As a fighter in BJJ, MMA, or wrestling, it’s really crucial to be able to protect yourself in any situation. Martial arts are good for staying in shape, getting better at fighting, having fun, and protecting yourself if you ever end up in a street fight.
But what are the best martial arts for self-defense situations? Which ones will give you the edge in a real-life scenario?
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular martial arts for self-defense, trying to figure out what the most effective martial arts are.
Let’s get started!
1. Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that was founded by Choi Hong Hi and other army officials and martial artists after World War II. It is based on Choi’s Theory of Power, which states that speed is more important than mass for generating powerful strikes. Therefore, Taekwondo emphasizes kicks over punches, since legs can deliver faster and heavier blows than arms.How to Train Taekwondo for Self-Defense
If you want to train in Taekwondo for self-defense, you should look for a school that teaches realistic applications of the techniques and offers regular sparring with different opponents. To improve your skills in Taekwondo, try learning as many other martial arts as you can, especially ones that focus on grappling skills or using your hands to hit.
2. Judo
Judo is a type of fighting that started in Japan a long time ago, made by a man named Jigoro Kano. It is one of the most popular Japanese martial arts, derived from various styles of Ju-Jitsu, which are ancient forms of unarmed combat. Judo means ‘the gentle way’ and it focuses on using leverage, balance and timing to throw or immobilize your opponent.How to Train Judo for Self-Defense
If you want to train Judo for self-defense, you should look for a school that teaches both standing and ground techniques and has a focus on Judo techniques which are practical for self-defense situations. Since it is the official Japanese martial art of the Tokyo police department, this should not be a problem. You should also learn how to adapt your throws to different situations and environments and how to defend against strikes or weapons.RELATED:
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3. Boxing
Boxing is one of the oldest and most universal forms of combat sports. It dates back to ancient times when people fought with their fists for entertainment or survival. Boxing involves using your fists to strike your opponent’s head or body while avoiding their attacks.How to Train Boxing for Self-Defense
Training Boxing for self-defense means you should look for a boxing gym that teaches realistic scenarios on top of sports tactics and sparring. You should also learn how to use your elbows, knees, or other improvised weapons if necessary and how to deal with multiple attackers or armed assailants in addition to fancy footwork and life-saving bobs and weaves.
4. Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the oldest grappling arts and forms of human competition and combat. It involves using various techniques such as takedowns, throws, pins, or submissions to control your opponent on the ground or standing up.How to Train Wrestling for Self-Defense
If you want to train in Wrestling for self-defense, you should look for a gym that teaches both freestyle and Greco-Roman styles and also dabble in some catch wrestling if you can find it. Learning to adapt your takedowns to different situations and environments and defending against strikes or weapons gives wrestling a realistic self-defense angle.
5. Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a martial art originating in Thailand. It was developed for battlefield purposes by Siamese warriors over centuries of warfare. It is based on using eight limbs (fists, elbows, knees, and shins) as weapons and targets to strike your opponent’s head, body, and legs. Muay Thai is also known as Thai boxing or The Art of Eight Limbs.How to Train Muay Thai for Self-Defense
If you want to train Muay Thai for self-defense, you should look for a gym that teaches realistic scenarios. The original art behind Muay Thai, known as Muay Boran was brutally effective, so anyone trained in it should be your first choice.
6. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian martial art that was developed by brothers Carlos, and Hélio Gracie, after Carlos learned mixed grappling techniques from a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda in 1925. BJJ is one of the grappling-based martial arts, with a strong focus on ground fighting, and submission holds. It focuses on using leverage, technique, and timing to overcome larger and stronger opponents.How to Practice BJJ for Self-Defense
If you want to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, find a school that covers both Gi and No-Gi classes. A school with a specific focus on self-defense training, which is at the roots of this effective martial art is an obvious best choice. The original Gracie Jiu-Jitsu approach included a lot of scenarios that teach you how to escape from bad spots and how to defend yourself against strikes or weapons.RELATED:
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7. Krav Maga
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art that was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld and other army officials and martial artists for the Israeli Defense Forces. It is based on a combination of self-defense techniques from various martial arts. Krav Maga means ‘contact combat’ and it focuses on real-world situations and extreme efficiency.How to Train Krav Maga for Self-Defense
If you want to train Krav Maga for self-defense, you should look for a certified instructor or school. Krav Maga is designed specifically for self-defense, so the only thing to consider when enrolling in a club teaching the civilian version is that it is not a scam or McDojo.
8. Sambo
Sambo is an excellent martial art that was created by Vasili Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov in the early 20th century for Russian military needs. It is derived from various styles of folk wrestling, judo, Ju-Jutsu, and other martial arts. Sambo means ‘self-defense without weapons’ and it involves using throws, takedowns, locks, chokes, and strikes.How to Train Sambo for Self-Defense
If you want to train Sambo for self-defense, you should look for a qualified instructor or club that teaches both sport and combat sambo and spars regularly with different opponents. Combat Sambo gets the nod over sport Sambo for effective self-defense.
9. Filipino Kali
Filipino Kali is a type of martial art from the Philippines that focuses on using weapons like sticks, knives, and blades. They may also use other items they can find as weapons. The term Kali is most likely derived from the pre-Hispanic Filipino term for blades and fencing, Kalis. Filipino Kali is influenced by various cultures and martial arts such as Indonesian silat, Chinese kung fu, Spanish fencing, and native wrestling.How to Train Filipino Kali for Self-Defense
While most Kali schools teach a version that focuses on self-defense if you truly want to be effective, find a school that works on all three aspects of Kali: stick fighting, knife fighting, and unarmed close-quarters combat.