The Best Martial Arts Styles for Self Defense
Story by:
Kyle Boureston
Everyone has a plan until they’ve been hit.” ~Joe Louis
Violence should be avoided as much as possible, but not at all costs. Unlike you and I, there are bad people in this world, and at times violence is unavoidable.
Because of this, one of the most important skills a man can have is the ability to protect himself and his family from an attacker.
There are hundreds if not thousands of martial arts styles out there but I’ve put together a list of the best of the best. Knowing any one of them (especially #1) can turn your body into a veritable weapon.
The 7 Best Martial Arts Styles for Self Defense
While I consider #1 (at the bottom of this page) to be the most effective martial arts style for self defense, not every martial art is for everyone (so I suggest you watch the video on each).
7. Jujutsu
Country of Origin:
Japan
Also Known As:
Jujitsu
Nicknamed:
“The Art of Softness”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Mixed
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Ice-T, Kanō Jigorō
History of Jujutsu
Many of today’s popular martial arts styles including Judo, Aikido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, are derivatives of Jujutsu.
It’s been so influential on modern martial arts that a list of the most effective styles likely wouldn’t exist without it.
This ancient martial art was developed by the Japanese and taught as one of the foundational fighting techniques of samurais.
The samurai were deadly with weapons, like the sword and bow, but if they were ever disarmed, they needed a way to defend themselves. Jujutsu was developed to help these fierce warriors if they found themselves without a weapon. If you’re interested in Japanese martial arts tools to help you practice, be sure to Shop at Kanu Swords. They offer high-quality swords, including katanas, wakizashi, tanto, and ninjato.
In English, Jujutsu translates to the “art of softness”. While its English translation may not strike fear into the hearts of your opponents, Jujutsu’s powerful and effective moves will.
Why Jujutsu is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
Jujutsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world because it uses your attacker’s aggressiveness, and the momentum that comes with that aggressiveness, against them.
When attacked, a Jujutsu fighter will redirect their attacker’s energy and momentum in a way that they prefer. This redirection renders the attack useless and often gives the Jujutsu fighter an opportunity for a counter attack.
The majority of Jujutsu’s moves are throws and joint locks (applying breaking pressure to a joint like an elbow or knee). The two used in combination are what make Jujutsu such an effective and deadly martial arts style.
As Jujutsu was developed for disarmed samurai, it’s an extremely effective martial arts style against both armed and unarmed attackers.
Video of Jujutsu
You might want to mute this video. The music is… interesting.
Music aside, the video shows a lot of great Jujutsu.
It’s easy to tell when a fighter completes a throw. It’s a little more difficult to see that one of the fighters has the other in a joint lock.
You’ll know a fighter is in a joint lock when you see them quickly hitting the ground, or their opponent, with an open hand. This is known as tapping. If one of the fighters “taps” it means that they’ve give up.
6. Taekwondo
Country of Origin:
Korea
Also Known As:
Tae Kwon Do, TKD
Nicknamed:
“The Way of the Hand and Fist”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Striking
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Barack Obama, Stevan Seagal, Jessica Alba, Willie Nelson
History of Taekwondo
Over the past 5,000 years, Taekwondo and Korea have simultaneously developed.
There were originally nine kwans (schools or dojos) of Taekwondo that were recognized by the Korean Government. Each kwan had their own unique style of Taekwondo.
In 1955, the nine kwans united to form one kwan which created the style of Taekwondo that is most commonly taught today.
Why Taekwondo is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
In martial arts movies, when you see fast and high spinning kicks, chances are the fighter is using Taekwondo.
These powerful high kicks are what make Taekwondo such an effective form of martial arts.
While it’s often characterized by its kicks, Taekwondo actually translates (albeit loosely) to “the way of the hand and fist” (Tae means foot, Kwon means fist, and Do means the way or discipline).
Taekwondo is the only martial arts style, on this list, that is an Olympic sport.
