Types of Asian martial arts most similar to kickboxing offer a fascinating look into the diverse and powerful traditions that have shaped modern striking combat. From the elbows of Muay Thai to the explosive takedowns of Sanda, these Asian martial art styles share key elements with kickboxing while maintaining their unique cultural identities.
In honor of Asian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history, philosophy, and influence of these martial arts across Asia. In recognition of them, we respect the unique cultures and communities behind them.
7 Asian Martial Arts Similar to Kickboxing
Kickboxing didn’t emerge in a vacuum—it’s the product of centuries of martial innovation across Asia. Long before it became a global sport, striking arts like Muay Thai, Kyokushin Karate, and Lethwei were already refining powerful techniques that laid the foundation for kickboxing. These traditional systems influenced kickboxing’s style and structure, while their deep cultural and historical roots continue to shape the sport today.
From the punches and kicks of Pradal Serey, to the spinning kicks of Yaw-Yan and the hybrid striking of Kudo, these martial arts all bring unique, yet strikingly similar, elements to the world of modern kickboxing. As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize the rich histories behind these seven martial arts and how they share similarities with the martial art of kickboxing taught at Art of Kickboxing in Richmond, BC, Canada.
1. Muay Thai (Thailand)
Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai is one of the most influential martial arts for modern kickboxing. It focuses on punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, making it a striking art with a comprehensive range of techniques. Its emphasis on powerful strikes and clinching has deeply influenced the development of kickboxing worldwide.
2. Sanda (China)
Sanda (also called Sanshou) is a Chinese martial art that combines striking techniques, such as punches, kicks, and knee strikes, with elements of wrestling and grappling. Similar to kickboxing, it emphasizes fast and aggressive striking, and it’s often seen in competitive events where striking and takedowns are both integral.
3. Lethwei (Myanmar)
Lethwei, often referred to as “Burmese Boxing,” is similar to Muay Thai but even more intense. Known for its brutal techniques, it involves punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and headbutts, making it one of the most striking-heavy martial arts. Lethwei has influenced kickboxing by pushing the limits of striking and incorporating headbutts as a unique feature.
4. Pradal Serey (Cambodia)
Pradal Serey is Cambodia’s version of kickboxing and is very similar to Muay Thai. It emphasizes powerful strikes using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. The martial art has deep historical roots in Cambodia and focuses on using every part of the body to strike, much like Muay Thai, but with its own unique techniques and rhythm.
5. Yaw-Yan (Philippines)
Developed in the 1970s by Filipino martial artist Napoleon Fernandez, Yaw-Yan—short for Sayaw ng Kamatayan or “Dance of Death”—is the Philippines’ answer to Muay Thai. This uncommonly known Southeast Asian martial art blends traditional Filipino martial arts with modern kickboxing elements. Yaw-Yan emphasizes powerful spinning kicks, unorthodox angles, and flowing footwork, making it visually similar to kickboxing. It also incorporates elbows, knees, and even elements of weapon-based arts like arnis. Designed for full-contact competition and real combat situations, Yaw-Yan mirrors the aggressive, rhythm-driven style of kickboxing while remaining uniquely Filipino.
6. Kudo (Japan)
Kudo is a hybrid martial art that incorporates Kyokushin Karate, boxing, and Judo. It allows punches, kicks, elbows, and knees in full-contact combat, similar to kickboxing. Kudo practitioners train for intense sparring with a variety of striking techniques, making it a close relative to kickboxing, especially with its emphasis on aggressive striking and dynamic movement in live combat.
7. Kyokushin Karate (Japan)
Kyokushin Karate is renowned for its emphasis on powerful striking techniques, including full-contact punches, kicks, and blocks. Known for its rigorous training methods, Kyokushin Karate has had a significant influence on modern kickboxing. The martial art places a strong emphasis on conditioning, endurance, and delivering strong, fast kicks and punches, which are central to many of the techniques used in kickboxing. The philosophy of full-contact sparring and relentless training in Kyokushin Karate has contributed to the development of kickboxing, particularly in the West, where its focus on precision and power became a foundational aspect of the sport.
As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, these seven martial arts—Muay Thai, Sanda, Lethwei, Pradal Serey, Yaw-Yan, Kudo, and Kyokushin Karate—showcase the incredible diversity and richness of Asia’s martial traditions. While each art is unique in its techniques and cultural heritage, they share common elements with kickboxing, such as powerful strikes and dynamic movement. By honoring these martial arts, we recognize the beautiful cultures and unique ethnic groups throughout Asia.
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