Muay Thai vs Kickboxing vs MMA: What’s the Difference?

February 2, 2026
  • Three men are standing on a wrestling mat and one of them is wearing a yellow belt

Martial arts come in many forms, and if you’re new to striking, you might wonder: what’s the difference between Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA?


At American Top Team Palm Beach Gardens, we offer expert instruction in all three, and we can help you find which style fits your goals best.


Muay Thai is known as the "Art of Eight Limbs"—it uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, and includes clinch fighting. It’s extremely effective for striking and self-defense and offers fantastic conditioning.


Kickboxing, on the other hand, typically focuses on punches and kicks with limited clinch work and no elbows. It’s a great starting point for fitness and striking fundamentals.


MMA blends Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu into a complete fighting system. If your goal is to compete or train like a pro, MMA at ATTPBG is the most well-rounded option.


Residents from Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm, and West Palm Beach love having access to all three systems under one roof.

Want to find the style that’s right for you?   Call (561) 383-3383, email contact@attpbg.com, or schedule a free trial class in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, or MMA today.

People practice grappling on red mats in a training gym.
January 21, 2026
Wrestling is one of the most important components of MMA—and at American Top Team in Palm Beach Gardens, we believe every fighter, no matter their base, should train wrestling at least once a week.
January 6, 2026
Muay Thai is one of the most effective and empowering martial arts in the world—and at ATTPBG, our Muay Thai program is open to beginners and experienced strikers alike.  If you’re in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, or West Palm Beach and want to improve your cardio, sharpen your striking, or test your skills in the ring, we’ve got the class for you. Our coaches provide technical instruction in elbows, knees, kicks, and clinch work while maintaining a high-energy, respectful environment. No prior experience? No problem. Just bring a good attitude and a willingness to learn.
December 22, 2025
Fighters need more than just hard rounds—they need structure, support, and a team that understands the game. At ATTPBG, we offer a full suite of resources for amateur and professional athletes. Our fighter support includes:  Fight camps & coaching : Personalized game plans, round tracking, and strategy sessions Nutrition & weight cut guidance : Science-backed support for healthy cutting Sparring & conditioning sessions : Controlled intensity for peak performance Cornering & recovery : Coaching presence on fight night and support after the bell We’ve worked with fighters on local shows and national stages. Our team culture is built on accountability, discipline, and mutual respect. Located in Palm Beach Gardens, we attract athletes from West Palm, Palm Beach Lakes, and beyond.