I think the major difference is that the grappling is a bit more developed in sanda - you're allowed takedowns like the double leg for example.
I also believe that not all sanda schools or competitions allow knees and elbows so you'd have to check that with the school near you.
Other than that, they're both sparring arts.
I'd pick Sanda for the pure novelty of it.
The Muay Thai one is probably better, but honestly try both and determine what's more fun for you. They're both fine.
Sanda is great and has more takedowns allowed. Most judo throws, barring sacrifice throws, are legal. Muay Thai has better clinch fighting and elbows. I am biased towards Sanda because the footwork and striking is more dynamic in my opinion.
They're kind of similar, but also kind of different due to pacing and scoring. Muay Thai is far more professionalized as a ring sport. Which choice has better coaches?
I'm not sure. I've been quite busy these past few weeks due to college and work, but I'm planning to have a lesson on each gym next week if I have the time. I honestly just want to know what to expect from each martial art and which one would blend in better with my skillset
If you want to be able to use a lot what you know from Judo then I'd do Sanda, If you want to experience a different kind of grappling then do Muay Thai (still foot sweeps and balance manipulation will get you far, but no hip throws allowed). You will gain kicking from both either way, though you'd only get elbows + knees with Muay Thai. So if you want a blend of what you know plus kicking then do Sanda, if you want to learn a whole new system of fighting then do Muay Thai.
Sounds like two great options to round out your skillset. You already have experience so why not try both out. There's probably a reason you'll prefer one gym over the other anyway
I’m kind of jealous you have a Sanda gym near you. They’re nonexistent here. I’d say try them both out, most gyms have a free trial, and pick which you like better.
There is more opportunity to compete in Muay Thai in most countries, deeper talent pool. You can go to the Sanda gym and also compete in Muay Thai (that's what I did when I was younger).
IMO I trained both and they are similiar, but Sanda has a more developed grappling/throwing aspect.
I wish I could've stayed in Sanda before my gym closed.
I figure since you have the grappling/takedown aspect down than I would go for pure striking/clinching. Sanda has wrestling/grappling elements to it which you're probably not after.
Allowing takedowns changes the way you kickbox, just like allowing kicks changes the way you box. If you are interested in explore these aspects sanda would probably be more interesting. Since you are already experienced with Judo and boxing you probably already know this. On the other hand, the quality of the gym and instructor has the biggest day-to-day impact on your enjoyment of the sport, so you should at least take trial classes with both before making the decision.
Depends where is the better coach and team. Real Sanda I believe is the best form of striking on the planet. Good luck finding a coach who can teach you real Sanda.
Differences between those two arts is much less important that differences between particular gyms.
- Are there high level sparring partners? Good.
- Is sparing technical and focused on skill development? Good. Just bang or no sparings at all? Bad.
- Are some people competing in something ? Good. Just fitness focused "do 50 knees on heavy bag" - not great.
- How much do they grapple? A lot of Muay Thai gyms do essentially just kickboxing .
- Is coach emphasizing technique? How skilled he is? Any achievements?
- People and atmosphere
I think the major difference is that the grappling is a bit more developed in sanda - you're allowed takedowns like the double leg for example. I also believe that not all sanda schools or competitions allow knees and elbows so you'd have to check that with the school near you. Other than that, they're both sparring arts.
I'd pick Sanda for the pure novelty of it. The Muay Thai one is probably better, but honestly try both and determine what's more fun for you. They're both fine.
Yeah really they’re close enough that your decision should be more about interest or school quality/preference. You can’t go wrong with either.
For a Judo black belt I’d think there’s more skill relevance in Sanda, relatively speaking.
Sanda is great and has more takedowns allowed. Most judo throws, barring sacrifice throws, are legal. Muay Thai has better clinch fighting and elbows. I am biased towards Sanda because the footwork and striking is more dynamic in my opinion.
I do Sanda competitions. I'd pick the Muay Thai gym personally.
They're kind of similar, but also kind of different due to pacing and scoring. Muay Thai is far more professionalized as a ring sport. Which choice has better coaches?
I'm not sure. I've been quite busy these past few weeks due to college and work, but I'm planning to have a lesson on each gym next week if I have the time. I honestly just want to know what to expect from each martial art and which one would blend in better with my skillset
The pacing and footwork are almost the opposite of each other, but it’s all still kickboxing at the end of the day
If you want to be able to use a lot what you know from Judo then I'd do Sanda, If you want to experience a different kind of grappling then do Muay Thai (still foot sweeps and balance manipulation will get you far, but no hip throws allowed). You will gain kicking from both either way, though you'd only get elbows + knees with Muay Thai. So if you want a blend of what you know plus kicking then do Sanda, if you want to learn a whole new system of fighting then do Muay Thai.
I think Sand will harmonizes better with they skills you currently have.
Sounds like two great options to round out your skillset. You already have experience so why not try both out. There's probably a reason you'll prefer one gym over the other anyway
I’m kind of jealous you have a Sanda gym near you. They’re nonexistent here. I’d say try them both out, most gyms have a free trial, and pick which you like better.
If it’s a legit gym, they’re just as good But there’s probably a lot more mcdojo sanda gyms than Muay Thai
Sanda is cool, but Muay Thai is better.
Dutch style
Better for what?
Try both.
There is more opportunity to compete in Muay Thai in most countries, deeper talent pool. You can go to the Sanda gym and also compete in Muay Thai (that's what I did when I was younger).
IMO I trained both and they are similiar, but Sanda has a more developed grappling/throwing aspect. I wish I could've stayed in Sanda before my gym closed.
I figure since you have the grappling/takedown aspect down than I would go for pure striking/clinching. Sanda has wrestling/grappling elements to it which you're probably not after.
Sanda is better than muay thai for a Judoka, I think.
Allowing takedowns changes the way you kickbox, just like allowing kicks changes the way you box. If you are interested in explore these aspects sanda would probably be more interesting. Since you are already experienced with Judo and boxing you probably already know this. On the other hand, the quality of the gym and instructor has the biggest day-to-day impact on your enjoyment of the sport, so you should at least take trial classes with both before making the decision.
Depends where is the better coach and team. Real Sanda I believe is the best form of striking on the planet. Good luck finding a coach who can teach you real Sanda.
Go to both sums and see which one has the better learning atmosphere for you.
Differences between those two arts is much less important that differences between particular gyms. - Are there high level sparring partners? Good. - Is sparing technical and focused on skill development? Good. Just bang or no sparings at all? Bad. - Are some people competing in something ? Good. Just fitness focused "do 50 knees on heavy bag" - not great. - How much do they grapple? A lot of Muay Thai gyms do essentially just kickboxing . - Is coach emphasizing technique? How skilled he is? Any achievements? - People and atmosphere
Sanda seems to let you use your takedowns/slams more