5 Best Martial Arts Styles For Self-Defense
There are 180+ styles of martial arts, and the most common are Boxing, Judo, Karate, MMA, kung fu, Tai Chi, Krav Maga, and Jiu-jitsu.
Some combat sports are considered practical for self-defense and keeping the enemy at bay.
PHOTO: Charlein Gracia/Unsplash
It is important to know the basic techniques of boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and MMA to deter enemy attacks.
All these combat sports follow different fighting styles and have different regulations to knock off the opponent.
Practical Martial Arts for Self-Defense
Expertise in one or more martial arts can help one effectively retaliate against attackers. Some of the martial arts considered the best self-defense tools are listed below:
Boxing to Block the Attacker
Boxing dates back to 3000 B.C. and includes important self-defense techniques. These are footwork for body positioning, head movement to avoid punches, parrying incoming punches, and offensive punching combinations to neutralize an opponent. Being skilled in these techniques could effectively end a fight before it even starts with just one accurate, well-timed punch.
Boxing is all about defending oneself against the opponent, making it a great reason to learn this combat sport as a self-defense tool. Boxing teaches a mix of offensive and defensive techniques and distance management. Understanding the fundamental boxing concepts is very important to fight firmly without losing to the assailant.
Why is it Effective?
- Boxing is good for self-defense because it teaches you how to block an attacker and fight them if necessary.
- Boxing also improves fitness, strengthens motor skills, and mentally prepares you for a fight.
Key Techniques
- Blocking
- Parrying
- Slipping punches
Muay Thai For Strong Hitting
Muay Thai originated in Thailand and has many similarities to traditional Western boxing; however, it employs more techniques. It involves eight points of contact, described as the “art of eight limbs.”As a tool of self-defense to knock down the opponent, Muay Thai techniques like punches, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and high and low kicks can be used along with the Thai clinch and sweeps.
Why is it Effective?
- Muay Thai teaches strong hitting techniques using the fists, elbows, knees, and shins. These blows are of great importance in a situation involving self-defense.
- The skill of efficient clinching is important for maintaining control over an opponent in close quarters, thwarting strikes, and generating openings for an attack or escape.
- Training in Muay Thai improves your physical health, endurance, and agility, increasing your ability to defend in longer fights.
Key Techniques
- Block (elbow block, knee block)
- Mat Nueng
- Mat Soi Dao
- Parry
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Control the Opponent
It is another popular mixed martial art that is considered the best self-defense tool. It focuses on ground combat and submission grappling and can be used by anyone who is more potent in height or weight. With specialized techniques like guard, mount, and side control, the fighters maintain a dominant position, neutralizing the threat. Submission (joint locks and chokeholds) and escape tactics taught in BJJ are essential to get out of dangerous situations without getting hurt.
Why is it Effective?
- It prioritizes ground fighting techniques, teaching fighters to control opponents through leverage and submission holds.
- Many real-life confrontations end up on the ground. BJJ equips individuals with the skills to self-defend themselves in such situations.
- The technique used in BJJ makes it suitable for individuals of all sizes and strengths.
Key Techniques
- Chokes and submissions
- Guard positions
- Joint locks
Judo for Restraining the Opponent
Judo is a traditional martial art that originated from the Japanese samurai’s Jujitsu schools, making it one of the oldest in the world. After gathering this expertise, Kanō Jigorō started instructing Judo at the Kōdōkan School of Judo in 1882. It was originally intended for use in actual conflicts. In judo, the opponent is thrown to the ground and controlled by exerting pressure on their neck and joints. Using the opponent’s force against them is a part of Judo, which is why it is a great tool for self-defense.
Why is it Effective?
- Judo focuses on using opponents against them by throwing them to the ground.
- It is perfect for controlling and restraining the attacker without seriously harming them.
- It can be used for both the ground and standing self-defense.
Key Techniques
- Hip throws
- Joint locks
- Pins and grappling
MMA Strikes for Self Defense
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the most effective forms of self-defense due to its diverse techniques drawn from various combat sports. Fighters learn striking for distance fighting and clinching, grappling, wrestling, and submission techniques for close-quarters combat, making it highly adaptable to real-life situations, all things that can be learned Matt Hill’s breathing & mobility classes.
MMA’s versatility can be leveraged to neutralize opponents in almost any scenario, standing or on the ground. It combines tactics of martial arts like boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling, offering a well-rounded skill set for self-defense. This is evident in the success of champions like Brandon “The Truth” Vera, who used MMA techniques to dominate his opponents. Proper equipment like custom MMA gloves are important for learning and practicing in a safe environment.
Why is it Effective?
- Learning any form of striking can be beneficial for self-defense.
- Groundwork in MMA enhances self-defense by teaching control, submission, and escape techniques. Groundwork is very important in MMA, and 80% of the fights are on the ground.
Key Techniques
- The Push Kick (Teep)
- The Guillotine Choke.
- The Rear Naked Choke.
- Mount Escape.
Wrapping It Up!
Martial arts are a codified system of combat sports practiced for many reasons, including self-defense. There are over a hundred variations of martial arts, some of which are considered the best for protecting oneself on the ground.
Boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, Judo, and MMA are martial arts that can be used as effective tools to defeat an opponent.
Protection is key while learning any of these techniques.
Wearing design your own boxing gloves ensures comfort and safety while practicing these martial arts for self-defense in flight or fright situations.
PHOTO: Charlein Gracia/Unsplash
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