
There are many different martial arts forms to choose from. You can choose from karate, boxing, Muay Thai, krav maga, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Jujitsu, or a combination of all of them.
Each of these martial arts has its own specific strengths and weaknesses. Below, you’ll find an overview of each. Regardless of your fitness level, you can benefit from learning one or more of these martial arts.
There are more types of fighting styles but these are the more common martial art forms.
Wing Chun Chinese Martial Arts
As one of the stories goes. Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art and form of self-defense. Wing Chun is one of the few martial arts that does not rely on brute strength, making it ideal for smaller practitioners.
The art was developed in the 18th century by nun Ng Mui, who based it on her observations of how a crane defends itself from attack.
If you’re looking for a self-defense style, you might want to check out Wing Chun. This style has been taught for thousands of years.
It was created in a time when martial arts had no padded floors, referees, or even a common definition of “self-defense.” In modern society, however, there are many zealots who teach the form.
Wing Chun Martial Arts Forms
This video is a perfect example of martial artists coming together and sharing ideas.
This style of close-quarters fighting was developed in China and refined in Hong Kong by the late Grandmaster Ip Man.
Unlike most forms of martial arts, it emphasizes visualization and using a center line in your body. In addition to this, attacks in Wing Chun usually occur simultaneously as the student moves forward into the opponent.
This is why Ving Tsun is considered one of the deadliest martial arts styles on the planet.
While it can seem difficult to keep up, this style is highly effective and can even be effective in self-defense situations. Practicing it often involves learning the correct application of force and energy.
If you’re not interested in close-combat or kicks, Wing Chun may not be for you. It requires strong reflexes and a good sense of balance and sensitivity.
As such, in order to achieve real results in Wing Chun, a martial artist needs to have a lot of patience.
Muay Thai Thailand Martial Art
Muay Thai is a martial art that has origins in Thailand. It is sometimes referred to as the “art of eight limbs” because it utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
Muay Thai is considered a very effective form of self-defense, and many people use it for fitness purposes as well. The history of Muay Thai dates back centuries, and martial art is still popular today.
While most people associate Muay Thai with violence and brutality, this art is also considered to be a martial art form of self-defense.
While many martial arts are deadly, this type of combat has a lot of benefits, too. Learn to defend yourself from attacks and learn how to land a heavy kick.
Here are eight reasons why Muay Thai is one of the 8 best martial arts forms.
Muay Thai is a highly technical and precise form of fighting, combining the use of elbow strikes, knees, shins, and hands.
The striking technique is highly effective in any range of standup combat, and it uses all eight limbs to attack.
The technique is easy to learn and has many applications in the world of stand-up fighting. It is also considered one of the best martial arts for beginners.
Muay Thai Training Tip
1. When you’re in a clinch, keep your hips and shoulders square to your opponent. This will make it more difficult for them to throw elbows or knees.
2. If you’re being punched, don’t try to block the punches with your gloves. Instead, move your head out of the way and counterattack.
3. If you’re being kicked, use your shin to block the kick. This will minimize the damage that’s done to your leg.
Kicks are the most powerful weapon in Muay Thai. The roundhouse kick, or “twice-twist,” is feared worldwide, and it is considered one of the most powerful kicks in all of the martial arts.
Famous fighters include Yodsanklai Fairtex and Singdam, who used vicious kicking techniques to break down their opponents’ defenses.
Boxing Has Ancient Roots
The sport of boxing can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece. In these early forms of the sport, fighters would use their hands and fists to hit each other in the head.
The goal was to knock the opponent out or to make them submit. Boxing continued to grow in popularity and eventually made its way to America.
The first recorded boxing match in America took place in 1816. In 1839, the first heavyweight championship was held. The fight was between James “Deaf” Burke and Tom Molineaux.
Burke won the match and became the first heavyweight champion of America. Boxing continued to grow in popularity and by the late 1800s, it had become a popular spectator sport.
Boxers began to earn more money and receive more recognition. In 1920, the first Women’s World Boxing Champion was crowned.
One of the oldest forms of combat, boxing is still one of the most effective self-defense systems in the world. Its focus on accurate head movements, effective footwork, and precise punches makes it one of the best martial arts for self-defense.
