To fight off bullies, Muay Thai is definitely better. It's also easier to get good at. Even after just 1 year of training in Muay Thai you'll already be a better fighter than your average joe. To be good enough in TKD to have an edge in a fight it will take you a lot longer. I do have to say though that TKD is a more interesting martial art. It gives you more creativity and definitely has better acrobatics and fancy moves. A challenge I faced before with Muay Thai is that it does get boring simply because you just keep repeating the same moves.

But hey, that's what makes it so effective. Because the moves aren't complex and straight to the point, and you keep repeating it till you master it.

So like I said. If you want to learn how to fight, then take Muay Thai. If you want to focus more on art, acrobatics and sport, then take TKD.

For self defence I reckon you should go with Muay Thai. It's perfect for streetfighting and a lot more brutal. TKD tends to be more sporty today - If you're lucky enough to have a school near you that actually teaches the martial art for self defence purposes It's a good choice. Both martial arts use a lot of leg or kicking techniques. TKD sports in the Olympics is all about that one kick and tagging and MT uses the legs to block 'low' attacks. They're both very good martial arts don't get me wrong, but whatever you do.. Go with a 'self defence' course - not sporty. Talk to the Sensei :)

Not to dis TKD but most TKD isn't very good beyond sport.

If you really want to learn self defense go check out your local rec center and the gyms in your area. See who is teaching there. Talk to the instructors and see if you can join in on a class or two. You may find other options that are better suited than the two you list.

Now I wouldn't rule out anything so also check out the other two options. The bottom line is that it's your decision and you need to like the school, instructor, style, and other students.

Between those two I would pick muay thai. It's hard to find a good Taekwondo dojo and muay thai is mostly better anyway. The full contact sparring will prepare you much more.

muay thai

i'm 16 and im planning to take a muay thai or TKD class in summer

i can't decide what martial art to start TKD or Muay Thai(if i can find a good MMA gym i will take BJJ and Muay Thai)

I dont always fight its mainly to defend my self from thugs/bullies etc.... i dont start a fight and i hate fighting ..

im not learning martial arts only to fight others i also want to learn something new

so what martial arts do you think is the best for me...