Self-defence is the act of defending your person or another from someone who has initiated an assault or attack in a physical manner against someone else. This can be someone who was meaning to attack the other person or not. It is truly about whoever initiated the attack and who is defending against that attack or assault.
This is extremely important to understand. If not, then you could mistake attacking someone or physically harming them as self-defense when really you are the instigator. The same could be said about certain
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There are numerous ways of defending yourself from an aggressor. They all have different ways of helping you defend yourself and it comes down to figuring out which one fits best with you. Are you wondering how to learn that? Well luckily, that is what this entire guide is about. You will get a look at the top 15 different martial arts for self-defense globally. This means that they are not just popular in the country you live in. That will help you make the best decision about which one to learn and why.
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Understanding Self-Defense
Before diving too deep, we need to look a bit more into what self-defense is and what makes it effective. The first and most important aspect of self-defense is actually being about to defend, well yourself. You need to be able to successfully get yourself out of danger. After that, the goal will be to do so while making sure that the aggressor is unable to attack you again until the correct authorities arrive or at least until you can get away.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing which martial art you should be using for self-defense. One will be what type of style or technique makes the most sense for you based on your age, physicality and even general disposition and goals for defending yourself. Some of them are more technical just terms of how much skill you will need. Others rely more on pure strength and how much power you can put into each move.
All of these things are important when you are looking into self-defense and what type of hand-to-hand combat or martial arts you should use.
Criteria for Evaluation
Also, you have to consider the criteria needed for evaluation. Some of these martial arts may be better for the ring than they are in helping you defend yourself or your loved ones. There is a reason for that. Some are more for entertainment and betting which is why you may need
betting odds explained. Also, you will have to consider the type of situation. One may be better for defending yourself from a single person while others can help you combat multiple aggressors. Potentially learning at least some of the basics for as many situations as possible can be helpful or finding one that helps you in certain situations you may be afraid of putting yourself in.
The other thing you have to consider is the accessibility and availability of training. This is extremely important as having a teacher and being able to practice on and with others can certainly help you increase the level of competency in your chosen martial art. Luckily, there are likely online options as well if needed but finding somewhere around you to train is a much better option. The same can be said when learning about
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Lastly, it will be best for you to consider the different techniques and principles that come with each. Training is hard and committing to the principles and techniques of each are something you will have to do as you progress through the system. You will need to make sure that they match the way you think or want to think and what you want to learn before choosing them.
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Below is a list of the top 15 Martial Arts for Self-Defense. You should be looking elsewhere if you are looking for the
deadliest martial arts in the world. You are going to want to see the major points of each as you decide on which one is best for you before moving forward.
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Origin and principles are stated in its name, from Brazil. This is one of the more common forms of Jiu-Jitsu and one that has become very popular throughout the world for a number of reasons. The main attraction to learning it is that it is helpful for those who may be much smaller than their aggressors. It still requires a bit of strength and techniques but it is about learning the ground game and getting your opponents into a compromised position.
Its techniques for self-defense are generally seen as extremely good. Again, this is due to the fact that so many undersized individuals who are afraid of bigger people attacking them can still find an advantage when defending themselves.
Lastly, training accessibility is a key factor in why so many people are learning it. There are so many different places around the world and in many major cities that are able to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu effectively. You can go there with little to no knowledge and learn it relatively quickly as well. It is also a martial art that requires very little in terms of equipment for training which makes it less expensive and hence why it is so popular.
2. Krav Maga
The history and development are interesting as it started in Israel and means, “contact combat”. This is due to the fact that it is all about striking your opponent while learning strategies of how to disarm or take away the weapon of the assailant. The Israeli Defense Forces train using this martial art as a way to learn how to defend yourself in the modern world.
The core principles for self-defense using Krav Maga are using different twists and strikes to defend yourself and thus is less about the ground game as some of the other martial arts are. Also, this is one of the best self-defense martial arts in the world as it is truly only used for the practical application of defense. That is why there is no real sports attraction for it.
The practical application in real-life scenarios also helps you to learn what to look for and what to do in certain situations. It is what makes training using Krav Maga one of the most beneficial self-defense martial arts to learn. The problem is that it can also be one that makes it so the training can be a bit more intense than some of the others but still easy to pick up.
3. Muay Thai
The characteristics and advantages of Muay Thai are that it is one of the martial arts that actually teaches you to use more of your body. This is because it employs the knees and elbows much more than almost any other martial art. This definitely makes it nice to learn as it helps you learn more about the strengths of all of your limbs. It comes from Thailand and was started way back around the 13th century. Its name means “Art of Eight Limbs” which makes sense given the different techniques that are actually learned.
Speaking of techniques there are many good ones for self-defense. The goal of it is to inflict as much damage as possible while using the different parts of your body. It is also great because it teaches you how to defend using those parts of the body. It is a win-win and not many people know it, so busting it out on an aggressor could be confusing and intimidating to them.