Video of Taekwondo
This video highlights the strength of Taekwondo’s high spin kicks. As you’ll see, these kicks alone are enough to place Taekwondo on our list of the best martial arts in the world.
Mute the sounds again…
5. Krav Maga
Country of Origin:
Israel
Also Known As:
NA
Nicknamed:
“Contact Combat”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Mixed
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Haim Gidon, Eyal Yanilov, Kobi Lichtenstein
History of Krav Maga
Krav Maga, Hebrew for contact combat, is easily one of the best martial arts for self defense in the world.
The martial arts style was created by Imi Lichtenfeld, a world renowned wrestler, boxer and gymnast.
In the mid-1930’s, anti-Semitic groups were common in many parts of Czechoslovakia. These groups terrorized the Jewish community that Lichtenfeld was a part of.
To protect his friends and family, Lichtenfeld gathered a group of young vigilantes to patrol the streets and defend the Jewish communities from the anti-Semitic thugs.
Krav Maga was born out of street fights and battles, between Lichtenfeld’s group of vigilantes and the anti-Semitic thugs.
Why Krav Maga is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
Krav Maga is designed to quickly neutralize threats.
The moves aren’t flashy; they’re simple and often dirty. I’ve heard many times “if it looks good, it’s probably not Krav Maga.”
There are three pillars of Krav Maga:
- Neutralize the threat. This is the main goal of the Krav Maga and can be seen in all of its principles.
- Simultaneous defense and attack. Unlike many martial arts styles, Krav Maga’s attack and defense are intertwined. Instead of blocking until there is an opportunity to attack, you block in a way that opens up the opportunity for a counter attack.
- Attack the body’s vulnerabilities. Krav Maga’s attacks target the body’s vulnerabilities such as the eyes, face, throat, neck, groin and fingers.
As you can see from #3 above, fighting etiquette is nonexistent with this deadly fighting style. It’s designed for life and death situations and places survival over fair play.
This effective martial arts style is the official combative system of the Israeli Defense Forces (the army of Israel also known as the IDF).
Video of Krav Maga
The video below shows two men using Krav Maga to defend themselves in different real world situations.
Maybe you should just mute all the videos. I don’t know who’s making these…
4. Aikido
Country of Origin:
Japan
Also Known As:
NA
Nicknamed:
“The Way of Harmony of the Spirit”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Grappling
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Steven Seagal, Matt Larsen
History of Aikido
This extremely effective martial arts style was created by Morihei Ueshiba.
In many ways, Aikido is not a traditional martial art. For example, Aikido fighters consider the safety and well-being of their attacker as much as they do their own. Rather than defeat their opponent, an Aikido fighter’s goal is to find a peaceful resolution.
Ueshiba was once quoted, “To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.”
Aikido is also a highly spiritual martial art. The word Aikido actually means “the way of harmony of the spirit” (Ai means harmony, Ki means spirit or energy, and Do means path or the way of).
Why Aikido is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
As a preface, Aikido is one of the most complicated of all the different Japanese martial arts. If you’re looking to quickly learn how to defend yourself, try one of the more reflexive martial arts styles like Krav Maga.
Aikido is a derivative of Jujutsu. It combines Jujutsu’s joint locks and throws with the body movements of sword and spear fighting.
Also similar to Jujutsu, Aikido heavily incorporates the concept of redirecting and manipulating the energy of an attacker. Aikido fighters use their opponent’s aggression and momentum to throw them away or render their attack powerless.
The additional time to master the technique, and the fact that the Aikido is a more peaceful style, doesn’t mean that it isn’t one of the best martial arts for self defense.
For proof of this, check out the video below.
Video of Aikido
The video below shows Thambu Sensei demonstrating the power of Aikido in different real world situations.
3. Wing Chun
Country of Origin:
China
Also Known As:
Ving Tsun
Nicknamed:
NA
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Striking
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Ip Man, Bruce Lee, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale
History of Wing Chun
The history of Wing Chun is a mix of fact and legend.
