Today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Best Self Defense Martial Arts styles.
Top 10 Self Defense Martial Arts Styles
We’re ranking various schools of martial arts training and specifically those where self defense tactics are most promoted and utilized. If someone comes at you with a weapon, one of the best moves is the basic wrist throw. This list is not about the best or most effective martial arts styles, but rather those that focus most on keeping the practitioner out of harm’s way.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #10: Arnis
Arnis, also known as Kali. Self-preservation is key to the origins of this Filipino martial arts style, which is also known as Kali or Escrima. Regardless of the term you use, they each basically refer to the usage of some manner of weapon for self-defense, with the emphasis being on techniques with blades, knives, or sticks. Arnis is also the national sport and self-defense discipline of the Philippines, and it brings with it a rich heritage of self preservation techniques which also includes grappling, joint locks, and hand-to-hand combat, oftentimes with improvised weapons.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #9: Judo.
The term judo translates to “gentle way” in Japanese and is a form of martial arts which emphasizes tosses and throws and which are utilized in order to subdue or otherwise immobilize an opponent. Oftentimes judo involves using an opponent’s own center of balance against them, forcing a takedown or choke without the use of traditional fists or palm strikes. These latter elements are all a part of choreographed judo training and are also known as kata, but they are not allowed in competitive judo matches because of the discipline’s primary focus on earning an opponent’s submission.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #8: Hapkido.
This Korean martial art incorporates a wide variety of elements as well as techniques from other martial arts into its discipline, taking a sort of “best of” approach to self-defense. Hapkido takes from both the grappling and striking ends of the martial arts spectrum, while placing particular emphasis on leverage, distance, and positioning to properly redirect the force of a potential opponent. Performing strikes and kicks in a circular motion is also indicative of the Hapkido discipline. The name itself can be literally translated to “the joining energy way,” lending further credence to Hapkido’s notion of the coordinated and harmonious flow of energy.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style # 7: Aikido.
This Japanese discipline also deals with harmony and energy, but it takes its notion of universal harmony even further by stressing the safety of both the defender and attacker whenever possible. The Aikido philosophy stresses the shifting of balance and using an opponent’s momentum against them before subduing attackers via a joint lock or throw. Famous practitioners of Aikido include action star Steven Seagal, who has utilized aspects of the discipline in many of his films.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #6: Krav Maga.
Developed in Israel, Krav Maga is a military self-defense system that focuses on real-world combat situations. It is designed to be efficient and brutal, using a combination of strikes, kicks, and grappling techniques. Krav Maga also emphasizes the use of common objects as weapons and the ability to defend against multiple attackers. It is widely used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #5: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
This martial art is focused on ground fighting and submission techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes the use of leverage and technique over strength and size, making it an effective self-defense system for people of all sizes. It is also widely used in mixed martial arts competitions.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style # 4: Muay Thai.
Also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai is a striking martial art from Thailand that utilizes punches, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes. It is known for its powerful and precise strikes, as well as its devastating elbow and knee strikes. Muay Thai also incorporates a strong emphasis on conditioning, making it a physically demanding discipline.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style # 3: Taekwondo.
This Korean martial art is known for its striking techniques, particularly its powerful kicks. Taekwondo is also a sport and is an Olympic event. It also incorporates a strong emphasis on discipline and self-control, making it a popular martial art for children and adults alike.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style #2: Karate.
Karate is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes striking techniques, particularly punches and kicks. It also incorporates grappling and joint locks. Karate is a popular martial art for self-defense and is widely taught in schools and martial arts studios around the world.
Best Self Defense Martial Arts Style # 1: Kung Fu.
Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide variety of styles and techniques, including striking, grappling, and weapons. Kung Fu is known for its fluid, graceful movements and its emphasis on internal power. It is also a popular martial art for self-defense and is widely taught around the world.
These are our picks for the top 10 self-defense martial arts styles.
Remember that the most important aspect of any self-defense system is the mindset and attitude of the practitioner.
It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and to have the courage and determination to defend yourself if necessary.
Paul is a 44 year old Online Marketeer and Dad to a beautifull daughter who started Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
After a few lessons Paul joined a class where the parents where allowed to go on the mat with the kids.
Since then Paul is hooked and he immediately started immerging himself in the world of martial arts.
Awesome. The school my son is attending wanted $99.99 for the same thing. The school one did have his name on it but I can buy nice stencils and do that myself!!
Where’s the other 3 seasons??? This Season One collection is good, including the trailer it is well done.
However, having said that, I would also like to see the other three seasons out as well!!
