Muay Thai vs. Jiu-Jitsu for Women: Which One's for You?

Muay Thai vs. jiu-jitsu? If you’re new to martial arts and have always wanted to try it, you might be debating which of the two popular combat sports you should try first. Both can be intimidating, especially since they’ve long been seen as men’s territory – but don’t let that stop you from giving them a try. Below is a quick guide to help you decide.

Muay Thai, which translates to “Thai boxing,” is also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” as it involves attacking with punches, elbows, kicks, and knees. It’s a striking sport that offers an intense, full-body workout, leaving you drenched in sweat.

As Muay Thai involves your entire body, training helps tone your muscles, build endurance, and sharpen your reflexes. Plus, learning the combination of moves helps improve coordination, boosts your confidence, and quietly builds mental strength, especially as you push yourself to keep going.

If you thrive on fast-paced and cardio-heavy dynamic workouts that leave you out of breath, Muay Thai can give you that. The best part? It’s a great stress reliever, too.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or BJJ, is a grappling-based martial art focused on ground control, holds, and submissions. Instead of relying on brute strength, it emphasizes leverage and technique, making it one of the best martial arts for women's self-defense, especially in close-contact situations.

Jiu-jitsu teaches you to defend yourself and beat stronger opponents using your skills and smarts. Problem-solving tactics and strategic thinking are part of the game. It also builds core strength, boosts flexibility, and sharpens mental focus for quick decisions under pressure. And lastly, it teaches you to stay calm and in control. Grappling with opponents and trying to out-skill them, which can sometimes work or not, also builds character.

So, how do you decide between the two? Start by asking yourself which training style motivates you, what your goals are, and which one fits into your lifestyle long-term.

Both Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu will get you in top shape, but in different ways. Muay Thai helps you burn calories quickly, improve stamina, and tone your muscles. If your goal is to get lean, strong, and feel like a total powerhouse, Muay Thai delivers.

Jiu-jitsu, on the other hand, builds core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance through constant grappling and groundwork. It’s a full-body workout that doesn’t always feel like one – until you wake up sore the next day.

Jiu-jitsu can be more complex and usually takes longer to understand and master. It’s more technical, with a steeper learning curve since it requires strategy, patience, and precision. Promotions also take time, so don’t expect a quick belt upgrade.

Muay Thai is generally quicker to pick up. You’ll be throwing punches and kicks in your first class. But this doesn’t make it an easy practice to learn, either. Mastering your technique and building fight conditioning still takes work and dedication.

Muay Thai can leave you sore and bruised (especially if you're new and haven’t mastered the techniques), while jiu-jitsu might leave you with some joint stiffness or minor strains from submissions and grappling.

Muay Thai equips you to strike strategically and react instinctively, while jiu-jitsu gives you tools to stay safe and regain control in close-contact situations.

Whichever sport you decide to try first, make the most of it. Your first day at a training session sets the tone, so it’s worth coming in ready. Here are a few reminders.

Being punctual shows respect for your coach and your classmates. If you have your own gear, bring them with you. It shows initiative and helps you settle in more quickly.

Training in combat sports means getting up close with your coach or sparring partner, so good hygiene is a must. It’s not just about showing respect, but it also helps you stay confident and avoid feeling self-conscious.

Use Dove 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant Spray before class to stay fresh throughout the entire session. After your workout, change out of your sweaty clothes (ASAP!) and shower to get rid of the lagkit feeling. Try Dove Sakura Blossom Body Wash for a light floral scent and soft, glowing skin. Or go for Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash to give yourself a crisp, refreshing cleanse and fresh, hydrated skin with regular use.

Embrace that beginner’s mindset. Listen to your coach's instructions and do your best. Mistakes will definitely be part of your journey, and that’s okay. What's more important is staying consistent and showing up!

So, is it Muay Thai vs. Jiu-Jitsu? The best choice depends on your lifestyle and goals. Whether you're into striking or grappling, both boost endurance, mental clarity, self-discipline, and overall body strength. Either way, the first move is to start – and then keep at it.