main differences lined up.
| Feature | Boxing | Muay Thai | Kickboxing (Dutch Style) |
| Limbs Used | Hands only (2) | Hands, feet, knees, elbows (8) | Hands and feet (4) |
| Pace | Tactical and explosive | Can be slower, hard single hits | High pace, many combinations |
| Clinching | No (broken up by ref) | Yes, major part of the sport | Limited or not allowed |
| Best for… | The tactician who loves detail | The purist who loves tradition | The athlete wanting a full-body workout |
| Cardio Level | High (constant movement) | Medium/High (power endurance) | Very High (due to combos) |
Why we choose Kickboxing at Spallys
At Spallys, we focus on Kickboxing (and heavy bag training) because it is the most complete workout for the modern city dweller.
By removing the clinch (which slows down the pace) and the dangerous elbows, you are left with a safe but highly intensive sport. You learn the refined punching techniques from boxing, combined with the power of kicking.
The result? You burn maximum calories, use every muscle in your body, and learn effective self-defense.
Ready to feel the difference?
You can read about it, but you really just have to experience it. Whether you come for the technique, the fitness, or the community in Amsterdam East: you are welcome.
[Book your Kickboxing Trial Class here]
Frequently Asked Questions about Martial Arts (FAQ)
Which is better for cardio: boxing or kickboxing?
Both are fantastic, but kickboxing is often physically more demanding because you also use your legs intensively. Your legs are large muscle groups; putting them to work spikes your heart rate fast.
Can I use elbows in kickboxing?
No, in regular kickboxing (K1 rules or Dutch Style), elbows are forbidden. This makes the sport safer for recreational practitioners compared to traditional Muay Thai.
Is kickboxing hard to learn for beginners?
No. Kickboxing is very accessible. Because you can punch and kick, everyone finds something they are naturally good at. The basics are easy to pick up, especially with our intro classes.
Why is “Dutch Style” kickboxing so famous?
Dutch fighters were the first to successfully combine the hard kicks from Thailand with the superior punching techniques from Western boxing. This mix proved unbeatable in global competitions. At Spallys, we train according to this successful philosophy.