Boxing techniques have been tested by top athletes and practitioners for thousands of years, proving that the boxing system can be used in real-world situations.
Boxing Training Tip
Boxing is a physical and mental sport that can provide great fitness benefits if done correctly.
Here is a boxing training tip to help you get started:
Start by finding a boxing gym that offers beginner classes. This will help you learn the basics of the sport and increase your chances of staying safe while boxing.
When you start your boxing training, begin with light workouts and gradually increase the intensity as you become more fit. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can lead to injuries.
Be sure to focus on proper form when you box. This will help protect your body from injury and allow you to achieve better results from your training.
Boxers use their hands to shield their necks and faces. They also train their legs. Training in boxing develops strength, stamina, reflexes, and willpower.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga (Hebrew: קרב מגע) is a martial art and self-defense system that was designed for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and is comprised of a diverse variety of techniques taken from boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Aikido, Karate, and Kung Fu.
The IDF developed this system specifically for its own use. Krav Maga is well-known for its emphasis on realistic combat scenarios, as well as its counterattacks that are renowned for their high effectiveness and brutality.
Since the early 1990s, it has been taught to members of the general public.
The history of Krav Maga can be traced back to the early 1930s when Imi Lichtenfeld started developing it as a self-defense system for youth living in the Jewish quarter of Bratislava, Czechoslovakia.
When it comes to life-or-death situations, Krav Maga can’t be beaten. With its focus on disarming an attacker while avoiding injury, this form focuses on neutralizing the opposition.
As the official combative system of Israel’s Defense Forces, Krav Maga is effective in a variety of life-threatening situations, including home invasions.
While the physical aspects of these styles are arguably the most appealing, they have a steep learning curve.
For instance, grappling arts such as Krav Maga require a high level of flexibility and strong joints. Despite its high-impact nature, however, the technique requires quick reflexes and requires strength and endurance.
And while it is not as popular as other martial arts, it is still quite formidable in the hands of a trained student. This is because the technique was developed to be useful in the real world, and not just as a fancy sport.
Krav Maga Training Tip:
When it comes to Krav Maga, one of the most important things to remember is that you need to be constantly practicing.
This means that you need to find different ways to practice and improve your skills so that you’re always ready for whatever situation might come up.
One great way to do this is by using training tips. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your training:
1. Practice regularly. Like any other skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try to set aside time each day or week to work on your Krav Maga skills.
2. Be creative with your practice. Don’t just do the same drills over and over again. Try new things and mix up your routine occasionally. This will help keep things interesting and challenging.
Judo
Judo is a martial art and sport that was developed in Japan in the late nineteenth century. It is based on principles of balance, leverage, and control.
The goal of judo is to use these principles to throw or pin an opponent to the ground. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964.
Among the eight best martial arts forms, Judo is perhaps the least known. The basic technique does not involve striking. Instead, practitioners are trained to protect themselves from strikes.
Consequently, they don’t use strikes during their training. Nevertheless, they are still expected to get thrown to the ground.
Fortunately, most sessions will include plenty of falling practice. Judo is not only a good way to learn self-defense, but it can also be a fun social activity, too.
Judo is a form of unarmed combat developed by Kano Jigoro. With roots in jujitsu, Judo is a martial art that focuses on the mind and body.
It’s considered more practical than jujitsu because it’s non-contact, and the focus is on controlling your opponent on the ground instead of striking. This style also teaches you how to use your opponent’s strength against him.
Judo Training Tips
One important aspect of training for judo is learning how to fall safely. This may seem like a trivial thing, but it is actually one of the most important skills you can learn in order to stay safe while practicing.
In addition to learning how to fall safely, it is also important to develop your throwing techniques. There are many different throws in judo, and each one requires a different set of skills and techniques.
Traditional Karate (Japanese Martial Arts)
When you’re looking for a sport that can protect you from attacks, you should consider learning karate.
Unlike other forms of martial arts, karate focuses more on kicking and using your opponents’ energy against them. It can be effective in alley fights, too.
There are 4 main styles of karate. They are Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Goju-ryu. Each has different characteristics, but they are all related to each other.
They each developed from different styles and origins. Below are the differences between the styles and their origins.