Likewise, the fitness and conditioning benefits are also great with Muay Thai. Many people learn it solely for that reason. But as this is about self-defense, clearly it has its uses for that as well. But being in better shape and being stronger in many different areas of your body can help you defend yourself as well.
4. Taekwondo
Taekwondo may have traditional roots but there are many modern applications to those. This is why it is one of the most practiced forms of martial arts around the world. It started in Korea and was developed during the 1940s and 50s using a multitude of other major Korean styles of martial arts. The mixing and matching ones such as subak and taekkyeon were from the Korean side while even karate was added in as a great way to fight.
Defensive strategies and techniques are crucial and taught early on in Taekwondo. It is fantastic for self-defense as it trains not only your body but also your mind with strategies on how best to take down your opponent. With this, it is one of the martial arts that uses basically every action you may want to know for both attack and defense with all of your limbs.
Lastly, there is training availability worldwide. As stated before, this is one of the most practiced marital arts in the world and is popular for its many uses including as a watchable sport. Because of this there are training facilities all over, even in smaller cities or towns.
5. Boxing
Defensive tactics in boxing are a great combination of not just blocking but also finding the best way to attack. Boxing started all the way back with the Greeks and Romans. There many warriors would train in it but it was also a spectator sport. They learned as you would now, how to truly use someone else’s attack to your advantage as if they were to swing at you, you could defend and know the best possible counter to use yourself in hope of a quick defense.
When it comes to techniques footwork and evasion techniques are strong in boxing but they are also some of the more simple things that you will need to learn. Your motor skills will only get better as you learn how to circle your opponent and move based on their movements.
Along with the fitness that comes with it, the adaptability for self-defense situations is great with boxing. You will learn how to guard yourself and your vital points while also being able to land swift but brutal counterstrikes. This is almost completely with your hands though and learning your footwork is likely more important for the sport of things than actual self-defense.
6. Wing Chun
The philosophy and principles of Wing Chun are based around balance. You are wanting to balance not just your body but your mind as well as you prepare for the fight ahead of you. These mindfulness techniques are not readily available or practiced across many different martial arts. That is why this one may attract certain individuals who like you find peace and stay calm in the moment.
Close-quarters combat techniques are what Wing Chun is largely based around. Because of this, you will need to have very quick reflexes and be quick on your feet not just with your body but also with your mind. Making certain decisions quickly can truly decide the outcome of a fight. This is especially important in self-defense. It is also known as Kung Fu and has been learned in China as early as the 1300s.
The effectiveness in urban self-defense is what makes this a quality choice when deciding on a martial art to learn for that purpose. It makes it easier for you to learn how to get up close and keep someone from truly being able to get comfortable in a fight. As a bonus, you learn extremely good balance and get in incredible shape from learning Wing Chun.
7. Karate
The history and evolution of karate are a bit difficult to follow as it is a long one. But it was initially starting in Okinawa Japan. The more current version of karate has some Judo and Jiu-Jitsu mixed in with it while Karate is also added to many other forms of martial arts from around the world.
In terms of self-defense, it is great at making sure your punches, kicks and knee strikes are very powerful. It is a form of martial arts that combines power with balance in a fantastic way. Also, it is great for younger people to learn because to be great at it, you need to have discipline and respect. Something that really all people should learn.
The integration of striking and blocking is what makes Karate a formidable martial art in the use of self-defense. Messing with someone who knows Karate well could make things even more troublesome for the aggressor than for the defender.
8. Judo
Judo is a martial arts that makes you an expert at utilizing opponents' force against them. It has been great for so long that other major martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo are actually offshoots or different variations of Judo. This one is also from Japan and started back in 1882. It is a well-known form of self-defense and is so popular as a watchable sport that you can see it in the Olympics.
Grappling techniques are used for self-defense with Judo. This includes mainly throwing and choking. It is why it is relatively easier for bigger individuals or those who are betting are the techniques to use in self-defense to keep their aggressors away from them.
Lastly, it has great application in real-life confrontations. It is one of the most practiced martial arts in the world and will continue to be that way due to its relative ease of learning, at least at the start. This helps especially when your aggressor gets the better of you for a second because you have learned how to fall and use that to your advantage.
9. Sambo
Sambo is a Russian martial art designed especially for self-defense. That being said, it is much more violent and aggressive than most special defenses. It includes the normal kicking and punching, but there is much more to it. Almost anything is available and that includes choking and groin strikes. Both are actively taught and used.
Ground fighting and submission techniques are the way the skills come into it. It is all about getting your opponent on the ground and keeping them there until they submit. This is why you are using nearly everything at your disposal, in a technique-based style, to win the fights.
Training availability outside of Russia is one thing that makes Sambo a bit tougher to learn than most. This is not to say that you will not be able to find experts willing to train, but it is certainly not as common.