Most agree that it was developed in the 17th century as an offshoot of one of the more complex martial arts styles taught by Buddhist monks.
The most popular and commonly told history of Wing Chun is the story of the Buddhist Nun, Ng Mui. It’s said she created Wing Chun to be a martial arts style that could be effectively used regardless of a person’s size, weight or gender.
Mui developed many of the moves based on the movements of animals, particularly that of the crane. The combination of these different movements allow the fighter to block and strike much more effectively.
Part of the reason the above story is so commonly accepted is that it’s the same story that was told by Ip Man, the Wing Chun Grandmaster and sifu (Chinese for teacher) to the iconic Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee training with Grandmaster Ip Man
Why Wing Chun is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
Wing Chun fighters are some of the most well rounded fighters in the world.
Balance is one of the foundations of Wing Chun. Its fighter’s pride themselves on not being caught off balance or in a poor defense stance.
Similar to Krav Maga, they attack and defend simultaneously and, unlike many martial arts styles, are deadly at close range.
Video of Wing Chun:
The video below is from the movie Ip Man.
The man in black is Grandmaster Ip Man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPhylqOfGc0
2. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Country of Origin:
Japan/Brazil
Also Known As:
BJJ, Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Nicknamed:
“Human Chess”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Grappling
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, B.J. Penn, Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, Paul Walker, Michael Clarke Duncan
History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Similar to Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an adapted version of Jujutsu.
The founders and creators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) are the Gracie brothers Carlos and Helio. The two brothers based BJJ off of Judo, which is a derivative of Jujutsu.
Many Judo moves favor the stronger and larger fighter. Helio Gracie, the smallest of his siblings, felt that he was at a constant disadvantage to his larger brothers.
Out of his frustration, he developed the foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This new martial arts style allowed him to use leverage rather than brute strength to control a fight.
Largely due to the popularity of professional fighting, like the UFC, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has exploded in popularity in the United States.
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
No list of martial arts would be complete without Brazlian Jiu Jitsu.
BJJ is undoubtedly one of the most effective styles of martial arts in the world. Nearly all MMA and UFC fighters have trained extensively in BJJ.
The style teaches fighters to use leverage and proper weight distribution to defeat larger and/or stronger opponents.
BJJ is a mix of takedowns, ground control, passes and submissions (as well as defenses to each).
The submissions are what make the technique deadly. Fighters learn a mix of chokes, joint locks and cranks.
Chokes cut off an opponent’s air/oxygen supply, joint locks put add breaking pressure on a joint (such as the elbow or wrist) and cranks twist an opponent’s bodies into unnatural positions (which causes a great deal of pain). In most BJJ studios and tournaments, cranks are frowned upon or illegal.
Video of Brazlian Jiu Jitsu
It’s a little tough to tell what’s going on in any video showing BJJ, but believe me when I say these guys are complete badasses.
The following video shows two BJJ fighters, one brown belt (the second to highest belt) and one black belt (the highest belt) rolling. In the video, one fighter will take down the other and put them in some form of submission.
In the first series, the brown belt chokes the black belt. The second series shows the black belt putting the brown belt in an arm bar. In the third series, you see the brown belt put the black belt in an arm bar.
1. Muay Thai
Country of Origin:
Thailand
Also Known As:
Thai Boxing
Nicknamed:
“The Art of Eight Limbs”
Focus (Striking, Grappling or Mixed):
Striking
Famous/Notable Fighters:
Tony Jaa, Buakaw Banchamek
History of Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a Thai martial arts style and has extremely deep roots in the country. The fighting style is Thailand’s national sport and their cultural martial art.
Muay Thai experienced an almost Darwin-like evolution.
The deadly martial arts style was passed down from older soldiers and fathers to the younger generation.
As Thailand is completely surrounded by other countries, the nations was under constant attack.