Let’s start with Shotokan
Shotokan was created in Japan around the 16th century, and its roots lie in Naha and Shuri, two towns on the island of Okinawa.
The Shotokan style is the oldest and most popular of the four main styles of karate. Founded in Tokyo in 1938 by Gichin Funakoshi, this style is considered the foundation of modern karate.
Gichin Funakoshi, a native of Okinawa, brought the art to mainland Japan and eventually around the world. Today, this style is practiced in almost every country in the world.
Among the masters of the Japanese style of karate, Kenwa Mabuni was a leading teacher of the style. He trained with the legendary master Itosu from an early age and was able to study the Naha-te with him.
He also learned kata from the master Higashioona of Naha, who brought kata from China and popularized them in Goju Ryu. Eventually, his son Jigoro Kano joined the Okinawa police force and taught Karate on the island.
Fun Fact: Goju-Ryu was the main style used in the movie Karate Kid
Goju-Ryu and Shuto-Ryu
The four major styles of karate include Goju-Ryu and Shuto-Ryu. The latter style combines hard and soft techniques. The emphasis on power and accuracy in striking is crucial in this style. While Goju-ryu is the most popular, Shinto-Ryu and Shotokan styles combine a variety of techniques. It is important to choose a style that is compatible with your skill level.
Wado-Ryu
Wado-Ryu, also known as shodan, was founded by Hienori Otsuka in 1939. It is based on traditional Okinawan karate techniques and was heavily influenced by Gichin Funakoshi Jiu-jitsu. Wado-Ryu emphasizes hand and foot strikes, joint locks, throws, and kata.
In addition to incorporating techniques from various styles, this style is also considered to be a spiritual discipline. The stance is typically shorter than those found in other styles.
Wado-Ryu, or way of harmony, originated in the 19th century in Japan. Gichin Funakoshi taught Hironori Otsuka. This style combines basic movements of jujitsu with evasion.
This style places emphasis on the spiritual discipline of karate. Another popular style is Okinawa-Te, which was developed by Sokon Matsumura, who combined Okinawa-Te and Shaolin Kenpo.
Shorin-Ryu
The oldest style of karate is Okinawa Shorin-Ryu. It originated from Okinawa, and its founder was given the honorary title of “Bushi” by the Ryukyuan Dynasty.
This style is known as Shuri-Te. The name means “fighting style” and comes from the names of the founders. Traditionally, Shotokan styles are heavy on stances and powerful strikes.
Kyokushin karate is the toughest style. Emphasis is on power and damage. It is the hardest style and focuses on sparring without protective gear.
Students in Kyokushin can punch and kick bare knuckles and have superb conditioning. Kyokushin is the most difficult style of karate, but the most rewarding. So how do you decide which style is best for you?
Today, over 100 million people practice karate in over 150 countries, and karate is scheduled to debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
It has been ranked from beginner to advanced practitioner by various martial arts organizations. The art is taught by masters in various schools around the world and is an excellent choice for self-defense training.
The most well-known style of karate is the Japanese naginata. The technique combines various types of kicks, strikes, and blocks to cause an opponent to fall.
While the movements are basic, they generate incredible force. Interestingly, Shaolin kung fu is the oldest martial art in China, and its history is amazing.
Monks who practice this art are highly effective and have proven themselves in history many times.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that originated in China. The name Tai Chi translates to “Supreme Ultimate.”
Tai Chi is considered a “soft” martial art because it uses slow, gentle movements. However, Tai Chi is also a powerful form of self-defense. The history of Tai Chi dates back more than 2,500 years.
The art was developed by Chen Wangting, who was born in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Chen Wangting combined the techniques of various martial arts styles to create Tai Chi.
Today, Tai Chi is practiced all over the world. The art has many benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, and strength. Tai Chi also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
The effectiveness of Tai Chi for self-defense is a controversial subject. Its pushing movements and controlled repetition are intended for combat.
Students practice slowly and carefully to learn control and accuracy before speeding up and applying the techniques.
These movements are effective against an opponent without causing unnecessary damage. Those interested in Tai Chi for self-defense should look for a teacher who emphasizes this application over health or meditation.
