Is BJJ Better than Muay Thai? (And Are They Good for Self-Defence?)

Originating from two completely different corners of the world, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are both highly respected and widely practised martial arts.

They have distinct skills with varying techniques and applications but share a common ground by instilling values and helping with overall personal development.

However, one question arises: is BJJ or Muay Thai better than the other? Read on as we share what we think and shed light on their unique qualities and the invaluable lessons they impart.

Exploring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In the world of mixed martial arts, one discipline distinctly stands out as a favourite for ground fighting.

In exploring the origins of BJJ and asking whether it is better than Muay Thai, the crucial element of using leverage and enhanced ground-fighting capabilities is essential, as it allows any person, whether big or small, an advantage in self-defence by emphasising submissions and grappling to control and overpower opponents.

Techniques and Strategies

With its origins rooted in self-defence, BJJ centres around the principle that anyone can successfully defend themselves against a stronger opponent. Proper technique is crucial as it focuses on several strategies to gain dominance.

Effective methods to do this through key BJJ techniques include using submissions through chokes, joint locks and strangles to allow fighters to control and neutralise opponents without relying on striking as the primary form of self-defence.

Applications and Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the art of BJJ is showcased through close-quarters defence, making it a practical and valuable skill for situations that go to the ground. Everyday use cases for BJJ include:

• Self-Defence
• BJJ Competitions
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Military and Law Enforcement
• Overall Fitness and Well-being

Apart from its thriving competitive scene and full body fitness benefits, the primary emphasis on using leverage and technique over brute strength makes BJJ an applicable real-life neutralising method of self-defence that enforcement agencies would utilise without causing unnecessary harm.

Uncovering the Art of Muay Thai

Originating from Thailand, Muay Thai incorporates elements of Western boxing into its traditional form of martial arts known as Muay Boran.

It primarily focuses on striking-based martial arts that channels in the use of fists, knees, elbows, and shins to coin the term, which has popularised the sport as the ‘Art of 8 Limbs’.

Techniques and Strategies  

Practising Muay Thai involves a frame of thinking that uses your entire body as a human weapon. Similarly to boxing, Muay Thai incorporates a wide range of techniques such as punches but extends towards its elbow and knee strikes, kicks (which involves the roundhouse kick) – a signature move within the sport and most notably, clinching, which is a form of grappling that brings significant strategic advantages by controlling and tiring opponents.

Applications and Effectiveness

For those seeking the best of both worlds, hoping to build self-defence principles whilst improving overall physical fitness, Muay Thai provides a comprehensive and dynamic approach as, at its core, it cultivates both physical resilience and mental fortitude.

In recent years, the popularity of Muay Thai has seen a large influx of individuals interested in the sport primarily due to the rigorous training regime which helps in getting into shape. 

Often, these individuals who first experience Muay Thai become entranced by the cultural connections it has and its associations with Thai Culture. Compelling enough, these individuals gain new insights into the traditions and rituals of the sport and its heritage, fostering a deeper sense of respect and discipline for the sport.

BJJ Vs. Muay Thai – Who Wins? 

So, when it comes to the question of who prevails as the preferred form of combat sports and martial arts, it’s important to note that both BJJ and Muay Thai have unique strengths and weaknesses.

Easily distinguished through their techniques and strategies, BJJ has the upper hand in grappling and submissions, making it the preferred style of combat when the fight goes to the ground.

On the other hand, as Muay Thai primarily focuses on its powerful strikes, teaching how to manage and time them effectively, it can be considered the preferred form of stand-up fighting.

So, should you start BJJ or Muay Thai?

Ultimately, that really depends on your own individual preferences and goals. Rather than determining which is better, it’s essential to recognise how both BJJ and Muay Thai can complement each other.

Not only do they make up the fundamentals of mixed martial arts, but training in both disciplines allows the cultivation of well-rounded combat skill sets and personal development.

Both instil core values that contribute significantly to personal development, either through respect and tradition from Muay Thai or problem-solving and perseverance through BJJ.

These values, which become internalised through constant practice, can contribute considerably to the overall holistic development of a person.

Here at UMF Academy, we understand these core values that will extend beyond the mat or the ring and into everyday life.

Both our Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed with the philosophy of fostering these essential values whilst ensuring that each learner experiences growth both as a martial artist and as an individual.