Out of these countless battles, the weaker fighters were killed off and the strong fighters survived. Out of this, only the best Muay Thai was passed down to the next generation.
Over the years, the deadly martial arts style became more and more powerful.
Why Muay Thai is One of the Best Martial Arts Styles
Muay Thai is not only one of the most effective martial arts styles in the world, it’s also one of the best martial arts for self defense.
The technique is designed to convert the different parts of your body into different commonly used weapons of war.
The hands become daggers and swords; the elbows strike like a hammer or mace; the knees cut like an axe, the legs bash like a staff and the shins and forearms protect the body like a suit of armor.
Video of Muay Thai
If you haven’t seen Ong Bak, I recommend you stop reading this article, neglect all other responsibilities and watch it.
The movie has terrible acting and a terrible story line but, because of the incredible Tony Jaa, it’s one of the best fighting movies I’ve ever seen.
Below is a clip of Tony Jaa destroying opponents using Muay Thai.
In Conclusion
Learning how to handle yourself in a physical conflict is one of the most important skills you can have.
I recommend you try a few different martial arts styles before committing to one. Like I said above, not every martial art is for everyone.
Most studios will even offer a free class to first time students so you have no excuse not to get out there and learn to protect yourself and the ones you love!
2.5
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0.5
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5
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4.5
Many styles have been left off the list which are just as effective as most on the list. A highly skillful male in any style has a very high probability of beating an attacker untrained in any martial arts. There is a lot of BS about women learning self-defense but the truth is that a highly trained woman after years of training is unlikely to defeat a 20 year old male that is fit and experienced in several sports and has had a few real fights. What does that say about women taking a one month course in self-defense?
No Ninjutsu? Good schools are hard to find, and you don’t see Ninjutsu in the movies because it is just not flashy and does not include any fancy high kicks, but arnt you pretty vulnerable with a leg 2 feet in the air? Ninjutsu=best street fighting style IMO. Close combat, little movement as possible, end attacker as fast as possible, use attackers movement and weight against them, non-competition, no rules.
well if you’re on a street fight and get surrounded, use keysi. it is more effective
All of the arts you list have something good about them, but you really should look at SFA, The Survival Fighting Axiom. SFA is truly a new birth in the field of real life Hand To Hand Combat and Self Defense. SFA is different, there are no blocks and it deals with energy in a completely different way. I kid you not it literally destroys strikers, grapplers and ground fighters quite equally while its own attacks cannot be countered. You know every martial art is great as per the perception of it’s designer but every generation also improves on the ones that came before. The cars of today are much better than the ones in 1932 and SFA is another example of this kind of development from a man who was really gifted in this are. you can see at http://www.sfaselfdefense.com
I just came here from a Google search and have to disagree with this list. I have trained in Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and Aikdo and am proficient in all 3. For the others I can only speak of what I have read and seen from other practitioners.
Both Aikdo and Wing Chun are very effective but have very high learning curves. If you were too take Boxing, Kenpo, or Muay Thai for say 3-4 months, your ability to defend yourself if attacked on the street would be substantially increased. For Aikdo and Wing Chun,the first 2 months aren’t gearing you to fight. They are disciplines that take much longer study and practice until they can be effective.
Tae Kwon Do is really now for sport. Don’t get me wrong a black belt can easily knock someone out and do some serious damage to a person with their strikes, but it’s lack of close quarter and upper body techniques don’t make it ideal for street fights. It is a great style for someone seeking to master several styles or who wants a well rounded education in the arts to start with though.
You didn’t include Kenpo or Boxing-both of which can be super effective in self defense. Kenpo is well rounded in strikes both upper and lower body as well as grapple/close techniques. Boxing will teach a strong defense and offense, fighting in a corner, how to take a hit and keep standing, and stable footwork which is essential for any fighter.
I think what you say about Aikido and Wing Chin is also true of muay Thai. Muay Thai worksif you exploit young kids and make them abuse themselves for years… But it’s effectiveness quickly diminishes in your late 20’s. Show me a muay Thai champ over 30!