10. Mixed Martial Arts (FMA)
For many, MMA can be found all the way back in Ancient Greece. Along with boxing, this form or martial arts was trained to many of the warriors and soldiers of the time. It is a mixture of boxing, street fighting and wrestling.
It is also very popular and easy to find. Many people are fans of watching MMA which is seen most in the UFC. It has almost become more popular than boxing in many areas of the world and is seen at many sports bars as an event for fans to get together and watch. The entertainment value has also led many to seek out instruction.
Using MMA for self-defense makes a lot of sense. It gives you a pretty loaded arsenal to work with and thus can help you in numerous situations. This is why you can decide on a few different forms of MMA and strategize how you would best defend yourself.
11. Jeet Kune Do
Jeet June Do is Bruce Lee's martial philosophy. That is correct, the Bruce Lee who was famous for his many films. He started it back in the 19060s as a response to a world that was quickly forgetting about martial arts. Many credit this style to serving film well and leading the way for other great martial artists to become more well-known.
Adaptability and efficiency in self-defense are crucial which is why Jeet Kune Do is so effective. It is a more philosophy-driven martial art that is very much about simplicity and directness. This means that you are using less energy on certain forms or thinking about your form. Instead you are just focused on simply doing what is necessary to defend yourself.
Training methodology and accessibility are what has kept people from getting into it more. But what it lacks there is made up for with its techniques, especially when it comes to self-defense. You are taught to use what is best in any given situation and that feels more real than some of the flashier marital arts.
12. Aikido
Aikido is one of the most defensive martial arts you could use for self-defense. The reason is its principles of harmony and redirection. That is correct, you will not be using it in terms of actual violence or aggression, but instead based purely on using their movements against them.
Joint locks and throws are crucial for self-defense in this style of martial art. It stems from Japan in the 12th century BC and has been adapted for the modern version in the early 1900s. Aikido means, “The Way if Harmony of Spirit”. This is why all of the techniques are are about locking the joins of your aggressors during their attacks and throwing them away from you without necessarily directly hurting them.
Its application is as a very strong non-aggressive self-defense. The only problem is that the techniques are very tough to learn and having the strength or agility to accomplish stopping your aggressors can be a bit tough. But if you can learn it, it is extremely effective.
13. Systema
Systema is a Russian martial art focused on adaptability. It was mostly found in Russia during the 1990s after the end of the Soviet Union. There are many different systems and teachings. Many of which have been named after the teacher who made each variation.
Breathing and relaxation techniques are the main focus of Ststema. The idea is that if you are not in the moment and instead have a racing heart, your racing mind will also let you down. It is a bit surprising considering it is Russian but for self-defense, it is great as it teaches you to respond to threats using natural movements and minimal force.
Practical self-defense training methods are fairly obvious when even watching Systema. This is because you are trained in hand-to-hand combat, grappling, knives and even firearms. All of this is very real and seen in today’s world making it an easy choice for this list.
14. Silat
Silat is often compared to what many call dirty boxing. This generally means that you are going to be ready and able to do some street fighting. This is obviously why it works so well for self-defense. Many times you will find yourself in a situation where it is a simple fist fight or fighting against an aggressor with a knife. Silat will come in handy in teaching you how to be prepared for that.
Originally Silat was first seen in Indonesia all the way back in the 8th century BC. Similar to why it is on this list, it was created to teach people for to defend themselves during times of war. Even the origin for Silat makes it perfect for self-defense. The problem is that it is a bit harder to find anywhere other than Southeast Asia.
There are many different styles that have come from Silat since its inception so many centuries ago. It is focused on being a style that is flowing while having a forceful end to it. It is also a style that is less predictable and helps you keep your opponent guessing as to what could be coming next.
15. Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that emphasizes self-defense. Again, another very obvious choice for this list. It was adapted from other martial arts by Choi-Yong-Sool when he returned to Korea after living in Japan.
The goals of Hapkido are to cause joint locks and use pressure point techniques. This is something that is more about redirecting your opponent's energy and using their momentum against them. Variations of this are seen in shows and movies all the time. Even other martial arts on this list have similar ideologies.
Its accessibility and training options worldwide are relatively limited. It, like many of these martial arts, are available most in the eastern parts of the world. That being said, you can still find it sometimes in some of the bigger cities in certain countries. If you can and feel like this fits you, it is certainly a unique and interesting option for self-defense.
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When looking at these many options for self-defense in martial arts, it all comes down to what you feel the most comfortable with. Also with what is actually available to you. Many of these martial arts are located in very specific parts of the world, some that are more difficult to get to than others. You have to balance choosing self-defense martial arts that work with the way you feel your body would best adapt and with what is actually available to be taught.
As always, you should do your own research as well. This guide is here to introduce you to all of the top 15 options, not necessarily help you make the choice on exactly which one to pick. Make sure to think hard before diving into one as they require commitment to become effective both in practice and practicality. Especially when it comes to defending yourself.
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