It’s easy to be inspired to fight by martial arts, what with the knowledge and confidence many disciplines give you. But while most martial arts seem dangerous and deadly, not all of them are truly practical for self-defense. Here is a list of the top five best martial arts you can use to defend yourself.
- Jujutsu
Also known more popularly as jujitsu, this ancient Japanese martial art is perfect because it intends to use your attacker’s aggression against him. A jujutsu practitioner can easily use their attacker’s momentum and redirect it using throws, and restrain them using joint submission moves. The martial art was developed for warriors who were suddenly left without their weapons.
- Taekwondo
Already a favorite martial art with the youth, Korea’s most famous discipline has that status because of the high-powered kicks it employs. While punches and some throws are taught in Taekwondo, the martial art is primarily known for its kicks. They may be a little hard to land in a real fight (attempting kicks leaves you very open, even when you connect) but a master will be able to disable an attacker with a good kick.
- Krav maga
This Israeli martial art is not a martial art in the traditional sense of the word. Its no-nonsense techniques are designed to get the job done without looking too flashy. Why? Because at its heart, Krav maga helps you survive, and survival isn’t aligned with etiquette or style.
- Brazilian Jiujitsu
True to its name, Brazilian jiujitsu is actually just an adaptation of both jujutsu and judo. It’s popular around the world now due to the UFC, but also because it’s truly crippling and maiming when used to its full effect. A good BJJ practitioner will be able to choke you easily or break any of your limbs if he wants to.
- Muay Thai
Similar to the ways taekwondo is effective, Muay Thai is excellent simply because of the powerful strikes you can deliver with your fists, feet, knees, and elbows. Even a novice Muay Thai fighter can already strike dangerously in the street, and very little space is needed because all you’ll need to do is throw a knee or an elbow before you even throw a punch or a kick.
What’s your preferred martial art for self-defense?
