As cool as it seems through popular movies and series, martial arts training benefits not only the body but also the mind. These art forms have been practiced for ages not just as a means of personal development, discipline, and self-confidence but also as forms of self-defense. As practitioners acquire new techniques and enhance their skills, their self-esteem rises. This boost in self-confidence is reflected not just in the ability to protect oneself, but also in greater confidence in confronting daily obstacles.

In a world where personal safety is a constant concern, many people want to acquire a martial art that will provide them with effective protection in real-life scenarios. In this post, we’ll look at the top five martial arts disciplines for self-defense.

Top 5 martial arts styles for self-defense

1) Karate

Karate is definitely one of the world’s most widely practiced martial arts. It broke into the minds of American citizens through iconic movies such as ‘The Karate Kid’ franchise, and it hasn’t left the pop culture scene ever since. This martial artist emphasizes quick and powerful strikes through fists, elbows, knees, and feet, and is very efficient in immediately neutralizing an opponent. Karate is especially beneficial in self-defense situations that require one to truly hold the assailant at bay. Advanced-level fighters can also use it to incapacitate their assailant with a single blow.

So if one wants to fight and move as freely as the legend Jackie Chan, karate is the go-to martial arts style. However, it is important to note that traditional karate also places a strong emphasis on discipline and conflict avoidance. It promotes finding a peaceful resolution before resorting to physical contact. Georges St-Pierre, Robert Whittaker, and Stephen Thompson are some of the names who excel in this martial arts style.

2) Taekwondo

Originating from Korea, Taekwondo is known for its lightning-fast and precise kicks. Using agile movements and acrobatic techniques, Taekwondo surely is one of the best martial arts techniques there is. However, it isn’t just limited to kicks. Taekwondo also includes punching and blocking techniques, although the main emphasis remains on making one as strong as Hwoarang from the Tekken game series. Highly effective in self-defense situations where speed and distance are crucial factors, using Taekwondo surely can keep an aggressor at arm’s length. Some notable UFC fighters who know Taekwondo are Anderson “The Spider” Silva, Rose Namajunas, and Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez.

3) Judo

Every fight fan is familiar with Judo. Created in Japan, it is based on the principle of using the opponent’s strength against him. The perfect example of the phrase, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Instead of relying on punches, Judo focuses on throws, takedowns, and control techniques, which allow one to neutralize an opponent without inflicting excessive damage. This makes it an attractive option for those who wish to stop their opponents but not cause major harm in the process. This also makes it perfect for pro wrestling scenarios, where often Judo moves are used.

In scenarios of self-defense, Judo is extremely useful in hand-to-hand confrontations. Grappling and throwing techniques can quickly incapacitate an aggressor. In addition, Judo’s ground training, known as “ne-waza,” teaches practitioners to maintain control even when they are knocked down, a crucial skill in a real confrontation. It is one of the most popular fight styles when it comes to teaching women self-defense. Some notable fighters who are proficient in Judo are Ronda Rousey, Fedor Emelianenko, and Karo Parisyan.

4) Jiu-Jitsu

You have probably seen UFC fighters earning their black belts in this fight style. And why wouldn’t they, is a very useful combat sport when fighting in the street. Since most of the Brazilian fighters are from the favelas, they often learn BJJ before their ABCs. Renowned for its ground techniques, BJJ is one of those martial arts where you’ll learn a lot about what to do if you get knocked down. But that doesn’t mean it’s only used defensively, as it focuses on some of the most dangerous arsenals in combat sports such as arm bars, chokes, and ankle locks. And trust us when we tell you that these are just a few of the key moves of the BJJ. Jiu-Jitsu is exceptionally effective in one-on-one self-defense situations where the confrontation ends on the ground, which is common in many fights. Some Jiu-Jitsu legends to enter the Octagon are Royce Gracie, Charles Oliveira, and Nate Diaz.

5) Krav maga

Krav Maga was developed specifically for the Israeli army. The founder of this form of combat borrowed techniques from jiu-jitsu, boxing, and other very effective combat martial arts. Krav Maga is ideal for self-defense situations because it is made for precisely that purpose. You will learn how to look for the vulnerable parts of an attacker. Eye pokes, stomping, and kicking the groin are techniques that are taught in this martial art (and very effective in real life). Unlike some martial arts that spend time teaching students how to score points in competitions, Krav Maga’s sole goal is to inflict damage. Also, Krav Maga is not used in the UFC due to its nasty nature of fighting.

Honorable mention

Boxing

Boxing is also a popular choice for self-defense due to its focus on fist punches and dodges. Can you imagine someone trying to mug prime Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali? Learning some strong punches can surely help one defend himself. It can also help one score a knockout against their aggressors, truly turning the tables on them. However, it is important to note that it focuses primarily on sports combat and can be less effective in real street situations.

Choosing the best martial art style for self-defense largely depends on individual needs, the environment in which it is intended to be used, and personal preferences. Karate and Taekwondo offer effective striking techniques to keep your distance against one or more attackers, while Judo and Jiu-Jitsu provide tools to control an aggressor in the melee or on the ground. But one thing is for sure, learning martial arts can surely help you gain self-confidence and live like a character from Cobra Kai. So what did you think of the list? Do you think there should’ve been any other martial art form in it? Let us know in the comments.