This Chinese martial art form is based on a series of movements and poses that can be practiced standing up or in a semi-stiff posture.
While most martial arts styles focus on stand-up combat, Tai Chi is a form of internal fighting. Breathing techniques help maintain balance and serve as a form of stress relief. The five main styles of Tai Chi are:
Tai Chi may appear slow when compared to other martial arts, but this is only because it is so precise. Many techniques require a great deal of mental preparation and focus.
Tai Chi students must learn correct body positioning and form to become proficient. Tai Chi also has few defensive moves, but it includes the Grab Break and dodges to defend yourself.
However, it is also a low-impact martial art. It may be best for those who do not want to make a commitment to learning martial arts.
Tai Chi Training Tips
1) Start with the basics. Don’t try to learn too much at once. The basic moves are the foundation of Tai Chi and will help you develop good techniques.
2) Be patient. Learning Tai Chi takes time and practice. Don’t expect to be able to do all the moves perfectly right away.
3) Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at the art. Try to practice at least once a day if possible.
4) Stay focused.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
When it comes to self-defense, Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranks among the best martial arts. This art combines groundwork and a variety of angles to dominate an opponent.
It also makes use of in-depth knowledge of human anatomy. While Brazilian jiu-jitsu doesn’t use many strikes, it emphasizes tight, close-contact grappling and joint manipulations.
Whether you decide to practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a sport or a hobby, there are several benefits to this art form. Among these are increased self-confidence and better self-esteem.
Additionally, Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches you humility and the ability to face challenges. You can even learn a new skill while practicing it.
Besides helping people to lose weight, Brazilian jiu-jitsu helps people sleep. Studies show that people who practice this art have better sleep patterns.
It is also beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. In addition, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu will improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused. This martial art will also help you develop self-discipline.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu training tips
When it comes to Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, there are a few key things you can do to make the most of your time in the gym. One of the most important is drilling – making sure you drill the techniques you’ve been taught until they become second nature.
This will help you move faster and more fluidly on the mat, and give you the confidence to use them in live competition.
Another important element of BJJ training is sparring. Sparring allows you to apply your techniques against a resisting opponent and helps to build your endurance.
However, it’s important to remember that sparring is not a competition – it’s a training tool that should be used to improve your skills. Don’t try to win every sparring match; focus on learning and improving.
More Martial Arts Forms
There are many different types of martial arts. One thing is certain, there is one thing clear that some consider popular martial arts others will disagree with. Even though we mainly talk about 8 martial arts forms.
There are many martial arts from around the world that deserve a spot on this list.
Korean Martial Arts Forms

Korean martial arts are some of the most complex and diverse in the world. There are many different styles, all with their own techniques and tactics. The history of these arts is just as varied as the styles themselves.
Some believe that Korean martial arts date back to the very beginning of Korean history. It is said that these arts were developed in order to protect people from wild animals and bandits.
Others believe that Korean martial arts originated much later, during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD).
This is when Korea was divided into three separate kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Each kingdom had its own unique martial art style.
The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) is often considered to be the golden age of Korean martial arts.
Tae kwon do is a martial art that has its roots in Korea.
The name Tae Kwon Do literally means “the way of the foot and fist.” This martial art is a combination of techniques from various other styles, including karate and judo. Tae kwon do was developed in the 1940s by Choi Hong Hi.
Shaolin Martial Arts Forms
The Shaolin Monastery is a temple in Henan Province, China. The temple is the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu.
The first mention of the Shaolin Monastery is in a document from 495 AD. The monastery was destroyed by fire in 548 AD, but was rebuilt in 569 AD.
Shaolin Kung Fu is a martial art that originated at the Shaolin Temple. The style combines elements of boxing, wrestling, and grappling. Shaolin Kung Fu is known for its quick and powerful strikes.
Conclusion
Regardless if you want to train in self-defense or you are more interested in mixed martial arts and combat sports there is something for you.
I think the best style of fighting consists of a mix of techniques. If you happen to be involved in street fighting where the use of weapons is a common occurrence, you have to be prepared for what you aren’t going to be prepared for. So it’s better to have a couple of tricks up your sleeve if you ask me.
So if you are training for health benefits or you are training to protect your family train with an open mind and be prepared to learn.
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