Choosing the Best Martial Art for Self-Defense
Selecting the most effective martial art for self-defense can be a confusing process, given the wide array of styles available, each with its unique techniques and objectives. However, when considering real-life self-defense scenarios, the focus shifts towards practical systems alongside striking and grappling styles. Mixed martial arts is essential for self-defense. It’s about confidence, discipline, and respect as well as strength and being able to defend yourself from physical harm.
A Historical Perspective on Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts dates back thousands of years. It is believed that it started in ancient China during the Han dynasty when soldiers were taught to use a mix of fighting styles to take down their opponents. Also around that time, in ancient Greece and Rome, some fighters were trained to fight with everything they had. These martial arts styles were quite bloody, though, and were later banned. In another part of the world, far off in the east in Japan, we saw the development of karate and judo. And, of course, there’s something special to be said about Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which was developed from a combination of Asian martial arts and a Brazilian twist. Overall, the history of mixed martial arts is rich and diverse, borrowing moves from different styles to help you take down an opponent or an attacker.
Striking Arts for Self-Defense
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is also known as Thai boxing. What makes this martial arts special is its intricate and strong kicks that can disarm an opponent quickly.
Boxing
With its intense conditioning, boxing uses powerful punches and strikes to disarm opponents.
Kickboxing
Much like the name suggests, kickboxing is about adding kicks to the punches used in boxing.
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Savate
You will be forgiven for thinking that the French martial arts Savate is similar to kickboxing because it uses both punches and kicks. However, there are important differences, with a major focus on kicks.
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a Kung Fu style that focuses on a direct approach and targeted strikes, ideal for close-range self-defense and combat.
Grappling Arts for Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
If you find yourself in a one-on-one situation with an attacker, BJJ is a great option for self-defense. It’s a lot about ground techniques, chokes, and locks, meaning you can bring your opponent down quite quickly, depending on your skill set. One of my current school’s masters has also been training the black belts in BJJ and judo-based defense, ground fighting, and throws.
Aikido
If you find yourself pitted against an aggressive opponent, aikido could help you. It’s about redirecting their energy to diffuse situations. The Approach could be right for you. This martial art is not directly focused on self-defense techniques but it does aim to throw opponents down, which can be effective in such situations. It follows strict rules.
Hybrid and Practical Self-Defense Systems
Krav Maga
Krav Maga expert Jake Randall provides his insight on which martial arts can provide a solid foundation for self-defense. This is why many people look at practical systems like Krav Maga alongside striking and grappling styles.
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Reality-Based Self-Defense (RBSD) / Combatives
Reality-based self-defense (RSBD) or combatives, as it’s also called, is a mixed martial arts style that can be learned quite quickly for self-defense purposes. However, your skills and training require a good instructor for it to be effective. This type of MMA is a good form of self-defense. It can be used to fight an opponent and even disarm them if they have a weapon.
Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee is credited for having developed Jeet Kune Do, which is not only a self-defense approach but also a martial arts philosophy that emphasizes practicality and efficiency.
Silat
Originating in southeast Asia, the silat martial arts features quick strikes, limb destruction, and dance-like movements.
Martial Arts as a Way of Life
Over the years, you will have realized that martial arts is essential for self-defense. However, it is also an important way of life. It’s about confidence, discipline, and respect as well as strength and being able to defend yourself from physical harm. Karate is not only a powerful way of getting fit. It’s also about a holistic approach to life and a martial arts philosophy. While my martial art (taekwondo) is primarily a striking art, the type I’ve trained in includes grabs, joint locks, and takedowns from hapkido.
MMA as a Sport vs. Self-Defense
MMA is more of a sport although it can still be used for self-defense.
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