Other arts are more suitable for men. I don’t like jiujitsu at #1 for self defense. Maybe it’s #1 for dueling one on one. But for multiple attackers it is the worst martial art. While you’re submitting someone, his girlfriend may be kicking your unguarded head in.
The Krav vids are aikido.
After watching the videos and reading the article; my rating is as under:
1) Jui Jitsu
2) Krav Maga
3) Wing Chun
4) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5) Muay Thai
6) Tae kwon do
&
7) Aikodo
I am keeping Jiu Jitsu on top as it covers all the aspects of Hand to Hand Combat, Striking using Hands, Elbows, Knees, Legs, Feet & even Head. It also gives great knowledge of Grapling & Throwing and no need to mention about usage of hand to hand combat weapons as Samurai Ninjas are best warriors and assassins in human history.
What would you recommend for a 7 year old girl to defend herself at school.
Hey Lucy (and Allesandro above)…
All of the martial arts on this list will teach your youngsters to defend themselves. At that age, it’s a lot more about them learning the mental aspects of martial arts (discipline, focus, etc.).
Look for a place that has a good kids program (do a yelp search for “kids martial arts [insert your location]”.) Take them to classes, at a few different dojos, and see which one is the best fit for your little one.
Do any of you above know a private teacher for Krav Maga in Bedfordshire in the UK?
What would you recommend for a 12 year old? A martial art that just shows you how to defend against punches ect. Mainly for street/school
Jiu Jitsu! Gracie Academy has a bully proof program!
http://www.gracieacademy.com/bully_proof.asp
While I appreciate this article in trying to give us information on what the 7 best Martial Arts for self-defense is; I would not put Tae Kwon Do ahead of Judo as being a better self-defense for the street.
Nice job, you should include common places on where to learn these martial arts!
Aikido-choreographed situations throughout trading. Predetermined situations with fixed response and aggressors trained to respond to defensive maneuvers, giving defender ease in responding and so as to avoid injury to the aggressor.
Tae Kwan do. Tournament art. Not realistic for street, esp with tight jeans, no warm up, relative De-emphasis of upper body techniques, and lack of emphasis on low knee breaking kicks. Can’t walk, can’t fight.
Chinese Internal martial arts, extremely effective!!
Unfortunately, tai chi has been diluted by many into marshmallow fu. So most people don’t know it is the supreme ultimate.
I took isshinryu and jujitsu for four years from an ex soldier and an ex cop when I was a kid and later trained with friends who studied BJJ and kungfu as an adult. After several sparring sessions and some ill advised confrontations on the street I begin to realize that some arts although theoretically are cool like wing chun and others that are supposed to be totally devastating like krav maga, I’ve never actually seen them work in real life. Never. Tae kwon do, MMA, boxing I’ve seen all these in either real life or in fight sport where two guys are beating the crap out of each other for money or survival. Akido, not so much. Movies and choreographed demonstrations are one thing, experience or eye witness accounts are the truth.
Man, Muay Thai is not Kung Fu. Ong Bak is in NO way a Kung Fu movie.
Good catch James! You’re 100% right that Muay Thai is not a Kung Fu movie.
Just made the change to the article.
Having trained in all disciplines listed here except krav maga, I do largely agree with the list. However what it fails to mention is that a mix of elements from each discipline is what would best aid you. However first I’d like to point out that the best martial artist is one who never needs to defend with their martial arts.
That said, I think of practical application martial arts I’d add Silat Perisai Diri and Filipino Martial Arts. Systema looks practical as well, even though I have never practiced it cannot vouch for the usefulness in real combat.