Great Display. Bought this for my 4 year old to display her accomplishments & she is super proud to see them hanging up! It has plenty of room to maybe put decal letters at the top for a name. There is not one thing that I would change about this piece. She loves it and I’m sure I will be buying another one in the future when she ranks into the solid colored belts 🙂
I’m so happy. I’m so happy, perfect for my son’s room.
Cons….this need one bar more because my son is brown belt and that is last belt before black and they all wont fit.
I’m bought sticker capital letter in hobby lobby for personalize…..I love it
Much More for Less. My grandson was excited to receive this collection; I was delighted to purchase it for such a low price, then surprised to receive an online copy for my viewing! Unbelievable offer!!
Good movies. Still good movies at a good price. Don’t have any idea what vudu is !
Love it. My son is very excited to put all his belts on it.
Enjoyable. My grandson loves these movies and he’s taking karate lessons great choices
The Karate Kid Collection. The movies played well and my grandson was excited to get Karate Kid with Jaden Smith, he loves this movie! Purchase was worth the price for the collection.
Kung Fu (1986). good quality
Karate Kid. I like the instawatch feature. It’s a great feel good movie about overcoming adversity.
Great collection. The karate kid collection was a great deal.
Martial Arts must have. Illustration of how the basics of karate were taught and the dedication required to repeat a single task to perfect a move in modern day society. A good series that teaches the bushido in a theatrical setting. Had hoped for bluray.
Excellent. My daughter loves her karate belt display. This was truly a great investment. She shows everyone her display when they come over. Definitely worth the money
:). The look on my granddaughters face when she opend it…Priceless [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Enjoyed by all ages. This is a time tested series. Made back in the 70s staring David Carradine. as Kwai Chang Caine. The content is just wonderful. Set in the late 1800 in the American west. With flash backs to China of the wisdom he gained from his time with the monk priest.
Better than average martial afrts movie. Good semi factual movie with the usual Hollywood makeover. As a retired martial arts master I saw many factual things and I managed to ignore the things (like levitation) that movie makers use as a hook.
10/10. arrived earlier than expected.the quality of the product is very nice.it looks like wood not a plywood or chipboard kind of.
A beautiful movie. You must watch it to understand how it felt like being American, if you ever was one.
Perfect for this costume. Just like the description says!
Great deal! My kids wanted to see the original movie since they really have enjoyed Cobra Kai! Can’t beat getting all 4 movies for $10!
Poor delivery. Delayed 3 additional days. The DVD series is what I ordered, and it is fine. My only complaint is that it took 3 additional days to be delivered from what was indicated upon ordering. Really lousy delivery.
LOOK OUT! KARATE KID! very nice, my little green belt LOVES it!She can’t wait to fill it up with all the belts she going to earn
I love this series because it reminds me of watching it when I was a kid and acting like quite shaking. I realized that I never watched the series straight through before and am having a blast doing just that!
Learning Karate. I like this movie. The kid does all these things around the place, he does not know he is learning karate.
Martial Arts Belt Holder. Exactly what I was looking for! I’m sure I will be ordering more soon. It was also the best price I could find.
great series of show but was gift for someone…
we was right for rhe part good BOX set. David carnadine was good at this, and at the time this was hot stuff to look at on the TV and his younger brother Robert carridene [ the cute one with long hair ], was in it also and john Carridene also a major star in his own right
not what I thought. It was better when I was a kid.
Very good material and price! I like this product, was so cool decoratingmy sons room!
Ordered for grandson. He loved it.
Great product will buy again. This was a great deal. Good quality.
Made Dad’s Christmas! My dad loved this show when it first came out and we have looked for it forever. He found individual seasons but they were so expensive he just passed on watching it at all. Then I found this complete series for about the same price as others wanted for just 1 season so I jumped on the deal! He was so surprised at Christmas and now I’m in the doghouse with my mom because she can’t get him to do anything because he can’t quit watching David Carradine as Young Grasshopper! Lol
u get what you pay for i guess. material too thin looks like it will tear quick. dosent look nothing like picture. cheap quality.
It isn’t filled with anything, the picture makes it look like it’s ready to go when in reality it’s a flat shell when u receive it. Not recommended unless u want to fill it on your own. My child was very disappointed with this birthday gift
Idk. I like how it come in perfect
great product. fast shipping and great quality
Double price. I bought this series a few months ago. It is excellent. The only problem is they doubled the price. Screw Wal-Mart greed
i like the length of it. looks like the picture. color is not what i expected
Kung-fu Is A Great Show To Enjoy.
I like the fact that they are very light.
for the price it is perfect for my 8 yr old who’s just starting Tae Kwon Do. i recommend buying a punching bag stand if you dont want to hang it from the ceiling.
The sand wasn’t included to fill the bag. If u don’t read under the description part you won’t know it doesn’t come with the stuffing.