The growing popularity of mixed martial arts has focused attention on two of the world’s most effective martial arts: Muay Thai, the most effective stand-up striking martial art, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the most dominant grappling martial art.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ for short, is both a martial art and a sport. Around 1882, it evolved from the Japanese martial art of Judo. The letters “jiu” in Jiu-Jitsu and “ju” in Judo are essentially anglicized variants of the same Japanese word that signifies “gentle” or “soft.”

Royce Gracie’s domination in the early years of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s paved the path for BJJ’s climb to recognition and notoriety. Royce Gracie is a member of the well-known martial arts Gracie family, who were instrumental in establishing BJJ. Royce’s prowess in ground combat drew attention to the efficiency of BJJ, and the grappling style has since become a permanent fixture in every MMA fighter’s repertory.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai, a martial art developed in Thailand, is widely considered the most aggressive striking style in the world. Its techniques are mainly based on the movements of animals such as the tiger, crane, and elephant, and the style was initially designed to allow fighters to stand their ground against larger and more powerful opponents

Its popularity as a striking martial art has grown in recent years mainly through the success of MMA and other combat sports, in which Muay Thai is used by many of the world’s best fighters. The extent to which Muay Thai will be incorporated in the UFC’s future remains to be seen, but it is only a matter of time before it becomes a permanent fixture in the competition.

Muay Thai Versus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Which is Better?

Now that we have established the history and basics of Muay Thai and BJJ let’s get to the point

In terms of effectiveness, the answer is clear. Muay Thai is the most effective stand-up striking martial art, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most effective grappling martial art.

It goes without saying that the Muay Thai fighter is at a considerable advantage in a stand-up fight. The Muay Thai fighter has an arsenal of kicks and knees, which are mainly effective due to the long limbs of the Thai person. The Thai fighter also has the advantage of performing roundhouse kicks and forward kicks with much power because of the flexibility of their hips and legs. That allows the Thai fighter to execute kicks in ways that the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner cannot

The Muay Thai fighter also can cut off the ring, which allows them to keep their opponent at range and frustrate them into making a mistake. The Muay Thai fighter can also use their elbows and clinch to their advantage. The clinching game of Muay Thai is an art in itself and involves using the body and hips to trap the opponent and deliver devastating knees and elbows

However, in the ground game, the Muay Thai fighter has a lot to fear. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art that allows the practitioner to neutralize and eventually pin the Muay Thai fighter on the ground and then get on top of them. The BJJ fighter can control the Muay Thai fighter using various chokes and joint locks.

On the other hand, the Muay Thai fighter must avoid being taken to the ground at all costs. If a Muay Thai fighter falls to the ground, their fight will likely end soon.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is clear. If you want to learn a martial art that can save your life in the street, Muay Thai is the martial art to choose. But, if you are looking to participate in mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the martial art for you.

Pride Martial Arts is a black belt school that motivates, inspires, and coaches individuals who have the passion for using martial arts to transform their lives positively. We hold adult and youth MMA programs, Jury Jiu-Jitsu, as well as kickboxing and BJJ classes in Clarence, NY. If you’re looking for an MMA or kickboxing school offering various programs, then Pride Martial Arts is the place for you. Contact us today to initiate a free trial!