If you were to takes elements out of different disciplines then practice Tae Kwon Do Kicks (the speed and balance is unmatched), Muah Thai Kicks (because of their strength), (Brazilian) Jiu Jutsu Throws and grapling techniques, Aikido Footwork, Hand movements, and Counterattacks (throws are similar to jiu jutsu), Silat punching techinques, counterattacks (very good punching techniques), and FMA Weapon techniques and counterattacks (FMA borrows heavily from kuntao, silat and hokkien martial arts as well as some jiu jutsu components, and even spanish fencing techniques)
Ken, I think you just created some sort of SUPER martial art!
Seriously though, that would be a deadly and terrifying combination…
Yeah, it’s called Jeet Kune Do, and even though you talked about Wing Chun and Bruce Lee you forgot to put it on the list.
Jeet Kune Do is definitely a hybrid martial art, but not one that combines Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Aikido and Fillipino martial arts.
Interesting List, I would personally order it a bit different but that is from my own experiences and research (and it would be a different list mostly if chose all 7). Mainly i would rate Muay thai, Krav Maga, and Jui-jitsu in the top 3 spots, and fairly close. If i have to give a numerical order it would be 1. Muay Thai, 2. Krav Maga, and 3. Jui-jitsu due to difficulty in putting training to practice. And have wing chun as a definite 4th place. While I can respect the capabilities of the other martial arts, I feel aikido and BJJ are too high. For one BJJ (as taught) is highly restricted in real life combat, imagine trying to get in position and utilizing those moves on a bar floor. And aikido is an incredibly difficult art to put into practice wihtout years of training, and as the opponents ability increases the diffuculty in application increases. If i could offer up some other alternatives i would say most Kung fu styles, since they start with basics before getting into the flashier stuff, and karate because of focus on physical development. Boxing and kick boxing because most of the time knowing how to punch and block can turn the tide.
I like your input on karate and kung fu. I trained karate when I was young and, like you said, remember that even the basic moves were very effective for self defense.
While I haven’t used BJJ in a bar, it is very useful in real life situations. Most fights inevitably end up on the ground, which is of course where BJJ shines. Even in a confined space, you can still use BJJ to defend yourself from an opponent who knows less about grappling.
Nice article. The link to the last video has been copyright protected (was looking forward to watching it). I studied some Aikido back in the day. While the moves get difficult as you progress, there are some basic starter moves that are extremely easy and useful. Just NEVER practice with someone who does not know how to fall properly or their skull will be harmonious with the ground.
Glad you liked the post and thanks for letting me know about the video. I got a new one up there if you want to check it out. That clip really doesn’t do Ong Bak justice. If you haven’t seen it, I definitely recommend you watch it!
Hah, good advice with Aikido there! Nobody likes when their head is in harmony with the ground…
I am screwed I don’t know how to do any of this!
It’s the perfect time to start!
I’m confused so if I want to learn self defense being a very short woman (4’8) if I was being mugged at night in da streets, which would be my best defense to learn theirs so many???
Jiu Jitsu! The Gracie academy has a women empowerment program!
http://www.gracieacademy.com/women_empowered.asp
Krav Maga teaches you how to disarm someone with a knife,gun,bat,etc. third party protection and how to defend against multiple attackers realisticly.Not to mention the many law enforcement agencies that use it around the world.But you don’t put it number 1 but an absurd #5!
Law enforcement agencies train in a lot of different martial arts styles.
Anyway, #5 out of the hundreds of different martial arts out there isn’t bad… that’s damn good!
Hey man, good list. I studied a martial art called shaolin iron palm for a couple of years before I moved to another city. I really miss it, it taught me how to defend myself but also how to control my body. Many martial arts don’t teach the softer side with the hard which causes imbalance. Iron palm teaches all of this and more.
Glad you like the list!
I’m with you… I studied BJJ for years a while back and really miss it.
Have You ever heard about Our National Pencak Silat (as seen on Movie : The Raid)
How is your idea about it?
Thanks Bro.
Good stuff and awesome movie. Really want to see The Raid 2!
Yeah. I think The Raid 2 would be a good hit movie. It more extreme in The Raid 2